Crockery is another word for the plates, bowls, and dishes you use to serve and eat food. It usually refers to items made from ceramic, porcelain, or china.
You’ll find crockery in most kitchens and dining rooms. Dinner plates, soup bowls, side plates, and serving dishes all count as crockery. Some people also include cups and saucers, especially in formal sets. It’s different from cutlery, which includes forks, knives, and spoons, and different from cookware, which is used to cook food.
Crockery can be simple or fancy. Everyday sets are often made from sturdy stoneware or earthenware, great for regular meals. More delicate sets, like fine china, are saved for special occasions or holiday dinners.
You’ll usually see crockery sold in sets with matching pieces. Some folks mix and match styles for a fun, casual look. Whatever you choose, crockery plays a big role in how food is served and enjoyed at the table.
So, if you’re setting the table or shopping for kitchen basics, crockery is one of the first things to think about. It’s all about what you eat from, not what you eat with or cook in.
Types of crockery in f&b service
1. Plates When I first moved into my own place, I thought all plates were basically the same. Boy, was I wrong! After hosting a disastrous dinner where my “all-purpose” plates were too small for proper portions, I learned that plate sizes and styles actually serve different functions.
- Dinner plates (10-12 inches) – Your main meal workhorses
- Side plates (7-9 inches) – Perfect for bread or appetizers
- Dessert plates (6-8 inches) – Often with decorative designs
- Soup plates (9 inches with 2-inch sides) – Ideal for saucy dishes
Lesson learned: Thin porcelain plates may look elegant but chip easily. Now I opt for slightly heavier plates that withstand daily use.
2. Bowls
Bowls might seem straightforward, but there’s actually quite a variety:
- Cereal/soup bowls (6×3 inches) – Everyday essentials
- Rice/noodle bowls (4-5 inches deep) – Often come with lids
- Ramekins (3-4 inches) – Perfect for dips or single servings
Pro tip: Nesting bowls save space if you’re short on storage.
3. Cups & Saucers
As a coffee lover, I’ve learned the right vessel enhances the experience:
- Tea cups (6-8 oz) – Delicate handles for proper tea sipping
- Coffee mugs (8-16 oz) – Thicker walls retain heat better
- Espresso cups (2-3 oz) – Concentrate the aroma
4. Serving Dishes
Proper serving pieces elevate any meal:
- Platters (12-16 inches) – For meats or large salads
- Gravy boats – Mess-free sauce serving
- Tureens – Keep soups hot with their lids
Common Crockery Materials
1. Porcelain
✔ Elegant and chip-resistant
✖ Can be heavy and expensive
2. Stoneware
✔ Durable and oven-safe
✖ Thick and heavy
3. Bone China
✔ Lightweight and premium
✖ Fragile and costly
4. Earthenware
✔ Affordable traditional look
✖ Porous (stains easily)
5. Melamine
✔ Unbreakable for outdoor use
✖ Can look cheap
True story: My shattered bone china teacup scared the dog so badly he hid for hours! Now I save it for special occasions.
Choosing the Right Crockery
- Match to your lifestyle:
- Families → Durable stoneware
- Entertainers → Matching porcelain
- Minimalists → Neutral basics
- Sets vs. mix-and-match:
- Full sets = Uniform but expensive
- Mixing = Personality but needs planning
- Check practical features:
- Microwave/dishwasher safe?
- Stackable for storage?
Caring for Your Crockery
✔ Handwash delicate pieces
✔ Avoid sudden temperature changes
✔ Use plate separators when stacking
Conclusion
Crockery is more than just dishes it’s an essential part of dining and entertaining. Whether you’re a casual eater or frequent host, the right tableware makes all the difference.
Start with versatile basics and build your collection over time. And if something breaks? Consider it an opportunity to refresh your set!