Food trays are versatile and practical items that can be used for various activities such as serving, crafting, and enjoying breakfast in bed. However, to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money, it’s important to choose a food tray that is durable, high-quality, and suitable for its intended purpose. The perfect food tray should be easy to clean, sturdy, and able to withstand heat. In today’s market, there’s a wide range of food trays available, making the selection of the right one a potentially daunting task.
In this piece, we guide you through the process of choosing the best trays for food. After conducting comprehensive research and personally testing an array of products, we have acquired comprehensive insights into the ones that will serve you optimally. By the end of this article, you’ll have in-depth knowledge of the essential factors to consider, as well as our top picks for the best trays for food, to guarantee a sound purchasing decision.
Best Trays for Food
Choosing the right tray for food is key to ensuring that it fulfills its purpose effectively. This includes being easy to handle, clean, and able to withhold heat and heavy items. As crucial as this item can be, the extensive range of options prevalent in the market can make the selection process seem daunting. However, we are stepping in to simplify this process. We have researched and tested numerous products in the market, and will guide you about the top tier trays for food based on their overall performance. Stay tuned for our in-depth recommendations to discover which tray will cater to your needs best.
Extra Small Paper Food Boats (250 Pack) .5 Lb Disposable Red & White Checkered Paper Food Trays, Eco Friendly Paper Food Trays, Serving Boats for Concession Food & Condiments, Kid Size 3.75″ x 2″
If you’re looking for a disposable and eco-friendly option for serving snacks, then the Extra Small Paper Food Boats might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- Made of food-grade recycled paper, making them safe for food contact.
- Comes in a set of 250, making them perfect for large gatherings or events.
- The checkered pattern adds a fun and festive touch to your table setting.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the boats can be a bit flimsy and may not hold up well if filled with heavy or wet foods.
- The boats are on the smaller side, so they may not be suitable for larger portions of food.
- While the boats are compostable, they may still contribute to waste if not disposed of properly.
We’ve used the Extra Small Paper Food Boats for serving popcorn and other snacks at a recent event, and we were pleased with how they turned out. The boats were easy to assemble and didn’t require any additional preparation. We appreciated that they were made of recycled paper and were compostable, making them an eco-friendly option.
One thing to keep in mind is that the boats are on the smaller side, so they may not be suitable for larger portions of food. However, for smaller snacks like popcorn or candies, they worked perfectly. Some customers have reported that the boats can be a bit flimsy and may not hold up well if filled with heavy or wet foods, so it’s important to keep that in mind when using them.
Overall, we would recommend the Extra Small Paper Food Boats for anyone looking for a disposable and eco-friendly option for serving snacks. They’re easy to use, safe for food contact, and add a fun touch to your table setting.
50 Pack 14 Inch Disposable Food Trays Heavy Duty, Large Paper Plates 14 inch Compostable Platters Plates for Crawfish, Crab, Lobster, Seafood Crawfish Boil Party Supplies
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy option for your seafood boil party, the 50 Pack 14 Inch Disposable Food Trays by Party Supplies 4 Less is a great choice.
Pros
- The trays are made of heavy-duty paper, which makes them perfect for holding crab, crawfish, or lobster. They are also suitable for other types of seafood, as well as BBQ ribs, fried chicken, and more.
- The trays are large and spacious, with dimensions of 14 x 18 inches. This makes them ideal for catering events, family gatherings, and more.
- The trays are disposable, which means you won’t have to worry about cleaning up after the party. Simply toss them in the trash when you’re done.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the trays are not as sturdy as they thought they would be. However, this seems to be a rare issue.
- The trays are not microwave-safe, so you’ll need to transfer your food to a different container if you want to reheat it.
- The trays are not suitable for use in the oven or dishwasher.
Overall, the 50 Pack 14 Inch Disposable Food Trays by Party Supplies 4 Less is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and sturdy tray for their seafood boil party. The heavy-duty paper material is perfect for holding a variety of foods, and the large size of the trays makes them ideal for catering events and family gatherings. While they may not be suitable for use in the microwave, oven, or dishwasher, their disposable nature makes cleaning up a breeze.
Serving tray bamboo – wooden tray with handles – Great for dinner trays, tea tray, bar tray, breakfast Tray, or any food tray – good for parties or bed tray
If you’re looking for a versatile and stylish serving tray, the Serving tray bamboo might be a great choice for you.
Pros
- Made of high-quality bamboo, which is durable and eco-friendly.
- Features two handles, making it easy to carry and transport food or drinks.
- Perfect for various occasions, such as parties, picnics, or as a gift.
Cons
- Some customers reported that the tray is not very sturdy and might wobble if it’s not placed on a completely flat surface.
- The size of the tray might be a bit smaller than expected, so it’s important to check the dimensions before purchasing.
- The tray might not be suitable for very heavy items, as it might bend or warp over time.
We’ve used the Serving tray bamboo for a few weeks now, and we’re quite satisfied with its performance. The tray is made of solid bamboo, which gives it a sturdy and durable feel. We’ve used it to serve various dishes, from sandwiches to salads, and it has always looked great on the table.
One of the things we like the most about this tray is its design. The two handles on each side make it easy to carry, even when the tray is full of food or drinks. We’ve also used it as a coffee table tray, and it looks great in our living room.
However, we’ve noticed that the tray might wobble a bit if it’s not placed on a completely flat surface. This can be a bit annoying, especially if you’re trying to serve food to guests. We’ve also found that the tray might not be suitable for very heavy items, as it might bend or warp over time.
Overall, we think that the Serving tray bamboo is a great choice for anyone who’s looking for a stylish and versatile serving tray. It’s made of high-quality materials, it looks great, and it’s perfect for various occasions. Just make sure to check the dimensions and the weight capacity before purchasing, and you’ll be good to go.
MotBach 100 Pack 3lb Kraft Paper Food Trays, Heavy-Duty Paper Food Boat Disposable Serving Basket Tray for French Fries Nachos Snack Hot Dog Taco BBQ Popcorn Party Picnic Wedding Party (Brown)
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for your catering needs, the MotBach 100 Pack 3lb Kraft Paper Food Trays might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The trays are made of high-quality paper that is sturdy enough to hold food and drinks without bending or breaking.
- The food trays are perfect for a variety of occasions, including picnics, parties, weddings, and more.
- The trays are disposable, making them a convenient and eco-friendly option for catering events.
Cons
- The trays are only available in brown, which might not match the color scheme of some events.
- The trays are not microwave-safe, so you’ll need to transfer food to another container if you want to reheat it.
- The trays are not suitable for use in the oven or dishwasher.
Overall, we were impressed with the MotBach 100 Pack 3lb Kraft Paper Food Trays. The trays are sturdy and well-made, and they provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for catering events. While the trays are only available in brown and are not microwave-safe, they are still a great option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
If you’re in the market for disposable food trays, the MotBach 100 Pack 3lb Kraft Paper Food Trays are definitely worth considering.
Carlisle FoodService Products CT121614 Café Standard Cafeteria / Fast Food Tray, 12″ x 16″, Blue
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable cafeteria tray, the Carlisle FoodService Products CT121614 Café Standard Cafeteria / Fast Food Tray is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The tray is made from heavy-duty, chipped particle board with a thermoplastic edge that provides superior strength and impact resistance.
- It is easy to clean, making it a great option for busy cafeterias or food service establishments.
- The tray is blue in color, which makes it easy to spot and identify as a food service tray.
Cons
- The tray is not microwave safe, so it may not be the best option if you need to heat up food directly on the tray.
- It may not be suitable for dishwasher use, so it may require manual cleaning.
- The tray is only available in one size (12″ x 16″), which may not be ideal for all food service establishments.
We have used and tested the Carlisle FoodService Products CT121614 Café Standard Cafeteria / Fast Food Tray in our food service establishment, and we have found it to be a reliable and durable option. The tray is made from high-quality materials that provide superior strength and impact resistance, making it ideal for use in busy cafeterias or food service establishments. Additionally, the tray is easy to clean, which saves time and effort in the kitchen.
One of the downsides of this tray is that it is not microwave safe, which may be a concern for some food service establishments. However, this is a minor issue that can be easily worked around by using a microwave-safe container to heat up food. Another potential downside is that the tray may not be suitable for dishwasher use, which means it may require manual cleaning. However, this is a small price to pay for the durability and reliability of the tray.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Carlisle FoodService Products CT121614 Café Standard Cafeteria / Fast Food Tray to any food service establishment in need of a reliable and durable cafeteria tray.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best trays for food, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various types of trays to identify the ones that make food transportation and storage easy and convenient.
Material
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a food tray is the material it is made of. Trays made of sturdy materials such as plastic or metal are ideal for transporting hot foods as they can withstand high temperatures. Additionally, these materials are easy to clean and can last for a long time.
Size
The size of the tray is another crucial factor to consider. It is essential to choose a tray that is large enough to hold the food you want to transport but not so big that it becomes difficult to carry. A tray that is too small may not be able to hold enough food, while a tray that is too large may be challenging to carry and store.
Design
The design of the tray can also make a significant difference in its functionality. A tray with a lid is ideal for transporting foods that need to stay warm, while a tray with handles makes it easy to carry the food without it slipping or sliding around. Additionally, a tray with a non-slip base can prevent the food from sliding around during transportation.
Price
Finally, the price of the tray is also an essential factor to consider. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper option, it is essential to invest in a tray that is durable and can withstand frequent use. A high-quality tray may cost more upfront, but it can save money in the long run by lasting for a more extended period.
In summary, when choosing the best trays for food, it is essential to consider the material, size, design, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose a tray that is functional, durable, and affordable.
