What Are Pizza Tables For?
These small, seemingly insignificant plastic tables, often referred to as pizza savers, are strategically placed in the center of pizza boxes to prevent the box lid from collapsing onto the delicate topping during transit. This ensures the pizza arrives at its destination looking as appealing as when it left the pizzeria.
A Brief History of the Pizza Saver
The pizza saver, also known as a pizza table, pizza stool, or pizza tent, wasn’t always a ubiquitous part of pizza delivery. Its invention is credited to Carmela Vitale, who patented the design in 1985. Before the pizza saver, pizza toppings often stuck to the cardboard lid of the box, creating a messy and unappetizing experience for the customer. Vitale’s simple yet ingenious invention solved this problem, providing a cheap and effective way to maintain the integrity of the pizza during transport.
Benefits of Using Pizza Tables
The benefits of using pizza tables extend beyond simply preserving the aesthetic appeal of the pizza. They play a crucial role in:
- Maintaining Topping Integrity: The most obvious benefit is preventing toppings from sticking to the lid. This ensures customers receive a pizza that looks and tastes as intended.
- Preventing Heat Loss: While not its primary function, the small air gap created by the pizza saver can help to insulate the pizza, keeping it warmer for a longer period.
- Improving Customer Satisfaction: Receiving a perfectly intact pizza contributes significantly to customer satisfaction. It shows the pizzeria cares about presentation and quality.
- Reducing Food Waste: By preventing toppings from sticking and getting damaged, pizza tables help reduce food waste, as customers are less likely to discard parts of the pizza.
- Hygiene: By keeping the cardboard lid off the pizza itself, they reduce the chances of any cardboard particles or ink contaminating the food.
The Manufacturing Process
Pizza tables are typically made from food-grade plastic, usually polypropylene or polystyrene. The manufacturing process involves:
- Plastic Injection Molding: Molten plastic is injected into a mold shaped like the pizza table.
- Cooling and Solidification: The plastic cools and solidifies within the mold.
- Ejection: The finished pizza table is ejected from the mold.
- Quality Control: The tables are inspected for any defects or imperfections.
- Packaging: The pizza tables are packaged and shipped to pizza suppliers and restaurants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While pizza tables are generally straightforward to use, some common mistakes can undermine their effectiveness:
- Using Damaged Tables: Inspect tables for cracks or breaks before placing them in the pizza box. Damaged tables may not provide sufficient support.
- Using Too Few Tables: For larger pizzas or those with heavy toppings, consider using multiple tables to ensure adequate support.
- Improper Placement: Place the table(s) in the center of the pizza to provide even support to all areas.
- Reusing Pizza Tables: These are single-use items and should be discarded after use to maintain hygiene.
- Ignoring Weight: Placing excessively heavy items on top of the pizza box can still cause the lid to collapse, even with a pizza table in place.
Pizza Saver vs. Other Preservation Methods: A Comparison
| Preservation Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza Saver | Inexpensive, simple, effective for standard toppings. | Limited effectiveness for very heavy toppings, single-use. |
| Raised Box Lids | Can accommodate taller pizzas, eliminates need for plastic. | More expensive, can still allow some movement and topping displacement. |
| Corrugated Inserts | Provides excellent support and insulation. | More expensive than pizza savers, may be difficult to store. |
| Pizza Bags | Excellent for maintaining temperature during delivery. | Doesn’t address the lid-sticking issue, adds cost and complexity. |
Alternative Uses for Pizza Tables (Beyond Pizza)
While designed for pizzas, these small tables have found other creative uses:
- Doll Stands: Children often repurpose them as stands for small dolls or figurines.
- Model Building Supports: Model builders find them useful for supporting components during assembly and painting.
- Desk Organizers: They can be used to prop up phones or small tablets on desks.
- Emergency Tripod: With a bit of ingenuity, they can be combined to form a makeshift tripod for lightweight cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are pizza tables always white or clear?
They are typically white or clear to minimize the risk of color leaching into the food and to comply with food safety regulations. These colors are also cost-effective in manufacturing.
Are pizza tables recyclable?
Whether or not a pizza table is recyclable depends on the type of plastic it’s made from and the recycling facilities available in your area. Check local recycling guidelines to determine if they accept polypropylene (#5) or polystyrene (#6) plastics, which are commonly used for pizza tables.
Can pizza tables be reused?
No, pizza tables are intended for single-use. Reusing them poses a hygiene risk, as they can harbor bacteria and food particles.
What is the proper way to dispose of a pizza table?
If the pizza table is not recyclable, it should be disposed of in the regular trash. Always check local recycling guidelines first, though.
How many pizza tables should I use for a large pizza?
For a large pizza (16-18 inches), consider using two pizza tables to provide adequate support, especially if the pizza has heavy toppings.
Are there eco-friendly alternatives to plastic pizza tables?
Yes, some companies are exploring alternatives such as biodegradable or compostable pizza tables made from materials like bamboo or recycled cardboard.
Do all pizza places use pizza tables?
Most pizza places use pizza tables, especially for delivery orders. However, some may opt for alternative solutions like raised box lids or corrugated inserts, particularly for dine-in or carry-out orders.
What’s the difference between a pizza table and a pizza saver?
The terms “pizza table” and “pizza saver” are used interchangeably to refer to the same product. Both describe the small plastic device used to prevent the pizza box lid from collapsing.
Can a pizza table melt if the pizza is too hot?
While unlikely to melt, pizza tables can deform slightly if the pizza is extremely hot. Food-grade plastics are designed to withstand high temperatures, but prolonged exposure to intense heat can cause them to warp.
Why are pizza tables shaped the way they are?
The tripod design provides maximum stability with minimal material. This is crucial for cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacturing. The open design also minimizes surface contact with the pizza.
Do pizza tables have any impact on the taste of the pizza?
No, pizza tables are made from food-grade plastic and are designed to be inert. They should not impart any taste or odor to the pizza.
Are there regulations about the types of plastic used for pizza tables?
Yes, the plastic used for pizza tables must meet food-grade safety standards and be approved for contact with food. Regulations vary by country, but generally, the plastic must be non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals.