Pizza Savers: The History and Function of the Tiny Plastic Table
If you have ever ordered a pizza for delivery, you have likely encountered a small, three-legged plastic object sitting right in the center of your meal. Often referred to as a pizza table or pizza stool, this humble device plays a critical role in ensuring your dinner arrives in perfect condition.
While it might seem like a strange addition to a food box, the pizza saver serves a vital structural purpose. Its primary job is to prevent the top of the food container—such as a pizza or cake box—from collapsing inward and touching the food inside. By providing a physical barrier, it protects the integrity of the meal during transit.
Beyond preventing structural collapse, these devices offer several secondary benefits. They help keep cheese and toppings securely in place during the delivery process, ensuring the pizza looks as intended when it reaches the customer. Additionally, they allow customers to pull individual slices apart without having to touch the food directly.
Key Facts
- Primary Function: Prevents the box lid from sagging and touching the food.
- Common Design: Typically made of plastic with three or four legs.
- Historical Patent: Carmela Vitale was issued a patent for a "package saver" in 1985.
- Alternative Uses: Some users repurpose them as egg holders when turned upside down.
- Design Variations: Some versions include serrated legs to assist in cutting through cheese.
The Evolution of the Pizza Saver
Early Patents and Origins
The concept of a dedicated pizza separator has a global history. In 1974, Claudio Daniel Troglia of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was issued a patent for a plastic three-legged stool. He called his invention "SEPI" (short for separador de pizza), though the patent was not renewed. In Argentina, these are commonly known as guardapizza or mesita.
A more widely recognized milestone occurred in the United States. On February 10, 1983, Carmela Vitale of Dix Hills, New York, filed a patent for a device she called a "package saver." The patent was issued on February 12, 1985. Although the patent lapsed in 1993 due to unpaid maintenance fees, the device became a staple of the industry, eventually being renamed the "pizza saver" by the public.
Modern Variations and Alternatives
Over the years, inventors have created several variations of the device. Some designs feature a disposable plastic spatula where the handle supports the box lid. Other versions utilize a tripod design similar to the original patents but include a serrated leg to act as a knife, making it easier to cut through stuck cheese and crust.
Interestingly, not all pizzerias use plastic savers. Some establishments have returned to an older method: baking a small bread ball directly into the center of the pizza to provide natural structural support.
Cultural Impact and Design Inspiration
The "table" design of the pizza saver has inspired various creative projects. In the 1980s, children often repurposed these small plastic objects as miniature tables for action figures like G.I. Joe. In 2013, the invention of Carmela Vitale was even celebrated in a song on the comedy sketch show John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme.
In recent years, the design has crossed over into the world of furniture. In 2018, Boston Pizza in Canada ran a promotion that turned the pizza table into a miniature patio set complete with tiny plastic chairs. Even more remarkably, in March 2020, Pizza Hut Hong Kong and IKEA collaborated to create the SÄVA, a side table designed to resemble a pizza saver. The table was sold in packaging that mimicked a pizza box, complete with instructions suggesting a pairing with a Swedish meatball pizza.
Summary of Pizza Saver History
| Year | Inventor | Name/Term | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Claudio Daniel Troglia | SEPI (Separador de pizza) | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| 1985 | Carmela Vitale | Package Saver | Dix Hills, New York |
| 2018 | Boston Pizza | Patio Set Promotion | Canada |
| 2020 | Pizza Hut & IKEA | SÄVA Side Table | Hong Kong |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a small plastic table in my pizza box?
It is there to prevent the top of the cardboard box from sagging into the center of the pizza, which would cause the lid to touch and ruin your toppings and cheese.
What are the different names for a pizza saver?
Common names include pizza table, pizza stool, package saver, guardapizza, and mesita.
Can I reuse a pizza saver?
While they are typically intended to be disposable and discarded by the customer, some people find secondary uses for them, such as using them upside down as egg holders.
Are there any alternatives to using plastic pizza savers?
Yes, some pizzerias use the traditional method of baking a bread ball into the center of the pizza to provide support for the box lid.
Has the pizza saver ever been turned into real furniture?
Yes, IKEA and Pizza Hut Hong Kong collaborated in 2020 to create a side table called the SÄVA, which was designed to look like a pizza saver.