Disposables

Parchment paper is coated with silicone, so it is non-stick and oven safe to about 220 to 230 °C, and is used to line baking sheets and pans. Quilon paper is a pan liner coated with a chromium-based release agent; it is grease- and moisture-resistant and widely used by bakeries for sheet pans. Wax paper is coated with paraffin, so it is moisture-resistant but must never go in the oven, because the wax melts and can smoke; it is for wrapping and lining cold surfaces.

Garbage bags are sized by width x length in inches and by volume. A 24 x 32 inch bag fits a 45 to 60 L (12 to 16 gallon) can; a 30 x 38 inch bag fits about 115 L (30 gallon); a 35 x 50 inch bag fits about 150 L (40 to 45 gallon); and a 42 x 48 inch bag, about 170 L, fits large 44 gallon containers. To measure, add the can’s circumference divided by 2 for bag width, and the can height plus half the base diameter plus 7 to 10 cm overhang for bag length.

Plan about 3 napkins per guest for a meal: one dinner napkin plus extra for appetizers, drinks and dessert. For a cocktail reception with passed appetizers, plan 4 to 5 beverage napkins per guest. For a buffet, put out dinner napkins at the start of the line and beverage napkins at the bar. Buying by the case of 1,000 to 3,000 napkins covers several events and lowers the cost per napkin.

Commercial cling film comes in 12, 18 and 24 inch (30, 45 and 60 cm) widths on rolls of about 2,000 ft (600 m), in cutter boxes. The 12 inch width suits small containers and wrapping sandwiches, 18 inch is the all-purpose kitchen size for hotel pans and sheet pans, and 24 inch covers large trays and full sheet pans. PVC film clings best; polyethylene film is a non-PVC alternative. Cutter boxes with a slide cutter are safer than serrated edges.

Colour coding helps kitchens prevent cross-contamination and spot contamination. Many kitchens assign one colour of gloves to raw protein and another to ready-to-eat food. Blue is the most common back-of-house glove colour because a torn blue fragment is easy to see in food, while black gloves are popular at open counters because they hide stains. Disposable poly aprons protect uniforms and are changed when moving from raw to ready-to-eat tasks.

Shipping is a flat $16.50 anywhere in Canada and free on orders over $199 before tax. Orders are processed in 2 to 3 business days (cut-off 10:00 AM MST, Monday to Friday) and Canadian transit takes 2 to 6 business days. We also ship to the United States, with duties and taxes shown at checkout. See the Shipping page for full details.