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Types of Disposable Flatware

Last updated on May 13, 2024

Whether you manage a catering business, restaurant, or concession stand, disposable flatware is an essential product to have on hand. It provides a cost-effective utensil and facilitates easy cleanup in your workplace. There are several different varieties of disposable flatware, ranging from plastic utensils to eco-friendly alternatives. Continue reading to learn about the different types of flatware materials, flatware weights, and specialty utensils to help you find the best solution for your establishment.

Disposable Utensils

In general, there are five different types of disposable flatware to choose from. Each is made from a different material, giving them distinct characteristics and advantages. We'll introduce each disposable utensil material below:

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1. Plastic Utensils

Plastic utensils are one of the least expensive disposable flatware options. These lightweight utensils are easy to store, allowing you to keep your workplace organized. They are particularly useful for takeout or delivery services as well as concession stands, grab-and-go stations, and casual restaurants.

  • Are plastic utensils eco-friendly? No
  • Can plastic utensils be used with hot foods? Yes
  • Can plastic utensils be used with heavy foods? Yes
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2. PLA Utensils

PLA plastic utensils offer many of the same benefits as traditional plastic utensils. They are made from PLA plastic, a type of plastic that is derived from renewable sources. PLA plastics similar durability to traditional plastics while allowing your business to embrace sustainability. It’s important to note that PLA plastic utensils are typically more expensive than their traditional counterparts.

  • Are PLA plastic utensils eco-friendly? Yes
  • Can PLA plastic utensils be used with hot foods? No
  • Can PLA plastic utensils be used with heavy foods? No
Restaurant Equipment

3. Disposable Wooden Utensils

Disposable wooden utensils offer an alternative to traditional plastic utensils. They require fewer resources and create fewer byproducts during production. These utensils are also compostable and produce less waste. One key advantage of using disposable wooden utensils is their design. Wooden utensils appear more elegant than other disposable utensils and lend themselves to upscale dining experiences.

  • Are disposable wooden utensils eco-friendly? Yes
  • Can disposable wooden utensils be used with hot foods? Yes
  • Can disposable wooden utensils be used with heavy foods? No
Restaurant Equipment

4. Disposable Bamboo Utensils

Disposable bamboo utensils feature a lightweight design that doesn't sacrifice durability. Thanks to its rapid growth rate, bamboo is recognized as one of the most renewable materials on the planet. Because of this, bamboo utensils represent a sustainable option for your restaurant. Similar to wooden utensils, bamboo utensils feature an attractive design compared to other types of disposable flatware.

  • Are disposable bamboo utensils eco-friendly? Yes
  • Can disposable bamboo utensils be used with hot foods? Yes
  • Can disposable bamboo utensils be used with heavy foods? No
Restaurant Equipment

5. Eco-Friendly Disposable Utensils

Eco-friendly disposable utensils can be made from several different materials including sugarcane, corn starch, and plant starch. These utensils are usually recyclable and require significantly less energy to produce. It's important to note that plant starch utensils and cornstarch utensils offer increased durability, while sugarcane utensils do not.

  • Can eco-friendly disposable utensils be used with hot foods? No
  • Can eco-friendly disposable utensils be used with heavy foods? Plant starch and cornstarch utensils can be used with heavy foods, but sugarcane utensils cannot.

Specialty Flatware

Beyond traditional forks, knives, and spoons, there are many unique types of disposable utensils to choose from. Below we'll introduce some of the most common types and how they can be used in your workplace:

Restaurant Equipment

Individually Wrapped Utensils

Individually wrapped utensils are ideal for takeout, delivery, and drive-thru services. Because they come wrapped in plastic, these utensils are protected from dirt, germs, and other potential hazards, helping to ensure the health of your customers. Most individually wrapped utensils come in a set that includes a fork, knife, spoon, and napkin, though you can also purchase each type of utensil independently.

Benefits of Individually Wrapped Utensils

  • Reduced risk of contamination
  • Convenient packaging
  • Perfect for customers on the go
  • Easy to organize
Restaurant Equipment

Disposable Serving Utensils

Disposable serving utensils are perfect for use at catered events, in hospitals, and in school cafeterias. They come in the form of tongs, serving spoons, pie cutters, and more, ensuring that you find the utensil that best fits your serving needs. You can also purchase disposable serving utensils in different colors, making it easy to choose the utensil that matches your preferences.

Disposable Serving Utensil Benefits

  • Suitable for large-scale operations
  • Facilitates easy cleanup
  • Durable
  • Conveniently designed
Restaurant Equipment

Mini Plastic Cutlery

Whether you’re serving hors d'oeuvres at a wedding, preparing a tasting menu, or offering free samples, mini plastic cutlery makes it easy to create eye-catching displays. Choose from several types of miniature utensils including forks, spoons, and knives to create intricate displays and improve your guest's experience. These utensils are available in many colors, weights, and materials, giving you flexibility as you plan your event.

Mini Plastic Cutlery Benefits

  • Perfect for smaller portions of food
  • Easy to organize and store
  • Creates unique food presentations
  • Versatile

Disposable Flatware Weight

In general, disposable flatware is available in two different weights: medium weight and heavy weight. The weight you choose can affect the durability, efficiency, and feeling of your disposable flatware.

  • Medium weight: These types of disposable flatware are typically smaller in size. Because of their light design, they are prone to bending and breaking. They provide a cost-effective option that is ideal for everyday service. Medium weight disposable flatware should be used for lighter meals like salads or desserts.
  • Heavy weight: These types of disposable flatware are larger and sturdier than their counterparts. Their dense handle resists bending and snapping, creating a more dependable utensil. Though it is more expensive, heavy weight disposable flatware provides an elevated sense of quality and value and can be used for heavier meals like meat or pasta.
Flatware
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