Restaurant Tableware Key Terms

Learn the basics when it comes to restaurant tableware

Restaurant tableware refers to dinnerware, flatware and serving dishes. It is virtually anything placed on the table, so knowing different terms associated with each is important in the overall understanding of tableware for your business. Dinnerware and flatware come in many shapes, sizes and designs, but they are also made from many different materials. Some are designed for beauty and elegance while others are designed for durability and endurance. Learning the types of materials and designs can help you choose the right tableware for your restaurant or kitchenwares business.

 

Vitrified

Vitrified china is dinnerware that has been fired at a higher temperature, making it less porous. A vitrified piece of dinnerware will not absorb moisture, and thus prevents expanding and contracting. A vitrified piece of china will not crack due to change in temperature and liquid absorbency.
Try: J. Richards and Company explains vitrified china. The company also gives other good restaurant tips.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is another important material to look for in dinnerware. The mix of polyester and carbon plastics forms a virtually unbreakable dinnerware.
Try: The Restaurant Source explains polycarbonate dinnerware. It also sells many different pieces made of stain-resistant polycarbonate material.

Tempered or toughened glass

When it comes to glass dinnerware, serving dishes or drinking glasses, knowing the difference between tempered, or toughened glass, and non-tempered is important. Toughened glass has been reheated, and then cooled down quickly, which causes a tougher glass but also makes it less dangerous if accidentally broken. The toughened glass, also called tempered glass, is break-resistant, but if it does break, it will crack into much smaller pieces.
Try: Read the definition of tempered, or toughened, glass at Arcoroc Professional.

Stamped or forged knives

Forged knives are made by pouring hot steel into a knife mold. The mold is then smoothed down and the blade is ground to a sharp point. A stamped knife is cut from a metal sheet using a stamp, and then ground to get rid of rough edges. A stamped knife is usually less bulky than a forged knife, but it is also less durable.
Try: Read the stamped and forged knives definition and other flatware and dinnerware definitions in the Oneida glossary.

Beverage spoon

The beverage spoon, also referred to as an iced-tea spoon, is a teaspoon or smaller-size spoon with a longer handle used for stirring drinks in tall glasses.
Try: DinnerPlates defines the beverage spoon and other flatware items used in restaurants.

Holloware

Holloware is defined as any piece of service ware used to hold something. Examples include tea pots, candy dishes, service trays, platters and even ashtrays.
Try: Read the definition of "holloware" and see many examples of the tableware at Imperial Half Bushel.

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