Flat plates
Flat plates are the backbone of any professional service setup. It's the plate the food lands on, the guest sees first, and the waiter carries back and forth all day. It makes demands. Not for fancy design alone, but for durability, stackability, and a surface that stays nice after hundreds of machine washes. We've been bringing flat plates to professional kitchens since 1994, and we know what works and what doesn't.
Our range includes a large number of models in porcelain, stoneware and vitrified porcelain. From simple white plates for canteen use, to more rustic and organic glazes for modern cafes and restaurants. The sizes range from the smaller dessert plates of around 19 cm and up to the large plate presentations of 32 cm and above. There is a lot to choose from, and we are happy to help you find what suits your kitchen and your concept.
Whether you run a busy cafeteria, a hotel with a breakfast buffet, a nursing home, or a restaurant with changing menus, the flat plate is a piece of equipment you will use thousands of times. It is an investment worth taking seriously.
Materials: Porcelain, stoneware or vitrified porcelain?
That's the first question most people ask. And the answer depends on what you're using the plates for and what atmosphere you want to create. Classic white porcelain is the most common choice. It's smooth, easy to clean, doesn't take on food color, and looks professional in almost any setting. It's the standard choice in canteens, hotels, and classic restaurants.
Stoneware has a more rustic and organic look. It is denser and heavier than regular porcelain and is widely used in cafes and casual dining restaurants, where a warm and informal look fits the concept. The glaze is often matte or semi-gloss, and the colors tend towards earth tones, grays and darker shades. Vitrified porcelain is the hardest type. It is reinforced porcelain with extra high breaking strength and very low water absorption. It can withstand more and keeps the glaze intact longer than standard porcelain. If you are in an environment with intensive use and fast turnover, this is the type we most often recommend. Also see our selection of deep plates, which are produced in the same materials and can be matched to your set.
Size and shape: What suits your menu concept?
Which size is right for your kitchen and your serving concept? It's a practical question with a concrete answer. A plate for a starter or dessert is typically 19-22 cm. For main courses, 26-28 cm is the most common size in professional kitchens, and 24 cm is a classic that works really well for medium-sized portions. It's not too small and not too big.
For fine dining and more creative dishes, many choose 28-32 cm to give the chef space to work with presentation and air on the plate. In buffet settings, slightly larger flat plates are often used, as guests serve their own portions. The shape is in most cases round, but oval and square variants are used for special dishes and tapas concepts. Think about what you are actually serving, and choose a size that gives the food space to look good.
Brands and quality levels we carry
We import from European factories ourselves and have done so for many years. This gives us intimate knowledge of what is produced, what works and what doesn't. We don't carry all brands, but the ones we carry are thoroughly tested in professional kitchens. It's not necessarily the cheapest on the market, but it's what gives the best economy over time. A plate that cracks the edge glaze after two months is not cheap, regardless of the purchase price.
We offer white, neutral models that fit anywhere, and we carry brands with more design-oriented ranges for kitchens that want a specific look. Our salespeople are not on commission, so you get an honest recommendation based on your needs, not on what gives the best margin. If you want to compare your choice of flat plates with other tableware, you can see our full range of plates and service for a complete overview.
Stackability and dishwashing in commercial kitchens
A flat plate that cannot be stacked stably is a thorn in the side of any busy kitchen. Plates tip over, shatter each other and cause unnecessary damage. The models we carry are designed with smooth undersides and edges that provide stable stacking in shelves, warming cabinets and dishwashers. It sounds like a detail, but it is noticeable in everyday life.
Compatibility with industrial dishwashers is a requirement, not a bonus. Professional dishwashers operate at high temperatures and with strong chemicals. The plates must withstand this time and time again without losing the shine, color or density of the glaze. Vitrified porcelain does this best, but good porcelain generally holds up well. Always check whether the plates are specified for industrial washing before you buy. We clearly note this on the products.
Cleaning and hygiene in everyday life
A smooth, non-porous glaze is worth its weight in gold in a professional kitchen. It doesn't absorb grease, food coloring, or odors. It's easy to rinse off and can withstand the kind of washing that's needed when things are going well. Stoneware has a slightly more open surface than porcelain, but a good glaze on stoneware is still easy to maintain.
Keep an eye on your plates regularly. Peeling glaze or cracks are not just an aesthetic problem. They are a hygiene risk that belongs in your self-control program. Plates with visible damage should be taken out of rotation and replaced. It is about food safety, not being unnecessarily careful. If you want to complement your service set with matching dishware, you can see our range of bowls that fits many of the same series.
Who uses flat plates from us?
Our customers are diverse. Restaurants account for a large portion of our flatware sales, but we also supply just as much to canteens, hotels, nursing homes, hospitals and catering companies. The needs are different, but the pattern is the same: you need something that lasts, looks good and fits into the existing serving system.
In the canteen, it's all about robustness and standardization. Plates must fit the trays, stack quickly and survive the daily handling of many users. In a fine-dining restaurant, it's all about presentation and a form of personality in the table setting. In a nursing home or hospital, manageability and hygiene are in focus, and lighter colors and clear contrast against the food are often chosen, as this makes it easier for residents and patients to orient themselves. Regardless of the segment, we have models that fit.
Legal requirements and food safety
Ceramic plates for professional use must meet EU requirements for materials in contact with food. This primarily means that the glaze and material must not release harmful substances into the food. We only carry products from manufacturers that meet these requirements, and we can provide documentation if needed.
In particular, the migration of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium is regulated. This is not something you normally need to worry about when you buy from serious suppliers, but it is relevant to know that it is a requirement and not just good practice. Also make sure to integrate your service into the self-control program. Check regularly for damage and make sure that dishwashing is done correctly. Thermal disinfection requires that the plates can withstand the necessary temperatures, and the models we carry do this. You may also want to read about our other bestik which has also been tested for professional use and meets the same requirements for food contact.
Finance and leasing of services
A full service setup for a professional kitchen can quickly add up. Plates wear out, they break, and the concept changes. It is not unusual to replace parts of the service selection every few years. That is why it makes sense to think before buying the cheapest possible. A durable plate that costs a little more but lasts twice as long is always the better investment.
We also offer long-term rentals as an alternative to purchasing. This provides flexibility, especially if you are starting out, need to equip a new location, or want to test a new tableware concept before committing. Contact us and find out what makes sense in your situation. We are used to making individual agreements and will find a solution that fits your budget and needs.
That is why you should shop at Cateringinventar.dk
We are a family-owned company with roots in Ikast since 1994. We know professional kitchen equipment from the ground up and have built our range over many years with a focus on what actually works in professional environments. Our salespeople don't sit around looking at commission. They give you the advice that suits your kitchen, and nothing else.
We have a large stock, and we import directly from European manufacturers ourselves. This gives short delivery times for most of the range and good prices because we cut out the middleman. Our goal is not to sell you the cheapest possible, but to sell you what is best for the price and will last in the long run. If you have questions about flat plates or would like to put together a complete service set, we are ready to help. Also take a look at our range of pasta and pizza plates if you need special formats for your menu concept.