Tableware Dispensers: More Important Than You Might Think

If you’ve ever partaken in a catering or buffet operation, you may already be familiar with tableware dispensers. However, tableware dispensers are more complex than you might think. In this article, we’ll take a look at tableware dispensers & break down their importance in today’s dining services.

Main Features & Advantages

By definition, an IMC tableware dispenser stores, organizes & aids in the distribution of tableware (mainly dishes). They can prevent broken dishes & help your food service operation run more efficiently & safely.

IMC tableware dispensers are not limited to only flat dishes. Bowls can also be used in tableware dispensers, depending on your business.

IMC tableware dispensers consist of a spring rack with removable springs fitted with a top platform & dish guides to align the dishes.

Mobility is the defining feature of any IMC tableware dispenser. In a high volume, high turnover environment, transporting dinnerware around your facility is essential. This is why tableware dispensers come equipped with casters for easy maneuverability. While some dispensers are made of plastic, IMC tableware dispensers are made of stainless steel, which is durable & attractive. 

Heated vs. Unheated

As simple as a tableware dispenser sounds, there can be major differences between products. They can either be heated or unheated. Let’s break down the characteristics of each:

Heated

• Offering heated dishes helps ensure that your patrons’ food stays hot longer. It is the ideal choice to keep your food hot between the plating area & the dining room.
• You’ll also decrease the amount of thermal shock your wares go through when they carry hot foods. 
• Heated dispensers will require a power source, usually a simple plug & cord, so positioning yours near a power outlet is mandatory.

Unheated

• If keeping your foods cold or at room temperature is more suitable, many dispensers come without heated thermostats. This is ideal for small desserts, cereals & salads. 
• They’re free of electrical cords & don’t need to be placed near an outlet. This means you can use them in the center of your serving area or in outdoor locations.
• With no mechanical components or wiring, maintenance is kept to a minimum. This means less disruption & more usage time.

Which One is Right For You?

To be blunt, heated tableware dispensers are the most common type of dispenser, but unheated tableware dispensers are just as essential. It’s important to consider the nature of your business & select the optimal type to accommodate your food selection. If you’re serving mainly warm foods, invest in more heated dispensers. If food warmth is not an issue, consider more unheated dispensers.

Another consideration is guest capacity. Select a dispenser with two or more cylinders to suit the volume of guests you’re expecting. No one wants to constantly refill a dispenser every 5 minutes. A good rule of thumb is to overestimate on patron capacity, just in case.

At IMC/Teddy, we offer heated (Model #PDH) & unheated (Model #PDU) free standing, enclosed tableware dispensers for your food service operation needs. Each dispenser holds 50-75 dishes (6³/₄” & 9″)/bowls (5⁵/₈“). All models come standard with casters & corner bumpers to protect against impacts. For a comprehensive look at all IMC dispensers, click here.

*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of IMC/Teddy. Our content is intended to be used and must be used for informational purposes only. Please contact IMC/Teddy directly if you would like to feature this post on your webpage. Thank you.