Food Service Trays Key Terms

Understand terms used to describe the function of trays

Almost every sector of the food service industry uses trays. When imagining a food service tray, the average person may first picture a waiter's or waitress's platter, but you can use trays for things other than just to serve drinks and meals. You can use them to create and display food in restaurants, delis, bakeries, supermarkets, hotels and catering establishments. As you shop for food service trays, it's not likely you'll run across many terms that confuse you. However, you'll find trays designed for specific purposes, and if you understand the terms used to describe those purposes, you'll end up finding and buying the sort of trays you need more easily and quickly.

 

Cork trays

Cork trays are plastic, rimmed trays lined with cork. The cork helps prevent slipping and absorbs small amounts of fluid from drinks or pitchers.
Try: Carlisle Foodservice Products describes the general make up of a typical cork tray.

Proofing tray

To proof while baking allows breads or other items with yeast to sit and rise. Bakers can use proofing trays as a place for breads or other goods to rest while they rise.
Try: Losurdo Foods explains how to properly proof its pizza dough on proofing trays.

Display pans

Display pans are actually trays that you can use for displaying food items, usually within a glass fronted case. You'll see this type of tray in bakeries, delis and supermarkets.
Try: Molded Fiber Glass Tray Company describes the common uses of display pans. Click on the "View Models & Sizes" link and read more about common sizes and durability.

Nonskid tray

You can use nonskid trays for serving food and beverages. Most manufacturers make these from plastic, and they usually have a lip all the way around the round or rectangular edge, as well as a nonskid surface attached to the inside bottom.
Try: WEBstraunt Store describes the make up of a typical nonskid tray.

Market trays

Market trays are plain, rectangular plastic trays used for displaying desserts, salads, pastries and the like. You can also use them to serve fast food.
Try: The Globe Equipment Company pictures and describes typical market trays.

Room service trays

Room service trays hold dishes of food that staff need to carry to a hotel room. They may be plastic, wood or some other material. To make carrying easier, they usually have raised edges on every side and finger holes.
Try: Architectural Plastics showcases a typical room service tray.

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