Kitchen

Review: The Best Food Service Display Trays

In today's competitive food service industry, a high-quality display tray is more than just a serving accessory—it’s a key element that elevates food presentation and streamlines operations. Our expert team conducted rigorous research, hands-on testing, and gathered extensive consumer feedback to bring you a curated selection of the best food service display trays available. Whether you run a busy catering service, a trendy café, or a commercial food establishment, choosing the right display tray can make all the difference.

Our Methodology

We evaluated each display tray through a combination of real-world usage, expert opinions, and direct consumer feedback. The key factors considered include:

  • Durability: How well the tray withstands daily use and heavy-duty service.
  • Design & Aesthetics: The visual appeal and practical design features such as size, weight, and ease of cleaning.
  • Functional Value: Whether the tray offers the optimal balance between cost and performance.
  • User Experience: Insights from professionals in food service environments, ensuring our ranking reflects real operational needs.

This comprehensive approach ensures that our recommendations are both research-driven and consumer-friendly.

Best Budget Pick
HUBERT Market Display Tray

HUBERT Market Display Tray

Crafted from durable fiberglass, this 18"L x 13"W x 1"H tray offers a sleek black finish. Perfect for showcasing food items, it combines practicality with style, making it an ideal choice for any market.

$24 from Amazon

For establishments watching their bottom line without compromising on quality, the HUBERT Black Fiberglass Market Display Tray (18" L x 13" W x 1" H) stands out as an exceptional choice. Crafted with robust fiberglass construction, this tray delivers impressive durability while maintaining a sleek, modern appearance. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for smaller setups or as a secondary serving piece, providing excellent functionality at an accessible price point. This tray has received high marks from testers for its resilience and ease of cleaning, making it a smart budget-friendly option for any food service environment.

Premium Choice
American Metalcraft Seafood Tray

American Metalcraft Seafood Tray

This American Metalcraft seafood tray, made of durable stainless steel, is ideal for serving seafood. With a manageable weight of 6.585 pounds, it's easy to handle and clean.

$11 from Amazon

When style and performance go hand in hand, the GET ML-88-SO Food Service Display Tray (13.75" x 9.5") emerges as a premium offering. The Venetian design gives it a refined, upscale look that is perfect for high-end establishments looking to impress discerning customers. In our testing, this tray demonstrated excellent break resistance and effortless maintenance, making it not only visually appealing but also highly practical. Its modern aesthetic and robust build quality make it a standout option for businesses that prioritize both form and function.

Best Value for Money
HUBERT Market Display Tray

HUBERT Market Display Tray

Upgrade your merchandising with the HUBERT Market Display Tray. Its efficient 26L x 18W x 1H fiberglass design offers durability and a sleek appearance, perfect for showcasing products.

$32 from Amazon

For operations that require a bit more surface area without a hefty price tag, the HUBERT Black Fiberglass Market Display Tray (26" L x 18" W x 1" H) offers a compelling blend of size, strength, and affordability. With its extended dimensions, this tray is perfect for large tableside presentations or buffet settings where ample display space is a must. It maintains the high-standard fiberglass construction typical of the HUBERT line, ensuring that durability is never compromised. Overall, its generous size and competitive price make it an outstanding value proposition for food service professionals looking to maximize their display capabilities.

Editors Choice
Carlisle FoodService Products Display Tray

Carlisle FoodService Products Display Tray

This versatile market tray is ideal for serving and transporting food. Its lightweight design, durable fiberglass, and easy maintenance make it perfect for catering and home kitchens.

$187 from Amazon

Our top pick for professionals is the Carlisle FoodService Products 269FMT301 Food Service Display Tray (9" x 26", White), available in a pack of 12. Designed for high-volume, demanding commercial environments, this tray combines robust fiberglass construction with an optimal design for efficient food service. Its elongated shape is ideal for displaying a wide array of items, from appetizers to main courses, ensuring a neat and attractive presentation. The pack-of-12 offering not only ensures consistency across service but also provides a cost-effective solution for large operations. For reliability and outstanding performance in high-traffic settings, this tray has earned our highest recommendation.

Comparative Overview

Below is a quick comparison of our top picks:

  • Best Budget Pick: HUBERT Black Fiberglass Market Display Tray (18" x 13"), offering impressive durability in a compact and economical design.
  • Premium Choice: GET ML-88-SO Food Service Display Tray with a sophisticated Venetian design, ideal for upscale venues.
  • Best Value for Money: HUBERT Black Fiberglass Market Display Tray (26" x 18"), providing extra display space and robust construction at a competitive price.
  • Editors Choice: Carlisle FoodService Products 269FMT301 (Pack of 12), a top-performing tray perfect for high-volume commercial use.

Each tray excels in specific areas, making it easier for you to find the ideal solution for your unique needs.

Final Recommendation

After detailed testing and extensive consumer research, our recommendation is clear. For smaller setups on a budget, the HUBERT Black Fiberglass Market Display Tray (18" x 13") is an excellent choice. If you seek an elegant, high-end option, the GET ML-88-SO tray stands out. For those needing extra display area without sacrificing quality, the larger HUBERT model (26" x 18") offers exceptional value. And for commercial foodservice operations looking for consistency and durability, the Carlisle FoodService Products tray (Pack of 12) is our Editors Choice.

Each of these trays has been rigorously evaluated, ensuring that your final choice is backed by real-world performance and professional insights. Choose the one that best fits your operational needs, and enjoy improved efficiency and presentation in your food service setting.