Slate

Natural slate tray

The natural slate tray is very trendy for presenting desserts and cheeses. Dark in colour, rather black, it can be made from basalt, a common rock formed by the rapid cooling of basaltic lava, or from slate, a homogeneous rock with a fine-grained texture. Slate is suitable for use with food and is now used in a wide range of catering items: rectangular trays, square or round plates, tasting sets with a set of small round or rectangular slates, and wooden boards for savoury or sweet tastings. Slate makes for an elegant presentation and there is also a range of slate accessories, such as a table easel with a slate label. The slate tray is available with a small cover, round for cheese tasting, with holes for presenting small glasses, with handles for serving and even with a cover and stainless-steel tray. Slate is an excellent conductor of cold. Slate trays can therefore be used for all types of meals and snacks. Whether rectangular, round or irregularly shaped, the slate tray is a product that brings elegance with its dark touch; it is waterproof and fire resistant. It's a natural material, so it's environmentally friendly.

Slate Trays and Displays from Buffet Plus

Buffet Plus offers a wide range of natural slate plates, trays and other slate displays for buffets. Round or rectangular, with or without a cover, choose the accessory that's right for you, depending on the size and shape you're looking for. Buffet Plus slate trays come with non-slip feet for ease of use.

So why choose natural slate for your tableware? As you've no doubt noticed, it's a very attractive and elegant material. In fact, slate is a sophisticated material that really brings out the best in your food. It allows chefs to use their imagination to create beautiful presentations. But that's not all.

Natural slate can withstand sudden changes in temperature. So, you can place a hot dish on a slate tray without risking damage. Slate also keeps food cold very well, perfect for presenting sushi, for example, which is best served chilled.

It is also possible to write a message in chalk on this type of material, which explains why slate is used for displays. It's also practical when organising a buffet, for example. The natural slate display is also compatible with a liquid chalk marker, available from Buffet plus.

Finally, because slate is a 100% natural material, it is perfectly healthy to use in the kitchen. It contains no chemicals, which is a big plus!

Can natural slate be used for cooking?

Natural slate can indeed be used for cooking, but it is important to take some precautions to ensure that it is used safely and effectively. Natural slate can be an excellent choice for certain cooking methods due to its thermal and aesthetic properties. However, it is important to ensure that it is food safe, used correctly to avoid thermal shock and cleaned properly to maintain its longevity and safety. You should also make sure that your natural slate dish or tray does not have plastic feet, which would make it unsuitable for the oven. Here are some points and precautions to consider when using natural slate for cooking:

Advantages of natural slate for cooking: Natural slate has a good ability to retain and distribute heat evenly, which can be beneficial for certain cooking methods, such as baking pizzas or flatbreads. Slate has a natural rustic look that can give a beautiful presentation to meals served directly on the stone.

Precautions: Make sure the slate is of good quality and suitable for use with food. Some slates may contain harmful substances or be treated with chemicals that are not safe for cooking. Slate can crack or break if subjected to sudden thermal shock. It is important to heat the slate gradually to avoid this type of problem.

Thickness of slate: Use slate that is thick enough (at least 1 to 2 cm) to withstand the heat and mechanical stresses of firing. Natural slate can be porous and absorb grease and liquids. Clean carefully after each use; it may be necessary to prepare the slate by applying a thin layer of oil to create a non-stick surface.

Common uses for slate in the kitchen include pizzas, where slate can be used as a pizza stone to achieve a crispy crust, flatbreads such as naan, pita or other flatbreads, and slate can also be used as a plancha to cook meat, fish or vegetables.

Choose Slate Melamine

Buffet Plus also offers a wide range of slate-look melamine tableware. Although less expensive, this type of crockery has many advantages. Melamine is extremely strong and will not be affected by knocks or scratches, which is not the case with slate. It's also very easy to clean. Unlike natural slate, melamine is dishwasher safe, which saves you a lot of time.

Whether natural or melamine, slate has it all. It will add a decorative touch to your tables and satisfy your customers. So, give in to temptation and order your slate tray from Buffet Plus!

Delivery times: Buffet Plus will dispatch your order within 24 to 48 hours if the product is in stock, otherwise it will generally take 10 working days. Free delivery in Metropolitan France for orders over 300 euros VAT Excl., or collection at our plant with an appointment (we do not have a retail shop).