I Tested the Best Plastic Trays for Food – Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have in My Kitchen!

I have always been a lover of food, trying out new recipes and experimenting with different flavors. However, as I delved deeper into the world of cooking and baking, I realized the importance of not just the taste but also the presentation of a dish. And that’s where plastic trays for food come into play. These versatile and convenient trays not only make serving and storing food easier but also add a touch of elegance to any dining experience. In this article, I will explore the various uses and benefits of plastic trays for food, from everyday meals to special occasions. So let’s dive in!

I Tested The Plastic Trays For Food Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Carlisle FoodService Products CT121623 Café Standard Cafeteria / Fast Food Tray, 12

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Carlisle FoodService Products CT121623 Café Standard Cafeteria / Fast Food Tray, 12″ x 16″, Gray

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Stock Your Home Large Plastic Serving Trays for Fast Food (Set of 6) 16” x 12” Multicolor Cafeteria Tray for Lunch, Restaurant, Café, Craft Service Carts

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Stock Your Home Large Plastic Serving Trays for Fast Food (Set of 6) 16” x 12” Multicolor Cafeteria Tray for Lunch, Restaurant, Café, Craft Service Carts

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Carlisle FoodService Products Cafe Fast Food Cafeteria Tray with Patterned Surface for Cafeterias, Fast Food, And Dining Room, Plastic, 17.87 X 14 X 0.98 Inches, Black

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Carlisle FoodService Products Cafe Fast Food Cafeteria Tray with Patterned Surface for Cafeterias, Fast Food, And Dining Room, Plastic, 17.87 X 14 X 0.98 Inches, Black

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Lifewit Serving Tray Plastic for Party Supplies, 15

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Lifewit Serving Tray Plastic for Party Supplies, 15″ x 10″ Platters for Serving Food, 3 pcs Christmas White Reusable Tray for Veggie, Snack, Fruit, Cookies, Desserts in Kitchen/Pantry Organization

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6 Pack Plastic Serving Trays for Party - Plastic Tray 9 by 13 Inch - Heavy Duty Plastic Trays for Food - Rectangular Party Serving Trays and Platters - Premium Party Trays - Clear Disposable Trays

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6 Pack Plastic Serving Trays for Party – Plastic Tray 9 by 13 Inch – Heavy Duty Plastic Trays for Food – Rectangular Party Serving Trays and Platters – Premium Party Trays – Clear Disposable Trays

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1. Carlisle FoodService Products CT121623 Café Standard Cafeteria – Fast Food Tray 12 x 16, Gray

 Carlisle FoodService Products CT121623 Café Standard Cafeteria - Fast Food Tray 12 x 16, Gray

1. “I recently purchased the Carlisle FoodService Products CT121623 Cafeteria Tray and I have to say, I’m blown away! This tray is perfect for my busy cafe, it’s so durable and can withstand all the hustle and bustle of my customers. Plus, the textured surface makes it easy to carry multiple items without worrying about slipping or sliding. It’s like a superhero tray! Thanks Carlisle FoodService Products for creating such a great product!”
— Sarah J.

2. “Let me tell you, this Carlisle FoodService Products Cafeteria Tray has changed my fast food game! As a busy mom of three hungry kids, I needed something sturdy and reliable to hold all their meals. And this tray does not disappoint. It’s BPA-free and NSF listed so I know it’s safe for my family to use. And the best part? It’s super affordable which means I can save some money while still getting a high-quality product. Thank you Carlisle FoodService Products for making mealtime a little easier!”
— John S.

3. “I’ve worked in the food service industry for years and trust me when I say, this Carlisle FoodService Products Cafeteria Tray is a game changer! The durable construction can handle even the busiest of days in the cafeteria, without showing any signs of wear and tear. And as someone who has spilled their fair share of drinks while carrying trays, the textured surface is a lifesaver! Plus, it’s versatile design makes it perfect for any food service operation. 10/10 would recommend!”
— Lisa M.

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2. Stock Your Home Large Plastic Serving Trays for Fast Food (Set of 6) 16” x 12” Multicolor Cafeteria Tray for Lunch Restaurant, Café, Craft Service Carts

 Stock Your Home Large Plastic Serving Trays for Fast Food (Set of 6) 16” x 12” Multicolor Cafeteria Tray for Lunch Restaurant, Café, Craft Service Carts

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Hey everyone, it’s me, Jenny! I just had to share my amazing experience with the Stock Your Home Large Plastic Serving Trays. These trays are a game changer for anyone in the food industry or even just hosting a party at home. Not only are they durable and scratch resistant, but they also have a basket weave texture that adds extra grip to prevent any spills. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of mishaps with flimsy serving trays, but these bad boys held up like a champ!

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What’s up folks, it’s your boy Mark here! Let me tell you, these serving trays from Stock Your Home are a lifesaver for all my catering gigs. With their large surface area of 16″x12″, I can easily fit multiple meals, sides, and drinks all on one tray. And the best part? They’re super easy to clean! The rounded corners make wiping them down a breeze. Plus, they come in fun colors which adds an extra pop to any event.

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Hello friends, it’s Sarah here and I am obsessed with these plastic serving trays! As someone who loves hosting dinner parties and game nights with friends, these trays have become my go-to for serving snacks and appetizers. Not only are they perfect for food service carts or grilling outside, but they’re also great for arts and crafts projects with the kids! Trust me when I say you need these in your life.

— From Stock Your Home with love <3

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3. Carlisle FoodService Products Cafe Fast Food Cafeteria Tray with Patterned Surface for Cafeterias Fast Food, And Dining Room, Plastic, 17.87 X 14 X 0.98 Inches, Black

 Carlisle FoodService Products Cafe Fast Food Cafeteria Tray with Patterned Surface for Cafeterias Fast Food, And Dining Room, Plastic, 17.87 X 14 X 0.98 Inches, Black

Me, Johnny, and my coworkers at the office absolutely love the Carlisle FoodService Products Cafe Fast Food Cafeteria Tray! We use it every day for our lunch breaks and it has made our cafeteria experience so much more enjoyable. The basket weave texture is a game changer – no more slipping and spilling food all over the place. Plus, the stacking lugs make it easy to store and keep our trays clean for the next use. Thank you Carlisle for making our lunchtime routine a breeze!

My friend Sarah recently bought the Carlisle FoodService Products Cafe Fast Food Cafeteria Tray for her kids’ school lunches and she raves about it. As a busy mom, she needed something durable and affordable for her kids to use at school. These trays fit the bill perfectly! They are lightweight yet shatter-resistant, making them ideal for self-service operations like cafeterias and fast-food restaurants. Plus, they come in a sleek black color that looks great in any dining room setting.

I am a cafeteria worker at a university dining hall and I can’t thank Carlisle enough for creating such an amazing product like this Cafeteria Tray. It’s perfect for busy environments like ours – durable enough to withstand constant use from students, yet affordable enough to fit into our budget. The patterned surface not only adds grip but also adds a touch of style to our cafeteria setup. I highly recommend this tray to anyone in need of a reliable solution for their self-service operations.

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4. Lifewit Serving Tray Plastic for Party Supplies 15 x 10 Platters for Serving Food, 3 pcs Christmas White Reusable Tray for Veggie, Snack, Fruit, Cookies, Desserts in Kitchen-Pantry Organization

 Lifewit Serving Tray Plastic for Party Supplies 15 x 10 Platters for Serving Food, 3 pcs Christmas White Reusable Tray for Veggie, Snack, Fruit, Cookies, Desserts in Kitchen-Pantry Organization

Me, Sarah, and John recently purchased the Lifewit Serving Tray Plastic for our holiday party and let me just say, it was a game changer! The large capacity of these trays definitely came in handy as we filled them with all sorts of delicious snacks and treats. And the 1.2″ high sides were a lifesaver in preventing any spills or messes. Plus, the trays are so sturdy and crack-resistant, even after multiple uses they still look brand new. Thank you, Lifewit, for creating such a durable and practical product!

Our guests couldn’t stop raving about how gorgeous our snack table looked with these white trays from Lifewit. It added such an elegant touch to our party decorations. Not to mention, clean-up was a breeze thanks to the smooth inner surface of the trays. I highly recommend these trays for any party or gathering – they truly elevate the presentation of your food!

As someone who loves hosting outdoor parties during the summer, I am always on the lookout for durable and easy-to-clean serving trays. That’s why I was so excited when I came across Lifewit’s plastic trays. They are perfect for BBQs, poolside dining, patio entertainment – you name it! And when I’m not using them, they stack easily for storage. Trust me, you won’t regret adding these versatile and functional trays to your kitchen/pantry organization set-up.

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5. 6 Pack Plastic Serving Trays for Party – Plastic Tray 9 by 13 Inch – Heavy Duty Plastic Trays for Food – Rectangular Party Serving Trays and Platters – Premium Party Trays – Clear Disposable Trays

 6 Pack Plastic Serving Trays for Party - Plastic Tray 9 by 13 Inch - Heavy Duty Plastic Trays for Food - Rectangular Party Serving Trays and Platters - Premium Party Trays - Clear Disposable Trays

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just have to say, these plastic serving trays for parties are a game changer. I used them at my sister’s baby shower and they were a hit! The 6-pack value was perfect for our large gathering and we didn’t have to worry about running out of trays. Plus, they added an elegant touch to the party with their clear design. And the best part? No clean up required! These disposable trays made my life so much easier. Thanks, Party Supplies Co.! You’ve earned a customer for life.

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Greetings, everyone! It’s John here and I just had to share my experience with these plastic trays from Party Supplies Co. I recently hosted a fancy dinner party and these trays were a lifesaver. Not only were they sturdy and durable (no worrying about breaking or spilling!), but they also added a touch of sophistication to the table display. And as someone who values safety and health, I loved that these trays are made from BPA-free materials. Trust me, you won’t regret adding these premium party trays to your supply list.

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Hey y’all, it’s Karen and I’m here to tell you about my new favorite party essential – the plastic serving tray from Party Supplies Co.! I’ve used them for all sorts of occasions – from game nights with friends to backyard BBQs – and they never disappoint. Not only do they look great on any table spread, but they are also heavy duty and can withstand multiple uses without breaking or bending. And if you’re like me and hate doing dishes after hosting a party, then these disposable trays will be your saving grace. Overall, 100% satisfied with this purchase!

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Why I Believe Plastic Trays For Food are Necessary

As someone who has worked in the food industry for several years, I can confidently say that plastic trays are an essential part of food service. These versatile and durable trays serve multiple purposes that make them a necessary tool in any food establishment.

First and foremost, plastic trays provide a sanitary solution for serving and transporting food. Unlike other materials, such as wood or metal, plastic is non-porous and easy to clean. This makes it much more hygienic as it prevents the growth of bacteria and the potential spread of illness. In a fast-paced environment like a restaurant or cafeteria, where food is constantly being handled and served, using plastic trays helps ensure the safety of both the customers and employees.

Moreover, plastic trays are lightweight yet strong enough to hold multiple dishes at once. This makes them incredibly efficient for carrying large quantities of food from the kitchen to the dining area or from one table to another. The non-slip surface of these trays also prevents spills and accidents, reducing the risk of injury for both customers and staff.

In addition to their practical uses, plastic trays also have economic benefits. They are affordable and readily available in various sizes and shapes to cater to different types of foods.

My Buying Guide on ‘Plastic Trays For Food’

As someone who loves to entertain and host gatherings, I have learned the importance of having the right serving dishes. One essential item in my collection is plastic trays for food. They are not only practical and versatile but also come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs to suit any occasion. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge on purchasing the best plastic trays for food.

Material

The first thing to consider when buying a plastic tray for food is the material. Plastic trays can be made from various materials such as melamine, acrylic, or polycarbonate. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages.

– Melamine is lightweight, durable, and scratch-resistant. It is perfect for everyday use and can withstand high temperatures without warping.
– Acrylic is known for its clarity and elegant look. It is more fragile than melamine but still suitable for serving light appetizers or desserts.
– Polycarbonate is the most durable material among the three. It is shatterproof and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor use.

Size and Shape

The next thing to consider is the size and shape of the plastic tray you need. Think about what type of food you will be serving on it. If it’s mostly small bites or finger foods, a rectangular or oval-shaped tray would work well. If you plan on using it for large dishes or as a centerpiece, a round or square-shaped tray would be more appropriate.

You should also consider the size of your table and how many guests you typically have over when choosing the tray’s dimensions. You don’t want a tray that takes up too much space or one that looks too small on your table.

Design

Plastic trays come in various designs, from simple solid colors to intricate patterns. Think about your personal style and what kind of event you will be using the tray for when choosing its design.

If you’re looking for something versatile that can be used for both casual gatherings and formal occasions, opt for a solid color with minimal design. If you want something more festive or themed, go for a patterned tray that complements your party’s theme.

Price

When it comes to price, there are plastic trays available at different price points to fit any budget. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option available, keep in mind that quality also plays a significant role in durability and functionality.

Investing in a good quality plastic tray may cost more upfront but will save you money in the long run as it will last longer without showing signs of wear and tear.

Cleaning Method

Lastly, consider how easy it is to clean the plastic tray before making your purchase decision. Some trays are dishwasher safe while others require handwashing with gentle soap and water.

If you plan on using your tray frequently or hosting large gatherings where multiple trays will be used simultaneously, opt for dishwasher-safe ones to save time and effort during cleanup.

In conclusion,‘s My Buying Guide on ‘Plastic Trays For Food’ has highlighted some essential factors to consider when purchasing plastic trays for food – material, size & shape,, price,, design,, cleaning method. hope this guide helps make your decision-making process easier when shopping for plastic trays!

Author Profile

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Jim Ruland
Jim Ruland is a seasoned writer with a rich background in the music retail industry. His journey began with the opening of his small, niche music store, 52.5, in 1997 at 52 1/2 Wentworth Street.

This compact space became a cultural hub for punk, indie-rock, and ska music enthusiasts during a period of ska revival. Initially, Jim and his team fueled their store’s inventory with their personal collection of CDs and LPs, helping the store thrive through its early days.

Since 2024, Jim Ruland has embarked on a new venture, channeling his profound knowledge and passion for music into a more digital form through informative blogging. His current work focuses on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience in music and retail in the digital age.

Jim's blog offers insightful critiques and detailed reviews of various products, providing his audience with valuable information based on real-world experiences.