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Olympia
Out of Stock
Cast Iron Oval Eared Dish | Serving Platter | 220x150mm | Olympia FW817
£16.98
/ exc vat
£20.38/ inc vat
Out of Stock, but not for long
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- Cast Iron Construction
- Oven-to-Table Service
- Induction Compatible
- Eared Handles
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Product Overview
Stepping up your food presentation is a brilliant way to get customers talking, and this is just the ticket. This Olympia cast iron oval eared dish is a proper bit of kit, designed to go straight from the oven to the customer's table. It brings a rustic, authentic charm to any dish, making everything from sizzling fajitas to a humble shepherd's pie feel like a special event. It’s tough, practical, and looks fantastic.
It’s a real workhorse, ideal for gastropubs, bustling bistros, steakhouses, and any restaurant wanting to add a touch of theatre to their service. The cast iron construction isn't just for show; it holds heat like a champion, keeping food piping hot from the pass to the last bite. Plus, being compatible with all hobs, including induction, means your chefs have total flexibility in the kitchen.
This isn't just another plate; it's a tool for creating memorable dining experiences. By combining rugged durability with fantastic presentation value, this cast iron oval serving platter helps your best dishes make an incredible first impression. It’s a simple upgrade that delivers a big impact, both visually and on the taste buds.
Key Features and Benefits
- Cast Iron Construction: Keeps your food sizzling hot from kitchen to table.
- Oven-to-Table Service: Cuts down on washing up and adds a dramatic flair.
- Induction Compatible: Works on any hob for complete kitchen versatility.
- Eared Handles: Makes it much safer and easier to carry when hot.
- Flat Cooking Surface: Gives a lovely, even sear and consistent finish to food.
- Highly Durable: Built to withstand the demands of a busy commercial kitchen.
- Rustic Aesthetic: Instantly elevates the look of traditional or hearty dishes.
- Generous 0.74Ltr Capacity: Perfect for serving individual main courses or sharable sides.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Olympia
- SKU: FW817
- Material: Cast Iron
- Dimensions: 30(H) x 220(W) x 150(D) mm
- Weight: 1.17kg
- Capacity: 0.74 Ltr
- Colour: Black
- Induction Compatible: Yes
- Dishwasher Safe: No
Expert Review and Insights
The Olympia FW817 dish is one of those pieces you see in a pub and immediately think, 'I wish my food came out on that'. It’s got a lovely, honest feel to it. The weight is reassuringly solid, and its ability to retain heat is superb for any dish you want to serve with a bit of sizzle. A fantastic, no-nonsense bit of kit for adding value to your menu.
Emily Hart – Tableware Expert View Profile →
- Best Feature: Incredible heat retention makes for a brilliant customer experience.
- Heads-Up: Requires hand-washing and seasoning to keep it in top condition.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Old Forge Bistro in Norwich was looking for a way to make their classic British dishes stand out on a competitive high street. They switched from standard ceramic plates to this Olympia cast iron oval eared dish for their most popular menu items, like their steak and ale pie.
"Our customers absolutely love them. The 'sizzle' as they arrive at the table gets heads turning every single time. They not only look the part, but they keep the food properly hot, which has massively cut down on complaints about food temperature on busy nights."
Robert Clarke – Owner & Head Chef
Since the switch, The Old Forge has seen social media mentions of their 'sizzling pies' increase and noted a sustained 15% uplift in orders for a dish served in the cast iron restaurant platter.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Season Before Use: Before its first outing, give the dish a good wash, dry it completely, then rub a thin layer of cooking oil all over and bake it for an hour. This creates a natural non-stick surface.
- Pre-heat Gently: For best results, pre-heat the dish with the food either in the oven or on the hob. Don't place a cold dish on a searingly hot surface.
- Use Protection: The handles get extremely hot! Always use heavy-duty oven gloves or cloths when handling.
- Pair with a Base: To avoid scorching your tables, always place the hot dish on a suitable wooden or heatproof base, like the recommended Olympia FW977.
Keeping It Going
- No Dishwashers, Ever: The harsh detergents and prolonged moisture will strip the seasoning and cause rust. This is strictly a hand-wash-only item.
- Wash & Dry Immediately: After use, wash with hot water and a stiff brush. Avoid soap if you can to protect the seasoning. Dry it thoroughly straight away – don't let it air dry.
- Keep it Oiled: After drying, wipe a very light layer of cooking oil inside and out to maintain the seasoned surface and prevent any rust.
- Store in a Dry Place: Pop it in a dry cupboard, ready for its next shift. A well-cared-for cast iron dish will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I really need to season this dish before I use it?
A: Yes, absolutely. Seasoning creates a protective, non-stick layer that makes cooking and cleaning easier, and it's crucial for preventing rust.
Q: Can I put this in the dishwasher?
A: No, never. Dishwashers will ruin the seasoning and cause the cast iron to rust. It must be washed by hand.
Q: Is this dish heavy?
A: It has a good heft to it, weighing 1.17kg. This is what helps it retain heat so well, but be mindful when carrying multiples.
Q: Can I use it on a standard electric or gas hob?
A: Yes, it’s incredibly versatile. It can be used on all cooking surfaces, including gas, electric, ceramic, and induction hobs, as well as in the oven.
Q: What is the purpose of the wooden base mentioned (FW977)?
A: The wooden base is sold separately and is designed to protect your tables from the intense heat of the cast iron dish, preventing burns and marks.
Q: Will the handles get hot?
A: Yes, the entire dish is made of cast iron, so the eared handles will get just as hot as the rest of it. Always use oven gloves.
Q: How do I stop it from rusting?
A: The key is to dry it thoroughly immediately after washing and then wipe it with a thin layer of cooking oil before storing it in a dry place.
Q: Can I use metal utensils on it?
A: Yes, once you have a good layer of seasoning built up, cast iron is tough enough to handle metal utensils without a problem.
The Olympia Promise: Durability Meets Presentation
When you choose Olympia, you're investing in more than just a piece of equipment; you're buying into a reputation for hard-wearing, practical, and reliable catering supplies. The Olympia FW817 dish is a perfect example of this philosophy. Beyond its impressive heat retention, it represents long-term value. With proper care, this dish won't just last for years; it will last for decades, shrugging off the knocks and scrapes of daily service. This isn't a disposable item. It's an asset that pays you back by enhancing the perceived value of your food, creating a memorable customer experience that justifies premium pricing and encourages repeat business. In a world of fleeting trends, the rugged, timeless appeal of a cast iron oval serving platter is a dependable choice that consistently delivers.
Explore more from OlympiaHow Oven-to-Table Service Boosts Your Business
Going 'oven-to-table' sounds simple, but it's a clever trick that pays off in a few ways. Think of it like a Formula 1 pit stop for your food. Instead of plating up a hot dish from a pan onto a cold plate (where it instantly starts losing heat), you're serving it in the very same vessel it was cooked in. This means the dish arrives at the table volcanically hot and audibly sizzling, creating a bit of theatre that gets other diners pointing and saying, 'I'll have what they're having!'. It also means one less pan for the kitchen porters to wash, which on a frantic Saturday night, is a gift from the heavens. It's a simple process change that enhances the food, engages the customer, and eases the pressure on your team.
Who Should Buy This?
- Gastropubs & Inns: Ideal for serving signature pies, sizzling sausages, or rustic skillet breakfasts with authentic charm.
- Tapas & Mexican Restaurants: The perfect commercial cast iron presentation dish for sizzling gambas al pil pil, fajitas or shared patatas bravas.
- Steakhouses & Grills: Excellent for presenting individual steaks or serving hearty sides like creamy spinach or mac 'n' cheese.
- Farm Shops & Cafés: A brilliant way to add a premium, rustic touch to daily specials or baked brunch dishes.
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