Soup tureens may have fallen out for a while, but these timeless pieces are making a serious comeback. And here’s the best part: they’re practical for serving soups and can add a decorative touch that makes any meal feel extra special.
But with so many different styles, materials, and designs to stock, how does your business choose the right options to sell? Don’t worry—this article has you covered!
Read on for an overview of everything you need to know to select the best soup tureens for your buyers in 2025!
Table of Contents
What exactly is a soup tureen?
Why soup tureens are hot right now
Factors to consider when choosing soup tureens to sell
Final words
What exactly is a soup tureen?
Soup tureens are large, usually fancy dishes consumers can use to serve soup. They often have matching lids and spoons, making them more of a set. However, consumers can use this server for more than soup. Tureens can also handle stews, chilis, and punch.
Here’s a little history: Soup tureens date back to the 17th century, when luxurious feasts often required elegant server ware. They still have a graceful air today, but with a more modern, practical vibe. Even in casual settings, tureens are gaining more attention because they turn any meal into an occasion.
Why soup tureens are hot right now
Soup tureens might seem old-school, but that’s exactly why they’re trending again. There’s something nostalgic and charming about them, especially with the rise of vintage-inspired home decor. People want functional and beautiful pieces—and soup tureens are the perfect mix of both.
With more people hosting dinner parties and intimate get-togethers, a stylish tureen adds that extra touch to any meal. The whole dining experience will feel special, as if the host went above and beyond. Selling soup tureens taps into that desire for memorable, elevated dining moments.
Factors to consider when choosing soup tureens to sell
1. Material
The material is one of the first things to consider when choosing soup tureens. It’s too important to ignore, as material attracts the target audience and determines the selling price. Here’s a table showing the different tureen material options.
| Material | Description |
| Ceramic | This is the go-to material for soup tureens, and for good reason. Ceramic tureens are durable, affordable, and available in various colors and patterns. They are incredibly easy to clean and retain temperature well. |
| Porcelain | Porcelain tureens are way more sophisticated than ceramic, thanks to their finer and more intricate designs. They will appeal to consumers seeking something more refined for their dinner table. |
| Stainless steel | Although stainless steel tureens may not be as common as ceramic, they are very attractive to consumers with minimalist or modern kitchens. The material is easy to maintain, sleek, and durable. |
| Silver and silver-plated | Do consumers want the ultimate statement piece? They can’t go wrong with silver tureens. They are perfect for high-end markets looking for something more luxurious. |
| Glass | Glass tureens are also less common but are incredibly eye-catching. Heat-resistant glass tureens may not retain heat well—however, they are great for cold soups like gazpacho. |
Note: Businesses must consider their target consumer’s lifestyles and tastes before stocking these materials. For example, ceramic and porcelain are perfect for casual home entertainers, while silver options will attract customers seeking heirloom-quality pieces.
2. Size
Soup tureens come in different sizes, and knowing which size to stock is crucial. Here’s a look at the various sizes.
| Size | Description |
| Small tureens (1-2 quarts) | These are perfect for intimate dinners, couples, or small families. Small tureens may be more appealing if the customer base consists of city dwellers or people with smaller households. |
| Medium tureens (2-4 quarts) | This size is ideal for family dinners or small dinner parties. Businesses should consider stocking varieties of medium-sized tureens because they hit that sweet spot for most customers. |
| Large tureens (4+ quarts) | A large tureen is the go-to for entertainers who love hosting large gatherings. This size works well for holidays, big family reunions, or huge parties. |
3. Design and style
The design of a soup tureen can elevate the consumer’s table setting and tie the whole look together. Usually, consumers will consider their existing dinnerware and look for a tureen that complements it. For example, formal gatherings often need something more elegant with intricate details.
On the other hand, more casual get-togethers can do with a simple, rustic design. Also, remember to consider color. Consumers will want something that pops against their tablecloth and blends nicely with the other decorations. Check out the following styles below:
| Tureen style | Ideal buyers |
| Classic styles | White porcelain with delicate floral designs or silver tureens with intricate handles are perfect examples of classic and traditional styles. They are timeless and will appeal to those looking for tureens with an old-world charm, especially if they have traditional tastes. |
| Rustic and homey | Soup tureens with hand-painted details, earthy colors, and textured finishes are perfect for the farmhouse or rustic chic crowd. These designs feel cozy and resonate well with homey, informal gatherings. |
| Modern and minimalist | Clean lines, neutral colors, and geometric shapes define the modern soup tureen. These are perfect for customers with contemporary kitchens who prefer sleek, understated designs. |
| Eclectic and Artistic: | There’s a market for bold and unconventional tureens. Handcrafted pieces with quirky designs, vibrant colors, or unusual shapes can stand out and attract a more creative customer base. |
4. Usability
Soup tureens should have practical features that make serving easy and fun. Businesses must look for tureens with spoons or a spot to rest one—consumers will appreciate how simple it is for their guests to serve themselves.
Handles are a big plus, too. Whether consumers carry the tureen or lift the lid, they make things more convenient. And it’s even better if businesses offer tureens with detachable inner lids or filters, as they’re perfect for separating solids from liquids.
Additionally, no one wants a soup tureen that’s tough to clean. So, retailers must ensure they stock dishwasher-safe or easy-to-hand-wash tureens. The handles should also be sturdy enough to support the tureen’s weight after consumers add their favorite liquid dishes. Lastly, each tureen should have lids with snug fits to keep the food’s temperature.
Final words
With the world engrossed in nostalgia, soup tureens are one of the many trends gaining attention again. They combine old-school charm with modern updates, appealing to consumers hoping to dine in style. From the material to the size and style, retailers should offer a tureen collection that appeals to different consumer tastes and budgets. Soup tureens are bringing a sense of occasion to everyday life, and if retailers choose the right ones with this guide, they will practically sell themselves.
