Unbreakable Dishes

Unbreakable dishes solve a practical problem — porcelain and glass are beautiful but fragile. In high-intensity canteens, school kitchens or outdoor events, every broken dish means financial costs, hygiene incident risks and increased staff stress. Unbreakable dishes made from melamine or high-temperature plastic provide an aesthetically acceptable alternative with high durability. BHS offers unbreakable dishes to HoReCa businesses across Europe.

Unbreakable dish materials

Melamine — the most common unbreakable dish material. Melamine dishes look very similar to porcelain, are heavy and cold-resistant. Melamine is relatively heat-resistant but must not be placed in a microwave and is not suitable for very hot food (above +70°C) for extended periods. SAN (styrene acrylonitrile) plastic — a transparent, glass-like material used for glasses and dishes where transparency is needed. SAN is lighter than melamine and more flexible. Tritan copolyester — a premium plastic without BPA, resistant to stains and heat. Tritan is used in premium unbreakable glasses that look like glass. Polypropylene (PP) — the most economical option, resistant to heat and dishwashers, though less elegant than melamine. BHS helps you choose the right material.

Types of unbreakable dishes

Unbreakable plates — flat, soup and dessert plates made from melamine or SAN, visually close to porcelain. Suitable for canteens where you want to maintain an attractive food presentation without the risk of breakage. Unbreakable bowls — salad, soup and dessert bowls in various capacities. Unbreakable mugs and glasses — coffee mugs, tea mugs and drink glasses made from Tritan or SAN. Tritan glasses are visually indistinguishable from glass but do not break. Unbreakable serving dishes — large serving bowls, preparation dishes and dessert dishes for group dining. BHS offers a complete range of unbreakable dishes.

HACCP and food safety requirements

Unbreakable dishes must be made from food-contact-safe materials — free from BPA, phthalates or other harmful substances. Melamine dishes must not be used in a microwave, as very high temperatures can cause melamine to release formaldehyde. Melamine dishes should be cleaned with soft sponges without abrasives — scratched or damaged melamine dishes should be replaced, as damage can harbour bacteria. Tritan and SAN dishes are safer at higher temperatures and easier to clean. Check CE and FDA (or LFGB) compliance before choosing. BHS offers only tested, food-safe dishes.

HoReCa use scenarios

In a school canteen, melamine plates for 500 pupils a day ensure that even careless child hands or queue jostling do not cause breakage incidents. At an outdoor catering event, Tritan glasses provide a glass-like appearance without the risk of breakage on hard-to-clean asphalt or wooden terrace surfaces. On boats or yachts, melamine dishes are a mandatory safety solution.

Frequently asked questions

Can melamine dishes be washed in a dishwasher? Yes, but with caution — only neutral detergents (without chlorides), temperature below 60–65°C and no aggressive programmes. Very hot dishwasher cycles can affect the colour and surface gloss of melamine over time. It is recommended to use a suitable washing programme.

How long do unbreakable melamine dishes last? With proper care — 3–8 years. Signs that it is time to replace them: cracks, deep scratches, colour fading or an unattractive appearance. BHS recommends regularly assessing the condition of dishes and replacing more worn ones.

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.