Food Covers & Cloches
Food covers and cloches are protective domes or mesh covers used to shield plated food and buffet dishes from dust, insects and airborne contamination while keeping presentation intact, essential for buffets, carveries and counter service in pubs, cafes, hotels and care homes. Look for stainless steel or polycarbonate construction, dishwasher-safe finishes, and a size range matching your plate and platter diameters. The main buying consideration is material: metal cloches hold plated heat longer, while mesh and polycarbonate covers suit cold buffet and salad lines.
Key specifications
Food covers come in a few distinct formats. Solid dome cloches in stainless steel or polycarbonate trap heat and aroma for plated and room service; hinged roll-top and reusable dome covers suit repeated buffet use; and ventilated mesh or net covers — including collapsible pop-up domes and elasticated bowl covers — keep insects off cold buffet and salad without trapping condensation. A knob or loop handle lets staff lift a cover clear without touching food, and stackable or collapsible designs store compactly between services. Match cover diameter to your most-used plates and platters, choosing metal for heat retention or mesh for cold display. Used across carveries, buffets, hotels, pubs and care home dining rooms.
Food Covers & Cloches — FAQs
What’s the difference between a cloche and a mesh food cover?
A cloche is a solid dome (usually stainless steel or polycarbonate) that traps heat and aroma for plated service, while a mesh cover ventilates and is better for keeping flies off cold buffet food without causing condensation.
Are food covers dishwasher safe?
Most stainless steel and polycarbonate covers are dishwasher-safe up to standard commercial wash temperatures, but check individual manufacturer guidance as some polycarbonate items have a lower heat tolerance than metal.
What sizes of cloche do I need for buffet service?
Cloches typically range from around 20cm for side plates to 32cm-plus for large platters, so measure your most-used plate and platter sizes before ordering a set.