VERRINES

Choosing the right catering verrine

Start with the lid, not the verrine. The lid determines whether you can prepare your portions the day before, stack them in a cold room and load the delivery van without spilling anything. Ranges available in several capacities each have their own lid reference, indicated in the product description. With the Kova range, the same rPET lid closes all versions, from kraft cardboard to bagasse and PS: you can change materials without having to change your lid stock.

Next, consider what the verrine needs to withstand. Glass and porcelain are suitable for the oven, microwave and freezer. Stainless steel can be reheated and washed repeatedly. PS is intended for cold preparations, but it can be washed and reused. Bagasse and palm leaf are suitable for hot preparations. Each product page specifies these compatibilities for each range.

Finally, consider the packaging quantities, which vary considerably depending on the material: just a few items for porcelain or stainless steel, and several hundred for standard service ranges. Some references are available in both small and large pack sizes, allowing you to test them before ordering larger quantities.

Materials available in the Comatec range

Polystyrene (PS) dominates the range: Bodeglass with its rounded, stackable design, Kova with its flared shape, Loop with its fully rounded design, and Cubik in a square ramekin format. These verrines can be washed, reused and then recycled at the end of their service life. Disposable transparent PS verrines remain the most common format for receptions and events.

Glass comes in two styles. Eskale takes inspiration from the traditional jam jar with faceted sides, is made in France and is suitable for both freezing and oven use. Sweet is inspired by the pleated paper cups used in pastry making. Both can be washed in a professional dishwashing area and reused for the next service.

In the wood range, Lao, Ona, Noma and Mika bamboo verrines bring a raw, natural touch to the table and can be reused after washing. In ceramic, the Terra range features terracotta or matt black finishes, while Bali porcelain can be used in the oven, microwave and freezer. In stainless steel, Sferinox can be used as a sauce server, while the mini pans can be reheated in the oven.

The range also includes plant-based fibres, with bagasse used for Santo and the white Bodeglass models, and palm leaf used for the ramekins. Finally, the three kraft cardboard verrines close with the same lid as their plastic counterparts.

Which catering verrine is right for your business?

For a caterer, appetisers call for compact formats. Combining two or three materials is enough to add variety to a buffet without multiplying the number of references you need to keep in stock. Bamboo or stainless steel cups and presentation spoons complement the verrines without adding more tableware to wash.

For pastry shops and gourmet coffee, transparency does the work: the layers are visible and the presentation can be judged at a glance. Frosted or faceted verrines change the visual effect without changing the recipe. Round, square and flared verrines cover the most common presentations.

In restaurants, small-capacity formats are mainly used as sauce containers and condiment holders in the dining room. They can be washed with the rest of the service ware.

For a cocktail reception or corporate event, playful formats such as mini bottles, chupitos and dosing pipettes catch the eye where a traditional round verrine might go unnoticed.

Disposable or reusable verrines

Single-use products are the obvious choice when the verrine leaves with the customer or remains on a standing buffet with no possibility of collection. Reuse becomes worthwhile as soon as the verrine returns to the washing area: glass, stainless steel, porcelain, ceramic and bamboo can be used again for the next service.

Recyclable and reusable do not mean the same thing. A recyclable verrine enters a recycling stream after use. A reusable verrine is washed and used again, which is covered by the reusable range and is in line with the requirements of the French AGEC law for on-site service.

The PlanetScore© displayed on each product page, rated from A to E, makes it possible to compare two materials without relying on their appearance: a plant-based material does not automatically receive a better rating than reusable plastic manufactured in France.

The Manufacturing, Recyclable and Reusable filters in the category make it easy to narrow down your choice.

Comatec, supplier of verrines for foodservice professionals since 1994

Verrines are ordered in quantity, and choosing the wrong capacity is immediately noticeable: a mousse that only fills two-thirds of the container can look underwhelming on a buffet.

This is precisely where requesting free samples can help you avoid a costly mistake: fill the verrine with your recipe, test the lid for transport and then place your order.

Our online quotation service takes over for larger orders, and delivery is free on orders over €350 excluding VAT.

A large proportion of our verrines are made in France, and selected references can be customised with your branding. These verrines complement our range of food containers and our takeaway packaging solutions.