Mobile Plate Dispensers — BHS offers mobile plate dispensers to corporate canteens, restaurants, hotels, catering companies and other HoReCa businesses across Europe: a mobile plate dispenser is a movable, stationary or castor-based equipment element that stores stacked piles of plates and presents the top plate from an automatic lifting system; the plate pile is stacked inside the dispenser body and, in a heat-retention or passive storage configuration, keeps plates in optimal condition before they are placed on a tray; mobility allows the dispenser to be positioned at any point along the service front, as well as moved according to the day’s changing needs; BHS offers mobile plate dispensers together with a wide range of Canteen Modular Systems.
Also explore Tray Slides and Cash Register Counters, additional elements of canteen modular systems.
Mobile Plate Dispensers — a mobile plate dispenser is a movable canteen service aid that stores a pile of plates and dispenses plates one at a time from an automatic lifting mechanism; mobility allows the dispenser to be positioned at any point along the canteen service front for HoReCa businesses.
Function of the mobile plate dispenser in a canteen
Mobile Plate Dispensers — the main function of a plate dispenser is to store stacked plates and dispense them efficiently; the automatic lifting system ensures that the top plate is always at a standard dispensing height, regardless of the total number of plates in the pile. Automatic lifting mechanism — inside the dispenser is a spring- or weight-based lifting mechanism; when a customer or staff member takes the top plate, the mechanism raises the next plate to the standard dispensing height; the height remains constant no matter how many plates are left in the pile. Plate loading — plates are loaded from the top, stacking them on the spring mechanism; loading plates takes a few minutes and is a simple process carried out by canteen staff at the start of lunch and as needed; explore Canteen Modular Systems.
Heated and unheated mobile dispensers
Mobile Plate Dispensers — the mobile plate dispenser is available in two temperature configurations: with an active heating element and without it (passive dispenser). The heated mobile dispenser has an electric heating element inside that keeps plates warm (40–60°C); warm plates are essential for serving hot menus, as a cold plate quickly cools hot food; maintaining the required HACCP food serving temperature, a warm plate is a key factor. The unheated (passive) mobile dispenser has no electric heating; it stores plates at room temperature; suitable for cold service (salad plates, dessert plates) or in places where heating plates is not necessary; see Tray Slides.
Mobility advantages in the service area
Mobile Plate Dispensers — the main advantage of a mobile plate dispenser compared to a built-in version is the ability to move it according to the day’s changing needs and space configuration. Flexibility in positioning — the mobile dispenser can be placed at the start of the service front (where the customer takes the first plate), positioned near tray slides, or moved to another location between lunch and dinner service. Catering and event use — a mobile dispenser is ideal for catering and off-site canteen services; it can be transported to the event location, easily set up, and quickly moved; explore Counters with Serving Display Cases and Cash Register Counters.
Plate capacity and shapes
Mobile Plate Dispensers — a mobile plate dispenser is available in various capacity configurations depending on canteen needs. Plate pile capacity — dispenser capacity is typically 40–80 plates in a standard pile; larger capacity models can store more plates, reducing the frequency of loading; the choice of capacity depends on the service pace and number of portions. Plate diameter compatibility — each dispenser is designed for a specific plate diameter range (for example, 21–24 cm, 26–29 cm); a dispenser with an adjustable insert can accommodate different plate sizes; explore Canteen Modular Systems. BHS provides mobile plate dispensers.
HoReCa usage scenarios
Corporate canteen with mobile plate dispensers — in a self-service canteen, the mobile heated dispenser is placed at the start of the tray slide; the customer takes a warm plate, places it on the tray, and moves along the service front; BHS equipment ensures a logical service flow. Hotel buffet with mobile plate dispensers — in hotel breakfasts, mobile dispensers for different plate sizes (large and small) are positioned at the start of the buffet; customers take the appropriate plates themselves. Catering event with mobile plate dispensers — catering with mobile dispensers can quickly set up a plate dispensing point at any event location; after the event, the dispensers are loaded into a transport van and taken to the next event; BHS supplies the products. BHS offers mobile plate dispensers to HoReCa businesses across Europe.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for a heated mobile dispenser to warm plates? Mobile Plate Dispensers — depending on the initial plate temperature and model power, the heating time for a heated mobile dispenser is 30–60 minutes until plates reach the desired temperature; it is recommended to turn on the dispenser at least 30 minutes before the start of service; explore Canteen Modular Systems.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.