When you manage a restaurant, you are handling various responsibilities. It can start from food inventory, kitchen equipment inspection, and utensil checking. However, utensils can degrade through continued use and washing. It can pose risks to customers if they have an unclean utensil. Investing in a cutlery dispenser is best if your food business relies more on take-outs than dine-in meals.
Therefore, a cutlery dispenser provides clean utensils whenever a customer needs them. One can get a utensil and eat their meals on the go. This is helpful for food businesses where their approach relies more on take-outs. If you are still unsure, here are some things to consider in getting a cutlery dispenser.
Using A Cutlery Dispenser
When installing a cutlery dispenser, place one on a level surface. If the surface is inclined, it will not balance, making it prone to breakage. You can place the dispenser beside the soda fountain or plates nearby. Having it near places where customers can get their drinks, cutleries, and plates provides easy access. Remember, cutlery dispensers work best when the restaurant or cafeteria has many customers. Any cutlery dispenser system should be accessible to all customers who want to eat their meals.
Utensil Materials
Each cutlery dispenser has various materials in its utensils. Some materials have a specific purpose, and it can affect how one eats their meals. For example, CPLA and polypropylene are popular materials because they have high heat resistance. This makes eating hot meals like porridge or soups possible without worry.
Here are the possible materials you can get when buying a cutlery dispenser.
- Wood – As the material suggests, wood cutlery is a biodegradable and compostable material. After use, the customer can dispose of them in biodegradable bins. However, it is not ideal for hot meals as it is prone to burning.
- CPLA – CPLA is an acronym for Crystallized Polylactic Acid. It is a popular material in take-out meals as it can stand heat as high as 85°C. As a result, drinks such as hot coffee or meals like soups are best paired with CPLA utensils.
- Polypropylene – Polypropylene is an alternative to CPLA. It is strong, resistant to cracks, and is BPA-free. If you want to reuse this single-use cutlery, you can wash it with soap and water. Food businesses also use polypropylene if their budget fits.
What To Consider In Investing A Cutlery Dispenser
Even if you solve one problem in the kitchen, the challenge lies in the implementation. Consider these aspects when getting a cutlery dispenser.
- Space – Restaurants and food businesses come in various sizes. If your business is a food truck, having a compact cutlery dispenser is best. Bulky variants are not ideal as it takes up too much space inside the small area.
- Cost – When you invest, there is always a set price. One model can start at $99, with all the essentials in one dispenser. If you need more utensils, getting them all available will cost you more.
- Maintenance – This will determine how a cutlery dispenser will last. Fortunately, most products are battery-free since it relies on switches inside. It is a must to do regular checking to see if the dispenser is working properly.
Wrapping Up
Investing in a cutlery dispenser improves how a food business can operate. You get to provide utensils to your customers without making things more complicated. Some models have specific materials, which can have different effects in use. In the end, the thought counts when providing easy access to eating meals.
Author’s Bio:
Rosette is known for advocating a sustainable lifestyle. That’s why on her free days, she spends her time writing about sustainability efforts and other ways to help the environment thrive and heal at a time of drastic climate change.