I.               Durability

Durability is the main quality of professional dinnerware. It should be resistant to static voltage and significant temperature differences (from -20 C to + 100 C) to be placed in dishwashers and microwaves. As a rule, dishwashers are the main problem for household glass or porcelain having no specially strengthened edged or walls. The materials of which professional dinnerware is made should be shockproof, resistant to damage, and their edges and walls should have special thickenings protecting them from cracks and chips and conserving heat.

II.            Space saving

Storage space saving is not an important aspect for household dinnerware; however, as far as the professional dinnerware is concerned this quality (also called piling or stackable) is essential. The canteen plates should be easily stackable forming compact piles, so that they could be easily placed in the kitchens of small cafes, bars and restaurants, and the waiters could freely carry lots of such plates on trays.

III.          Multi-functionality

Multi-functionality or interchangeability is one more key quality of professional dinnerware. Since even the most durable dinnerware has its service life it is very convenient when the dinnerware items are interchangeable: the jar or sauce boat caps become salad bowls or portion sauce boats, and the plates are used as salad bowl caps.

The conventionally cheap aluminium for the on-stove dinnerware and glass sets is replaced by many new materials. The modern materials used for professional dinnerware include:

 1.             Steel

As a rule, the on-stove dinnerware is made of a chrome and nickel stainless steel with a “sandwich” bottom, and of the multi-layer stainless steel. This alloy is the most corrosion- resistant and allows of washing the dinnerware in dishwashers with special cleaning substances. Stainless steel (18% of chrome and 10% of nickel) is also used to produce the best quality tableware.
A most important invention in the professional dinnerware sector is trylam, a heavy corrosion-resistant alloy of three metal layers with magnetic steel inside (monolithic dinnerware). This dinnerware has the advantage of being highly heat resistant and better quality cooking.

2.             Polycarbonate

Small kitchenware items (bowls, skimmers, dishes, food containers for storing and carrying food, paddles,  spoons and tongs) are usually made of polycarbonate, an efficient material not subject to combustion or deformation, which may withstand temperatures from – 40^o C to + 100^o C (i.e. is good both for the fridge and dishwasher), is light, highly durable and does not take up smells.

3.             Glass

Professional glass dinnerware is gaining popularity among restaurant owners at different levels due to its elegance and high design capabilities. Besides vases and carafes, glass (including color glass) is used to make plates, section dishes, glasses, stands and even trays. The quality and durability of goblets depend on the number of their component parts. A goblet may be blown from undivided glass or comprise 2-3 parts. Low quality glass will eventually lose its qualities, will turn yellowish and dim. Like for professional dinnerware, the glass selection criteria are durability and heat-resistance. End-surface dressing followed by polishing contributes to durability of glasses and goblets. The main difficulties arising out of using glass sets and accessories lie in the low percentage of durable glass and the necessity to conduct special dinnerware handling trainings for personnel. Attention should be paid to the “to wash in dishwashers” marks on glass items. The dinnerware made of molded milk glass is the best choice for inexpensive public catering facilities. Kettles, coffee pots, cups, saucers and glasses are often made of special refractory glass. According to the experts’ unanimous opinion, professional glass dinnerware has just started to gain its proper market share.

4.             Crystal

Crystal is a glass type having high content of lead (up to 30% with best brands), it may produce musical sounds, and its diamond facets create lights. Modern professional dinnerware includes crystal with titanium additions: it is resistant to temperature differences, gains durability and is subject to dishwashers (unlike crystal decorated with golden notches).

5.             Semicrystal

This material generally has smaller lead content. It is cheaper and lighter than crystal, but it can also make sounds and shine, though not so much as genuine crystal. Semicrystal may be used for public catering facilities for medium-class customers.

6.             Porcelain

Professional porcelain is produced under to special technologies and, therefore, is widely used in restaurants. Such a dinnerware is resistant to cracks, scratches and chips, is highly durable, hard and has clean surface. Professional porcelain dinnerware decorations it coated with enamel, so it may be washed in dishwashers with cleaning substances (including abrasive agents).

7.             Glassceramics

This material stands close to porcelain, has been created especially for professional dinnerware and is alternatively called the restaurant porcelain.