Tea Carts Key Terms

Understand popular tea cart materials and types

Tea carts, sometimes called tea trolleys or serving carts, have many uses in the food service business. They are ideal not just for serving tea, but also for serving coffee, pastries, snacks and small meals. They are perfect for lush tea rooms or casual garden rooms, and everything in between. They make serving your customers in an efficient manner easier, since you can keep common items, like sweeteners and tea bags, on a lower shelf. As you shop for tea carts for your business, however, it's possible you'll run across some terms you're not familiar with. Review these key terms to ensure you know what you are getting out of your tea cart purchase.

 

Stainless steel tea carts

Stainless steel tea carts, made from steel containing chromium, are sturdy and resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel is also one of the most hygienic surfaces, because it's easy to clean.
Try: KitchenSource.com shows pictures of and describes a traditional stainless steel tea cart. Click on the link to read about stainless steel's durability and popularity in commercial kitchens.

Aluminum tea cart

Aluminum tea carts, made from a silvery metal, are less expensive than stainless steel, but not as durable. They are more prone to scratches.
Try: Pure Contemporary describes a powder-coated aluminum tea cart.

Outdoor tea carts

Outdoor tea or serving carts, sometimes called patio carts, can withstand mild weather. Although often made of resin or wood, these carts can come in a variety of materials.
Try: Today's Pool and Patio offers pictures of outdoor tea carts.

Hospitality tea cart

Hospitality tea carts are for commercial use. Unlike an ordinary tea cart, hospitality carts can have power, so you can plug in hot water servers and coffee pots. They also frequently have built-in coolers.
Try: You can learn more about this style of tea cart by visiting School Outfitters, which describes a hospitality tea cart.

Leaves

A tea cart with leaves, sometimes called wings, is one that has at least one, and up to four, half circles on its sides that flip up to make the cart's surface larger when desired.
Try: Visit StudentMarket.com, which describes a traditional wood tea cart with leaves.

Teak

Teak is one of the most popular materials for making casual, outdoor tea carts. Teak is a hardwood with great durability.
Try: Visit PatioFurnatureUSA.com to see pictures and a description of a classic teak tea cart.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---