Catering Platter & Disposable Plate Size Guide

Plastic, Pulp & Aluminium Platters for Buffets, Bakeries & Catering

Choosing the right catering platter size can make a big difference to how sandwiches, pastries, cake slices, canapés and buffet food are presented and transported. A platter that is too small can make food look crowded, while an unnecessarily large tray can leave the display looking sparse and increase packaging use.

This guide explains the main catering platter sizes and materials available from Supply Express, including plastic rectangular platters, Sabert pulp platters, black rPET platters and aluminium serving platters.

You can browse the complete range of catering platters and disposable plates while comparing the options below.

Which Catering Platter Size Do I Need?

The best platter depends on the amount and type of food you need to present. Smaller formats work well for compact bakery or sandwich selections, while larger trays are better for sharing platters, buffets and event catering.

Small Catering Platters

A smaller platter is useful when you are preparing individual customer orders or compact selections where a larger tray would leave too much empty space.

The 360 x 240mm small black rectangular platter is a practical option for pastries, cake slices, small sandwich selections, desserts and canapés.

Medium Catering Platters

Medium platters provide more display space while remaining manageable for takeaway collection, buffet tables and refrigerated displays.

The 395 x 295mm medium black rectangular platter works well for sandwiches, pastries, desserts and mixed cold-food selections.

For a moulded-pulp alternative, the Sabert PUL00314 350 x 240mm medium pulp platter offers a slightly more compact rectangular footprint.

Large Catering Platters

Large platters are suited to sharing selections, corporate catering, party food and larger buffet displays.

The 450 x 300mm large black rectangular platter provides a generous serving area for sandwiches, pastries, canapés and desserts.

The Sabert PUL00318 460 x 300mm large pulp platter provides a similarly large rectangular format in moulded pulp.

Square Catering Platters

Square platters can provide a different presentation style from traditional rectangular sandwich trays and work particularly well for symmetrical buffet and sharing displays.

Supply Express stocks:

• Sabert 27 x 27cm Square Pulp Platters
• Sabert 36 x 36cm Square Pulp Platters

Which Platters Are Best for Sandwiches?

Rectangular platters are particularly convenient for sandwich presentation because rows of sandwich quarters, triangles and wraps can be arranged efficiently across the tray.

For smaller sandwich orders, a 360 x 240mm or 350 x 240mm platter may be sufficient. For larger selections, the 395 x 295mm, 450 x 300mm or 460 x 300mm formats provide more presentation space.

Which Platters Are Best for Bakeries?

Bakeries can use catering platters for cake slices, pastries, croissants, doughnuts, desserts, sandwiches and mixed afternoon-tea selections.

Small platters are useful for a compact pastry or cake-slice order, while medium and large formats work well for larger selections prepared for offices, parties and events.

Black platter bases create contrast against lighter-coloured cakes and pastries, while pulp platters provide a softer natural presentation style.

Which Platters Are Best for Cold Food & Salads?

For delis, cafés and food-to-go businesses, platters are useful for cold sandwiches, wraps, cheese, cold meats, fruit and other chilled foods.

For a deeper plate-style format rather than a flat platter, the Sabert PUL39029 830ml Octagonal Pulp Plate offers an approximately 230 x 230 x 32mm format that can accommodate foods such as salads, pasta and prepared meals.

Plastic vs Pulp Catering Platters

Plastic and pulp platters can both provide professional food presentation, but they have different appearances and characteristics.

Plastic and rPET platters offer a smooth surface and are commonly used for chilled presentation where the colour of the food benefits from a black base.

Moulded-pulp platters provide a fibre-based alternative and a natural appearance. Selected Sabert pulp bases can also be paired with compatible clear domed lids.

Always check the individual product specifications for temperature limitations, lid compatibility, material information and disposal guidance.

Black rPET Platters for Premium Displays

The Sabert BLA9318 Large Black rPET Platter measures approximately 46 x 30cm and is well suited to sandwiches, appetisers, pastries, cold meats, cheese and buffet presentation.

The black surface provides a strong visual contrast against colourful or lighter food, which can be particularly useful for bakery counters, corporate catering and premium buffet service.

Compartment Platters for Mixed Food Selections

Where different foods need to remain visibly separated, a compartment platter can provide a more organised presentation than a completely open tray.

The Sabert Gourmet 7-Compartment Platter with Lid has seven sections, making it useful for mixed appetisers, snacks, cold selections and buffet food.

Aluminium Catering Platters

Aluminium serving platters remain a popular presentation option for events, buffets and parties. Their silver finish provides a traditional catering appearance for sandwiches, finger food, pastries, desserts and sharing selections.

For smaller arrangements, consider the 14 Inch Oval Aluminium Platter .

For larger buffet displays and sharing selections, the 22 Inch Oval Aluminium Platter provides substantially more presentation space.

Disposable Plate Sizes for Catering

Not every meal requires a large platter. Individual disposable plates remain useful for buffets, parties, cafés and catering service.

Browse our 6-inch paper plates , 7-inch paper plates and 9-inch paper plates for individual foodservice.

Bagasse Plates for Catering & Events

The range also includes 7-inch, 9-inch and 10-inch bagasse plates, plus a 10-inch three-compartment format.

The three-compartment design can be useful for meals with several components that need to remain separated during service.

Selected bagasse products are listed as compostable. Actual disposal routes depend on the specific product and the facilities available locally, so businesses should check the product details and their waste provider's guidance.

Should I Choose a Platter with a Lid?

A compatible lid is particularly useful when food is prepared before service, displayed in a refrigerated cabinet, collected by a customer or transported to an event.

Do not choose lids by approximate size alone. Different platter ranges can have similar dimensions but different rim shapes and closure systems, so always use the lid specified for the exact base.

How Many Platter Sizes Should a Catering Business Stock?

For many bakeries, cafés and caterers, keeping two or three useful sizes can cover most orders. A small format handles compact orders, a medium platter covers regular sandwich or bakery selections, and a large size provides capacity for event and sharing orders.

The best combination will depend on your menu and average order size, so businesses with high-volume corporate or party catering may benefit from keeping more large platters in stock.

Shop Catering Platters & Disposable Plates

Explore our complete range of wholesale catering platters and disposable plates for sandwiches, bakery products, buffets, events and food-to-go service.

The range includes plastic and rPET platters, moulded-pulp serving trays, disposable paper and bagasse plates, compartment platters and aluminium serving platters in multiple sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best catering platter size for sandwiches?

The best size depends on the number and size of sandwiches. Small 360 x 240mm or 350 x 240mm platters suit compact selections, while 395 x 295mm, 450 x 300mm and 460 x 300mm platters provide more space for larger orders.

Which platter is best for cakes and pastries?

Small and medium rectangular platters work well for cake slices, pastries and desserts. Larger platters are useful for mixed bakery selections and event orders.

Can catering platters be used for cold food?

Yes. Many platter formats are suitable for sandwiches, wraps, pastries, fruit, cheese, cold meats and other chilled foods. Always check the individual product specification.

What is the difference between plastic and pulp platters?

Plastic and rPET platters provide a smooth presentation surface, while pulp platters are made from moulded fibre and provide a different appearance and material option. Performance and disposal requirements vary by product.

Are platter lids interchangeable?

Not necessarily. Use the lid designed for the exact platter model, as similar-sized bases may have different rims and closure systems.

Which plate size is best for cake?

A 6-inch or 7-inch disposable plate is often suitable for individual cake slices and desserts, depending on portion size and presentation.

Do you sell large platters for buffet catering?

Yes. The range includes large rectangular plastic and pulp platters, large square pulp platters and 22-inch oval aluminium platters for larger food displays.

Where can I buy wholesale catering platters?

Supply Express stocks catering platters and disposable plates in bulk quantities for bakeries, cafés, delis, takeaways, caterers and event businesses.

Disposable Plate Size Guide

Disposable plates are available in several sizes, and the best choice depends on the type and amount of food being served. Smaller plates work well for cake, desserts and snacks, while larger plates provide more room for sandwiches, buffet food and full meals.

Paper Plates or Bagasse Plates – Which Should You Choose?

Both paper and bagasse plates are useful for disposable foodservice, but they suit slightly different applications.

Paper plates are a simple, economical choice for lighter foods such as cake, pastries, sandwiches, snacks and buffet items. They are particularly useful for cafés, bakeries, parties and events where food is served for immediate consumption.

Bagasse plates are made from moulded plant fibre and generally provide a more rigid plate format. Depending on the individual product specification, they can be suitable for a wider range of meals, including larger portions and foods requiring a stronger base.

Always check the individual product information for food suitability, temperature guidance and disposal instructions.

6 Inch Paper Plates for Cake, Desserts & Snacks

The 6 Inch White Paper Plate is the smallest plate in this selection and works particularly well for cake slices, desserts, pastries, snacks and small appetisers.

This size can be useful for bakeries, cafés, coffee shops, parties and events where customers need a compact plate rather than a full meal-sized option.

7 Inch Plates for Sandwiches, Cake & Light Portions

Seven-inch plates provide more serving space than a dessert plate while remaining compact. They can be useful for sandwiches, pastries, cake and lighter buffet portions.

Choose between:

• 7 Inch White Paper Plates – Pack of 1000
• 7 Inch Bagasse Disposable Plates – Pack of 1000

9 Inch Disposable Plates for Buffets & Larger Portions

Nine-inch plates are a versatile foodservice size, providing enough room for larger sandwiches, buffet foods and more substantial individual servings.

Supply Express stocks both:

• 9 Inch White Paper Plates – Pack of 1000
• 9 Inch Bagasse Plates – Pack of 500

10 Inch Bagasse Plates for Full Meals

For larger food portions, the 10 Inch Bagasse Plate provides additional serving space for catering meals, buffet dishes and larger portions.

3-Compartment Bagasse Plates

For meals containing several components, the 10 Inch 3-Compartment Bagasse Plate provides three separate sections.

The divided design is useful for serving combinations such as a main dish with two sides, helping keep different foods separated during service.

Which Disposable Plates Are Best for Bakeries?

Bakeries generally do not need a large dinner plate for individual cake slices or pastries. A 6-inch or 7-inch paper plate is often a practical option for cakes, pastries and desserts.

For sandwiches or larger bakery portions, a 7-inch or 9-inch plate provides additional room. For larger bakery orders and mixed selections, a catering platter may provide a more attractive presentation than individual plates.

Which Plates Are Best for Buffets & Catering?

For lighter buffet items, sandwiches and snacks, paper plates provide a simple serving solution. For larger meals, a 9-inch or 10-inch bagasse plate may provide more space and rigidity, depending on the food being served.

Where a meal contains several separate components, a three-compartment plate can help organise the serving and reduce mixing between foods.