Oval Serving Dishes
Commercial oval serving dishes are the unsung heroes of UK restaurants, hotels and catering companies looking to present food with flair. These versatile platters, available in premium stainless steel, porcelain, and melamine options, help elevate your dishes from standard fare to stunning presentation. With sizes ranging from intimate 20cm dishes to grand 50cm statement platters, they're perfect for everything from fine dining establishments to bustling buffet setups. After 50 years kitting out professional kitchens, we've seen how these oval serving dishes pair brilliantly with presentation boards and serving utensils to create a cohesive dining experience that keeps customers coming back!
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Oval Vegetable Dish | 12' Undivided Serving Platter | Athena P180
0.284 KGout of stock
45H x 300W x 208D mm
Olympia
Material: Stainless Steel
£5.99 £11.91
Commercial Oval Serving Dishes for Restaurants & Catering
Brands Trusted by Industry Professionals
Key Features and Benefits
- Premium Materials Stainless steel, porcelain or melamine options—built to withstand daily use.
- Versatile Serving Perfect for mains, sides, or sharing plates—menu flexibility in one.
- Ergonomic Design Easy-grip edges for secure carrying during busy service.
- Temperature Retention Keeps hot dishes warmer and cold dishes chilled for longer.
- Stackable Storage Saves valuable kitchen space—practical for tight areas.
- Easy Cleaning Dishwasher safe options available—saves staff time.
- Multiple Size Options From intimate 20cm to grand 50cm platters—suits all needs.
- Professional Aesthetics Elevates presentation for impressive dining experiences.
Essential Buying Considerations
Material Selection
- Choose stainless steel for durability in high-volume kitchens.
- Opt for porcelain when presentation is paramount—elegant look.
- Consider melamine for outdoor service—virtually unbreakable.
Size and Usage
- Select 30-35cm dishes for standard mains—versatile workhorses.
- Large 40-50cm platters work brilliantly for sharing or buffets.
- Consider presentation boards for complementary service style.
How Commercial Oval Serving Dishes Work
The beauty of oval serving dishes lies in their thoughtful design. Their elongated shape creates a larger surface area than round plates, giving chefs more canvas for artistic food presentation while taking up less table space. The curved edges naturally guide the eye to the centrepiece of your dish. Most commercial-grade options feature raised rims that prevent sauces or juices from spilling during service, while the flat bases ensure stability when carried. Whether you're serving a carefully arranged seafood platter or a family-style sharing dish, these versatile servers effortlessly transition from kitchen to table—making service smoother during even the busiest rushes.
Trusted Insights from Emily Hart
Hospitality Tableware Consultant
8 years experience
"Oval serving dishes are a game-changer for presentation – they give your mains and sides that extra bit of flair without crowding the table. Go for durable, chip-resistant options that can handle the heat of service and still look fab on display."
Safety Guidelines
- Temperature Check Test plate heat before service—prevents burns.
- Inspect Edges Check for chips or cracks—avoids contamination.
- Weight Distribution Balance food evenly—prevents tipping.
- Proper Handling Use dry cloths for hot dishes—stops slips.
- Careful Stacking Don't overstack—prevents damage and falls.
- Thorough Cleaning Sanitize after each service—maintains hygiene.
Top Tips for Using Commercial Oval Serving Dishes
For maximum impact, embrace the 'negative space' principle—don't overcrowd your oval platters. The elongated shape works brilliantly for composed dishes where elements are arranged in a line or curve. Pre-heat porcelain dishes in warming drawers before plating hot food to maintain temperature, and chill stainless steel platters in the fridge for cold seafood presentations. Pair with complementary garnish tools and sauce boats for a cohesive service style that enhances the dining experience.
Benefits of Using Commercial Oval Serving Dishes
- Enhanced Presentation Elevates simple dishes into visual stunners—customers eat with their eyes first.
- Service Efficiency Carries multiple portions at once—streamlines busy periods.
- Return on Investment Quality dishes last for years—excellent value over time.
Did You Know?
- History Oval platters date back to ancient Roman feasting traditions.
- Durability Quality stainless steel platters often last 10+ years in commercial settings.
- Psychology Studies show food presentation can increase perceived value by up to 30%.
- Trend Large sharing platters have seen a 45% rise in UK restaurants since 2018.
Expert Insights on Commercial Oval Serving Dishes
Having equipped thousands of restaurants over five decades, we've seen oval dishes transform dining presentations. 'They're the secret weapon in a chef's presentation arsenal,' notes Emma, our tableware specialist. 'The elongated shape creates a natural frame that makes even simple dishes look more refined and intentional.'
- Pros: Elegant presentation, space-efficient, versatile across menus.
- Cons: Larger sizes need proper storage space—plan shelving accordingly.
Who Needs Commercial Oval Serving Dishes?
- Restaurants Essential for elevated plating in fine dining and casual settings alike.
- Hotels Perfect for room service and banquet presentations that impress guests.
- Catering Companies Versatile for events from corporate lunches to wedding buffets.
- Gastropubs Adds a touch of refinement to hearty, sharing-style food.
Real-World Success with Commercial Oval Serving Dishes
The Riverside Bistro in Bath transformed their dining experience by switching to premium oval serving dishes throughout their restaurant. Before, they were using standard round plates that limited presentation options. 'Our signature seafood platters just didn't have the same impact,' explains head chef Mark. After introducing various sized oval dishes, paired with wooden boards and serving utensils, they saw immediate results. 'Customer photos on social media increased by 40%, and our sharing plates became our most ordered menu category—all from a simple tableware upgrade!'
FAQs
- What size oval serving dishes are best for main courses? 30-35cm dishes work perfectly for individual mains with accompaniments.
- Are commercial oval platters dishwasher safe? Most stainless steel and melamine options are—porcelain varies by manufacturer.
- How many oval platters do restaurants typically need? For a 50-seat restaurant, 60-75 dishes ensures sufficient rotation during service.
- Can oval dishes go in the oven? Porcelain and some stainless steel versions can—check temperature ratings first.
- What's the difference between commercial and domestic platters? Commercial versions have stronger materials, chip-resistant edges, and stackable designs.
- How do you store oval serving dishes efficiently? Vertical plate racks or specialized shelving prevents chipping and saves space.
Looking for Equipment by Business Type?
Not sure where to start? Whether you're running a bustling café, opening a pizzeria, or managing a school canteen, we've made it easy to shop by business type. Explore handpicked equipment bundles and essentials tailored to your industry—saving you time and making sure you get exactly what you need.
Other Categories You Might Find Useful
We’ve selected some closely related categories that might be essential for your setup. Whether you’re expanding your kitchen or just making sure you’ve got everything covered, these links will help you explore more equipment that fits your needs.
What our Customers Say
'These platters transformed our sharing menu—customers actually applaud when they arrive!'
J James Head Chef, The Orchard, Bristol'Brilliant quality, still looking sharp after two years of daily service.'
L Lucy Events Manager, Highland Catering, Edinburgh
Why Choose EasyEquipment for Commercial Oval Serving Dishes?
- Trusted Supplier 50 years providing quality tableware—we know what lasts.
- Fast Delivery UK-wide shipping—get your order when you need it.
- Best Price Promise Found it cheaper? We'll match it—simple as that.
- Expert Advice Call us—our team has equipped thousands of kitchens.
Ready to Explore Commercial Oval Serving Dishes?
Browse our comprehensive range of commercial oval serving dishes with free UK delivery available. From stainless steel workhorses to elegant porcelain showstoppers, find the perfect platters to elevate your food presentation!
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