Looking to transform your tablescapes at weddings, birthday parties, galas, and other special events? Or maybe you need a portable and chic addition to buffet tables for your catering services? Whatever the case may be, display stands add the perfect touch to table settings at any special occasion. When deciding which display stand is best for your business, there are several buying points to consider. Food display stands often come in a variety of styles, such as singular, tiered, or multiple-compartment risers. Displays stands are also made from a range of high-quality materials. Although most food display stands are designed for long-lasting use at your catered events, weddings, and more, there are key differences between them. This buying guide provides helpful information to simplify the process of finding a display stand that works best for your establishment’s needs. Why Display Stands Work For Your Events If you’re running a restaurant or catering business, finding ways to make your clients’ events unique is an important task when putting together their celebration. Display stands can instantly take traditional buffet tables and food stations to a whole new level. Depending on the display stand used, the added height, dimension, or texture to a standard tablescape will instantly upgrade the look of your food presentations and impress guests. Display stands offer a multitude of benefits in terms of serving guests at celebrations. Guests can easily reach for hors d'oeuvres on a self-serve display stand which eliminates the time spent waiting for guests to enjoy their foods. Display stands also offer a large amount of room to create interesting dessert or snack presentations at tables. Using display stands made with the same material as other objects found at the venue also gives a cohesive feel to the design of your catered event. Food Displays For Catering Food displays at catered events play a huge role in the overall success of a catered celebration. Display stands can act as centerpieces or self-serve stations, depending on the way they are placed throughout the venue. Have a conversation with your clients on what they’re looking for in a food presentation, so you can find a display stand that fits their needs. For more casual events, setting up self-serve stations encourages mingling amongst guests and doesn't require having several waiters throughout the venue. This could appeal to your clients looking for a subtle celebration, focused on spending time with their guests. Look for display stands that make foods easy to reach and offer stability when serving. For formal events, using a unique display stand as the focal point or centerpiece of a buffet table adds a wow factor to any event. Consider offering clients looking to host a wedding or gala a tiered or multi-level display stand for their cocktail hour. Look for a larger than life display stand that can hold a large amount of food and adds height to tablescapes. Guests will love the unique way their meals are being displayed and it helps contribute to making the overall celebration even more memorable. What Are The Different Kinds Of Display Stands? When browsing through display stands, there is a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Consider the kind of table settings you use the most in your catering business or restaurant. Depending on your design needs, a display stand can add depth, dimension, and space to your food presentations. Below is a breakdown of the different types of display stands and their features. Serving Stands Serving stands are the most traditional kind of display stands and are made up of a singular, flat surface that's attached to the base. Depending on the exact measurements, the surface of these display stands provides ample space for plating all kinds of passed appetizers or dessert canapes. Serving display stands can be placed on buffet tables or food stations to create classic food arrangements. Most serving display stands are lightweight and easy to set up and transport. To add depth to table settings at special occasions, consider placing tall serving stands as well as smaller displays throughout table settings. Tiered Display Stands Bring food arrangements to new heights by using a tiered display stand. Available in multiple sizes and levels, tiered display stands allow you to get creative in the ways you present foods at catered events. Tiered display stands are made from multiple connected levels that can be stacked on top of each other to create height for food presentations. Tiered serving stands typically provide the most room for your culinary creations. Tiered display stands are often designed with 2 to 5 levels, but serving stands with 6 to 10 levels can create show-stopping displays that are ideal for large gatherings. Multi-Level Display Stands Multi-level display stands are great for bringing dimension and depth to tablescapes on special occasions. They are made up of several individual levels of different sizes that can fit inside of each other or be placed alongside one another. These kinds of display stands provide the most versatile arrangements and functionality. Similar to tiered display stands, stands with multiple levels can add height to your table settings. Display stands with multiple levels are perfect for arranging dishes throughout your buffet table without overcrowding your tablescape, as they have a compact design. What Kind Of Material Should I Choose? Although you might have settled on the design of your display stand, there are a variety of choices when it comes to its material. Depending on the color palette, structure, and functionality of your tablescape, consider choosing a material that can undergo frequent use while complementing your table settings. Acrylic If you’re looking to create a minimalist yet enchanting appetizer arrangement, choose an acrylic display stand. The clear finish of these display stands makes your food presentation the focal point of any tablescape. Acrylic display stands resist against cracks or breaks to stay intact for frequent use. To protect its transparent surface, acrylic buffet stands are scratch-resistant and durable. Tiered acrylic display stands often give the illusion of floating levels in your food arrangements. Great for quickly setting up tables at catered events, acrylic display stands are lightweight and easy to transport from venue to venue. Wood Wooden display stands are ideal for complementing rustic and natural tablescapes. Excellent for plating all kinds of appetizers and desserts, wood display stands are incredibly durable and built for everyday use. A wood display stand is the perfect addition to your catering services, as the natural surface of these display stands can be easily wiped down between uses. Featuring premium varnished finishes, wood buffet stands are made to show off their unique graining and natural tones. Ideal for protecting their chic appearance, wood buffet stands are typically made to be stain-resistant and scratch-resistant. Wooden display stands are most commonly made from these kinds of heavy-duty woods: Bamboo Birchwood Acacia wood Mango wood Stainless Steel Stainless steel display stands offer a scratch- and dent-resistant construction that guarantees their high-quality appearance is showcased at any celebration. To protect against tough stains and rusting in between uses, stainless steel display stands are highly corrosion-resistant to keep their surfaces looking spotless. Stainless steel display stands have a high-shine reflectivity that can easily elevate any table setting for a larger-than-life look. Although these steel buffet stands aren’t as lightweight as other acrylic or wood options, they are still portable for on-the-go events. Which Display Stand Works Best For You? When choosing display stands for your business, keep in mind that you want a display stand that is versatile, and fits your needs. Serving guests hors d’oeuvres at celebrations would benefit greatly from a serving stand that is easily portable and lightweight, so it can be set down at tables or carried through an event. For buffet tables at catered events, tiered or multi-level display stands provide a large amount of room for foods and dimensionality can instantly upgrade a standard tablescape. Consider the construction, height, and design of your display stand. Materials like stainless steel or wood can withstand heavy-duty use for years to come but might be not practical in terms of design and aesthetics. Display stands with multiple compartments or disconnected pieces are much more difficult to set up than a traditional serving stand, but offer much more dimensionality. No matter which serving stand you decide to purchase, one thing is certain: display stands are the ideal and easy solution for elevating food arrangements. While a traditional table spread of appetizers and desserts is always a crowd-pleaser amongst guests, incorporating display stands into your table settings is a great way to impress them.

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There has always been a lot of controversy as to whether plastic or wooden cutting boards are better. For most of history, cutting boards have been made out of wood but since wood is porous and can absorb bacteria, many switched to plastic boards for food preparation because they are easier to sanitize. However, cutting on a plastic board can result in grooves that harbor bacteria. Because there is no clear answer as to whether one is better than the other, read our cutting board buying guide to help you determine which cutting board works best for your kitchen. Which Cutting Board Is More Sanitary? There is not one type of cutting board that is more sanitary than the rest. Many studies have been conducted to see which type of cutting board is more sanitary but all have garnered different results. As long as you use different cutting boards for different types of food and practice proper washing and drying techniques, you’ll be able to avoid cross-contamination and keep surfaces sanitary. Which Cutting Board Is Best For Meat? In general, plastic cutting boards are better for meat because they are non-porous and can endure the hot temperatures of a dishwasher, making them easier to sanitize. Some plastic cutting boards will even have antibacterial surfaces and grooves to prevent bacterial growth in the grooves and for collecting juices. These extra features in a plastic cutting board can greatly help in keeping your food and equipment safe from bacteria. What Cutting Boards Do Chefs Use? Chefs have the freedom of picking any type of cutting board they prefer as long as they follow the FDA guidelines on food safety and sanitation. However, when looking for a cutting board, chefs prefer cutting boards that are easy to clean, long-lasting, and won’t damage their knives. They also have the option of choosing a cutting board that has been certified by the National Science Foundation (NSF). These types of cutting boards are certified based on their safety standards, quality, nontoxicity, and must comply with FDA guidelines and requirements. Cutting Board Materials Plastic As previously mentioned, plastic cutting boards are easier to sanitize and most are dishwasher-safe. This is why plastic cutting boards are recommended for use with meat. The high temperature of dishwashers can be endured by plastic and eliminates the bacteria from the grooves. You should also take into consideration that there are different types of plastic cutting boards out there that have been designed to make prepping a little easier such as non-slip cutting boards, flexible cutting boards, and bar cutting boards. Non-Slip Cutting Boards These types of cutting boards have non-slip grips on the corners that stay securely in place while carving meat. Handling beef and chicken can sometimes require force and might cause your cutting board to slide around your work station as a result. This sliding can lead to employees accidentally cutting or harming themselves. Look for non-slip cutting boards that have the following features: Non-slip grips: keep the board in place to prevent accidents Measurement markers: help with portion control while prepping Carrying handles: provide easy transport of ingredients Dishwasher-safe: to effectively eliminate germs Flexible Cutting Boards Usually sold in sets, flexible cutting boards are bendable to easily transfer ingredients into your bowls and prevent food waste. Each individual board in a set can serve a different purpose such as for cutting meat, fruit, vegetables, or cheese. A reliable cutting board set will usually have: Color-coded boards: each color serves a specific purpose to prevent food cross-contamination Green is for fruits and vegetables White is for dairy and bread Red is for raw meat Purple is for allergen-free food products Flexible design: allows food to easily slide into bowls and eliminate waste Dishwasher-safe: to effectively eliminate germs Bar Cutting Boards If you’re running a bar in your restaurant, you should have a separate plastic cutting board for prepping acidic fruits such as lemons, herbs, and garnishes. These cutting boards are smaller than your average cutting boards because they are typically used for small foods and can easily fit on your bar’s countertop. Bar cutting boards should have features such as: Non-slip grips: keep the board in place to prevent accidents Small size: to fit on bar countertops and comfortably prep ingredients Dishwasher-safe: to effectively eliminate germs Wood Cutting Boards While plastic cutting boards are a better choice for cutting meat, wood cutting boards are the ideal option for fruits, vegetables, bread, and cheese. While fruits and vegetables also contain germs, the pores in wooden cutting boards are deeper than the crevices in plastic cutting boards, making it almost impossible to sanitize. This is why you should always immediately wash cutting boards after each use. The best wooden cutting boards for commercial kitchens should include these features: Carrying handles: provide easy transport of ingredients Engraved perimeter: catches juices, drippings, and sauces from prepped ingredients Cutting Board Sizes Small If you’ve got a workstation that has a limited amount of space, a small cutting board is a solution to preparing food more comfortably. These are great for cutting fruits or chopping vegetables so that you won’t have to clean a large board for small jobs. Small Cutting Board Sizes: 5” x 7” 6” x 9” 8” x 11” Medium Medium-sized cutting boards are the most versatile of all the cutting boards because they can be used for practically any type of meal prep. Their versatility is great for everyday use and they will quickly become your go-to board. Medium Cutting Board Sizes: 9” x 12” 10” x 14” 12” x 18” Large A large cutting board has ample size for cutting a sizeable amount of food and is more suitable for cutting large foods such as cabbages, turkey breasts, or watermelons. It also gives you enough room to safely chop and reduce the chances of accidental cuts. Large Cutting Board Sizes: 12” x 17” 14” x 18” 16” x 24” Extra Large These cutting boards are great for handling big jobs but also for using as serving trays. Their extra-large size can make a statement in the middle of your tables and they’re also great for charcuterie presentations. Extra Large Cutting Board Sizes: 14” x 20” 12” x 36” 32” x 24” Always Be Prepared Every restaurant should have at least two cutting boards in their kitchen. One for fruits and vegetables and the other for meat. But as clean as you might keep your cutting boards, always remember to replace them once they are visibly worn down. This will reduce the chances of cross-contamination and keep your establishment free of bacteria growth. When selecting a cutting board, remember to reference this guide in order to pick a board with features that will best benefit your establishment.

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Believe it or not, portion scoops are one of the most versatile and important kitchen tools in any foodservice establishment. Dishers provide chefs with an effortless way to measure ingredients and serve consistent portions to eliminate food waste. In this buying guide, we outline the different types of food dishers available to ensure you make the right investment for your business. Benefits Of Portion Scoops “What is a portion scoop used for?” is a question many chefs around the world ask themselves because they prepare meals on a regular basis without dishers. Rather than measuring ingredients, they eyeball portions which can lead to an increase in food waste, a difference in taste between dishes, a change in nutritional value in each dish, and much more. Disher scoops are an essential tool for portion control. They provide establishments with an easy way to standardize cooking procedures and guarantee consistent taste and quality for every dish. The following list provides the benefits of using portion control scoops at your establishment: Reduces food waste Helps manage food costs Provides a guide for purchasing Ensures nutrient content in dishes are always the same Makes sure a consistent amount of ingredients are prepared Portion Scoop Capacities When you work with food dishers, you probably notice that the majority of scoops have a color-coded handle and a number on the bowl or the handle itself. That’s because portion scoops have an established color-coded and numbering system that allows you to easily identify the differences between each disher. Disher scoop sizes are based on the number of scoops it takes to fill a 32-ounce or 1-quart container. Each size is assigned a specific number and color. For example, the No. 8 disher has a gray handle and a capacity of 4 ounces which means that it would take 8 scoops to fill a 32-ounce container. We’ve created a portion scoops size chart to help you understand the variety of sizes available in the market and the differences between each scoop. Although the color-coded handles are an industry-standard, each brand may have slight variations in measurements. Use this chart as a general guide. Portion Scoop Styles Disher scoops come in a variety of styles that allow chefs to comfortably and efficiently complete specific tasks. When purchasing dishers for your establishment, there are a number of things to consider. Perforated Spoodles Vs. Non-Perforated Spoodles Perforated spoodles feature holes on their base that provide chefs with an easy way to drain liquids while still holding solid foods. This allows them to effortlessly strain liquids from ingredients prepared in water or sauces to accurately measure foods and create an eye-catching food presentation. However, non-perforated dishers have a solid base that does not allow liquids to strain. These portion scoops are designed to measure and serve dry ingredients or prepared foods intended to be served with sauces. Serving Ladles Ladles are built with a long handle and deep, round bowl that is ideal for serving soup, stew, gravy, and other liquid dishes or sauces. The long handle keeps your hands away from hot pans or liquids and the deep bowl prevents ingredients from falling out. Similar to portion scoops, serving ladles come in a number of different sizes and are excellent for practicing portion control. There are also perforated and non-perforated ladles available to fit your needs. Dishers Most dishers feature a round base that provides you with an effortless way to measure and scoop ingredients. Portion scoops typically measure 8 to 10 inches in length, allowing you to easily scoop soft foods from deep food pans or containers. The majority of dishers also features a color-coded handle that provides chefs with a quick way to identify the differences between each disher to prevent cross-contamination. Portion Scoop Features The majority of dishers have a spring clip on the bowl that can be easily activated to release food onto a plate or bowl. However, there are two types of portion scoops and each disher provides you with a unique way to activate the blade. Thumb Levers Many portion control dishers include a thumb trigger that is located on the right side of the scoop. When the thumb lever is pressed, the blade on the bowl is activated to conveniently release foods onto servingware and scrape bowls clean to maximize your yield. Squeeze Handles Dishers with squeeze handles are designed for left and right-handed individuals to easily measure and serve food. Rather than using your thumb to activate the blade, you simply squeeze the handle to release foods and wipe the bowl clean. Portion Scoop Materials Portion scoops are primarily constructed from stainless steel which allows you to easily scoop ingredients and helps prevent bending or breaking when scooping dense foods. Stainless steel dishers are dishwasher-safe, providing your staff with a convenient way to streamline their end-of-day cleaning process. They are also excellent for measuring and serving hot or cold dishes. What’s The Difference Between Portion Scoops and Ice Cream Scoops? Portion dishers and ice cream scoops are usually classified in the same category because they are both used to scoop and serve food. However, each product is specially designed for specific tasks. To ensure you’re properly using a disher and an ice cream dipper, it’s crucial that you understand their differences. Portion Scoops A portion control scoop is a versatile tool that allows you to measure and scoop vegetables, rice, cookie dough, and other soft foods. Dishers typically have a spring clip on their bowls that can be activated by pressing on the thumb lever or squeezing the ambidextrous handle. This guarantees that bowls are wiped clean for consistent flavors of meals and to minimize food waste. Ice Cream Scoops An ice cream scoop is designed to easily scoop and serve ice cream into a cup, bowl, cone, or onto a dish. The base of the scoop is typically slightly rounded to create a classic ice cream scoop shape. Ice cream dishers are usually made from aluminum or stainless steel to allow individuals to effortlessly scoop frozen desserts without bending or breaking. Which Portion Scoop Is Right For You? Before purchasing food dishers for your foodservice establishment, it’s essential to think about which foods chefs would use scoops for. Each portion scoop is designed differently which allows you to easily scoop, measure, and serve specific types of food. By using our detailed portion scoop buying guide, you now understand the benefits and differences so you can purchase the best portion scoops for your business.

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You’ve probably noticed that every chef has a preference for the type of knife they like to use when chopping, slicing, dicing, or cutting ingredients. That’s because each type of knife is unique and features a number of benefits. To find what knife works best for your needs, it is essential to understand how knives are made and their differences before purchasing cutlery. In this kitchen knife buying guide, we provide you with all the information you need to find knives that best fit your needs. Forged Kitchen Knives vs. Stamped Kitchen Knives When shopping for commercial cutlery, you’ll notice that knives are either forged or stamped. This refers to the method used to manufacture the knife. Each manufacturing process has a number of advantages and drawbacks which makes it essential to understand their differences when purchasing cutlery for your kitchen. How Are Forged Knives Made? In the past, forged knives were constructed by skilled craftsmen who heated a bar of steel and hammered it into the shape of a knife. However, the process has changed over the years and most forged knives are now made with a forging machine. The machine heats and compresses the steel to form its shape and a bolster between the heel and handle. Knives are then heat-treated for strength and go through a honing process to give them their edge. Pros: Have bolsters that provide you with a safe place to rest your fingers while cutting Feature full tangs that help balance the blade for added stability Have stronger blades compared to stamped knives Don’t need to be honed or sharpened often Cons: Bolsters make forged knives thicker and heavier than stamped knives Blades aren’t flexible which may make it difficult to complete certain kitchen tasks Forged knives are typically more expensive than stamped knives How Are Stamped Knives Made? A stamped knife is constructed from a hydraulic press or die that cuts a large sheet of steel to form the blade’s shape. The handle is then added to the blade and the knife is honed to form its edge. Pros: Stamped knives are thinner and lighter than forged knives Feature flexible blades that make it easy to filet foods The lack of a bolster allows you to comfortably complete certain tasks Stamped knives are usually less expensive than forged knives Cons: The flexibility of the blade makes it difficult to hone or sharpen the blade Stamped knives don’t feature a bolster that protects your fingers from the blade Many stamped knives have half tangs which can make it difficult to balance when cutting ingredients Knife Handle Materials The handle of a kitchen knife plays a big role in food preparation. Although the blade of a knife may cut ingredients, the handle can determine your grip and the weight of the knife. Below are the different types of knife handle materials that are commonly found in commercial kitchens. Wood Many chefs enjoy using wooden knives because of the nostalgia associated with them and the rustic touch they add to kitchens. The wooden handle is also heavier than the blade, providing chefs with more control when slicing or dicing food. Before purchasing wooden knives for your business, it’s essential to check health regulations in your area. Some locations do not allow the use of wooden cutlery in commercial kitchens because wood surfaces are susceptible to bacterial growth if not properly washed. Types Of Wooden Kitchen Knives Rosewood Walnut African blackwood Bloodwood Olive wood Padauk Plastic Plastic knife handles are the most popular type of handles found in commercial kitchens because they are durable and easy to clean. These knives weigh less than wooden knives, allowing chefs to comfortably prep ingredients for long hours without hand fatigue. However, exposing plastic handles to extreme temperatures for long periods of time can cause them to fade or crack. Types Of Plastic Kitchen Knives Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) Polyoxymethylene (POM) Polypropylene (PP) Stainless Steel Stainless steel handles require very little maintenance and are easy to clean. These handles are naturally durable and corrosion-resistant to ensure they maintain their premium design when acidic foods make contact with them. Stainless steel handles also tend to be heavy, providing exceptional balance for knives with long blades. If you’re handling a knife with a short blade, a stainless steel handle may make it difficult for you to control the knife. The handle also tends to get slippery due to its smooth surface. This can make it challenging to have a firm and stable grip on the knife if the handle or your hands are wet. Knife Blade Materials Chefs are very specific when it comes to the type of blade they use to complete tasks. Each blade material has its benefits and below is a breakdown of the types of blades found in a commercial kitchen. Stainless Steel Stainless steel blades are rust-resistant and don’t require a lot of maintenance, making them a popular choice among chefs. However, they do not hold their edge as long as carbon steel blades. Stainless steel blades need to be frequently honed to realign their edges.  When purchasing a stainless steel knife, try to find out the type of steel it was made from. Although all stainless steels have a lot of similarities, each type of steel is unique and presents its own set of benefits. Japanese Steel Japanese steel blades have a thin and sharp edge, allowing you to create clean and precise cuts. They also taper inside the handle which provides you with a comfortable grip and full control when cutting ingredients. Popular Japanese Steel Kitchen Knives VG-10 AUS-10 R2 German Steel German steel knives are heavy due to their wide and curved blade. Their thick blade allows you to complete a number of different tasks, such as cutting through bones, slicing hard foods, or chopping a variety of ingredients. Although these versatile knives are heavy, the majority of them have a bolster to provide you with control when working with ingredients. Popular German Steel Kitchen Knives 420 420HC 420JC 440C Carbon Steel Carbon steel knives feature one of the sharpest blades, providing you with an effortless way to dice or slice ingredients. The sharp blade also makes it easy to sharpen or hone the blade. Carbon steel knives do have a lack of chromium which makes them vulnerable to stain and rust. These knives need to be carefully cleaned, dried, and lubricated to prevent them from rusting. High-Carbon Stainless Steel High-carbon stainless steel knives are one of the most popular types of knives in the kitchen. They have higher carbon content than stainless steel knives which provides them with more strength and a sharper edge. Although high-carbon stainless steel knives are naturally durable and easy to maintain, they usually cost more than stainless steel and carbon steel knives. Damascus Damascus knives are constructed in the forging process by layering at least two different types of steels by heat and then shaping the layers into repeated folds. This process provides the blade of Damascus knives with unique patterns which is why some chefs enjoy using them. The combination of steels also gives them a tough and durable structure, allowing you to effortlessly complete a variety of tasks. Since these knives are constructed using different types of steel, it may cause the edges to have unique patterns that can affect their performance. It also makes it difficult to know the maintenance requirements for the edge of the blade if you’re unaware of the type of steels the knife was crafted from. Ceramic Ceramic blades are typically made with zirconium dioxide, which is a ceramic material that is extremely hard and durable. The material used to make ceramic knives provide the blade with a sharp edge that doesn’t need to be sharpened often. Ceramic knives are also corrosion-resistant and stain-resistant, allowing you to slice acidic foods without damaging the blade. However, ceramic cutlery is more brittle than conventional knives and requires special ceramic tools to sharpen the blade. Improperly sharpening the blade may ruin the knife. Flexible Knife Blades vs. Rigid Knife Blades You may notice that most chefs use knives with flexible blades and rigid blades throughout the day. That’s because a knife with a flexible blade and a stiff blade serve different purposes. When working with a flexible blade, you’re able to easily maneuver around delicate foods without damaging them. They allow you to remove the bones of a fish or cut meat while working around bones. However, poultry or bigger cuts of meat require you to use a stiff, rigid blade. Using a flexible knife with tough meats will cause the knife to bend which may lead to injuries. A stiff blade is able to handle tough meats and cut through cartilage with ease. Serrated Edges vs. Straight Edges Serrated knives are specially designed to pierce the outer layer of the food you are cutting. They are ideal to cut foods with a hard exterior and a soft interior, such as bread and tomatoes. For example, cutting a loaf of bread with a straight edge is difficult and will crush the bread. A straight edge knife is extremely versatile and used to complete the majority of your tasks. They are designed to give you a smooth cut, making them great for slicing, dicing, mincing, and chopping ingredients. Using a serrated blade to cut food will ultimately make uneven cuts and tear ingredients. Which Knife Fits Your Needs? With all the different types of knives out in the market, it’s important to understand how the edge, blade, or handle of the knife may affect your comfort and efficiency when prepping food. Before making a purchase, simply think about the tasks you complete on a regular basis. This will allow you to purchase the best kitchen knives for your knife set to ensure you can effortlessly cut, slice, dice, mince, or chop food.

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