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Ready to ShipBakery trays are manufactured in a variety of materials, but trays made of plastic, having lids are gaining popularity. Today, many bakers prefer plastic bakery trays, owing to their strength, light weight, versatility and resistance to moisture and odor.
There are several types of plastic bakery trays, with some being stackable and others decorative plastic cake trays.
Cake trays are plastic and come with lids. They are ideal for storing cakes and pastries, protecting them from dust, moisture and other elements. These trays are usually airtight and prevent food from drying. They are strong enough to prevent crushing the cakes. Good examples of plastic cake trays with lids are trays that can be stacked.
Clear plastic cake stands enable the customer to see all the delicacies within the tray. Clear plastic cake trays are usually clear, although they can also have a colored bottom. Clear plastic trays improve the presentation of goods in bakeries, during merchandising or sales at special events.
Plastic pastry trays carry plastic lids to protect pastries, donuts, bread and other baked goods. These trays are made to hold things like croissants and eclairs and have rows or dividers to keep them from touching each other. Plastic trays are also handy for carrying pastries from one area to another.
Stackable bakery trays are intended for effective storage and transport in busy bakeries. Stackable trays are designed to allow one tray to fit over the other easily, saving floor space and increasing vertical storage. Many stackable trays are made with strong corners to support heavy weights without bending or breaking.
The choice of material is very important in ensuring that the trays are functional, durable and sustainable.
Polypropylene is a slightly flexible but strong plastic. It is clear and light, which makes it ideal for use in cake and pastry trays. Polypropylene is also affordable and easy to make in different shapes. PP trays are heat resistant, which makes them ideal for warm baked products.
High-density polyethylene is known for its hardness and resistance to low-density polyethylene. These properties make it fit to carry bakery trays. HDPE is also chemical resistant and strong, which makes it possible to carry heavy foods without deforming. HDPE trays may not be as clear as polycarbonate, but they are affordable and hard wearing for regular use.
Polycarbonate trays are clear, stiff, strong and heat resistant. This makes them suitable for cakes, which require good presentation and support. Polycarbonate trays are also clear and good for blending, thus improving the presentation. However, polycarbonate tends to be slightly more expensive than other plastics.
Expanded polystyrene comes in light and versatile trays, and is very preferred, as it is lightweight and shock absorbing. Eps trays also help protect cakes and complex ones, ensuring they arrive safely. Eps trays are extremely affordable, but the trays can be deformed when exposed to heat.
The designs of plastic bakery trays are determined by their specific functionality, such as storage, transport and display of various bakery products. Some common design features include:
Flocking trays are designed to increase the attractiveness of cakes by supporting them without damaging their surface. Flocking trays have a soft and textured surface that prevents the cake from sliding or leaving permanent indentations on the cake surface. Flocking trays are the best option for cakes because they are gentle and reliable.
Bakery display trays are designed to be more elegant and better suited for use in retail bakeries. These trays may add elements such as handles, feet, lids or decorative colors and patterns. They are also clear or frosted finish. Display trays are used in the bakery to enhance the elegance of the displayed items and their availability.
Plastic cupcake trays have special spaces for each designed cupcake to prevent touching and mixing of ingredients. Each space is specially designed to support the cupcake with frosting to keep it in place. Most plastic cupcake trays with lids can be used to store cupcakes for sales or given out at events such as birthday parties or weddings.
Transfer pans are used to carry food products from one place to another. These pans have small, raised dots called “blisters” on the bottom surface that put a light grip on bottom of the food, such as doughnuts or bread, to transfer them without smashing them. Transfer pans help move delicate baked goods safely.
Plastic cake trays with domed lids can be used to improve the height and appearance of cakes and other tall pastries. The dome-shaped cover provides added room over the top of the item so that product does not touch lid. This permits taller items a bit of height without being squished. Domed lids are popular for cakes, cream puffs, eclairs, etc. because of their height and decorative appearance.
Every lady knows that a plastic cake tray is one of the kitchen essentials, and there are myriad uses to these trays in any kitchen.
Bakery trays enable warm items to cool evenly without moisture build up on bottom. Trays also eliminate warm air pockets around bread helping it cool evenly without becoming damp. Plastic trays are also handy for storing baked goods like bread, cakes and cookies to keep them fresh longer.
Plastic bakery trays with lids enable safe carrying of cakes, pies, pastries and other delicate items without damage. The tight fitting lids protect items inside from dust and airborne contaminants while also keeping them from crushing during bumpy ride in a car. Light weight plastic make trays easy to handle even when fully loaded transporting baked goods.
Clear plastic trays showcase cupcakes, cookies or pastries beautifully. Also, frosting and decorations can be seen through tray add eye catching display to countertops or shelves. Plastic trays lend themselves to creating attractive centerpieces at events for cakes and desserts to be elegantly displayed.
Bakery trays help keep ingredients supplies like flour, sugar and yeast easily accessible yet neatly organized. The trays can be used to group together less frequently used tools or pans to have storage area tidy and well arranged. Using trays helps prevent items from getting jumbled or lost while searching for what is needed during baking sessions.
These trays are ideal for restaurants and when carrying cookware from one place to another. They enable cushioning of items with lower risk of breaking during movement such as glassware, dinner plates and utensils. Both lightweight and stackable, they make the best option to transport as many items as possible at once safely.
There are a few considerations that need to be put in place when choosing the appropriate plastic bakery trays.
The material chosen affects the durability, flexibility and appearance of the tray. Polypropylene is slightly flexible, but clear and appealing, hence ideal for wedding cakes and display. High density polyethylene is opaque and not as appealing but incredibly strong for transferring products. Polycarbonate is clear, stiff and heat resistant, thus ideal for cakes. Expanded polystyrene is light and excellent for fragile items.
The size of the tray will depend on the size of the cakes it will be holding. Large trays are ideal for large cakes and cake domes, but not for eclairs or pastries. Larger trays can also be used to store many items at once like many cookies. There are trays of different sizes so that large cakes and many baked goodies or even small pastries will fit nicely.
Lids can be airtight or just loosely fitted. Airtight lids keep things fresh by limiting air from drying out cakes or letting in dust. These are great when delivering cakes or letting them sit out at parties. Loosely fitted lids allow air to move, good for things like bread that need some airflow.
Handles make transferring trays easy. Larger handles give nice grip for carrying heavier items. Integrated handles save effort as they are part of tray, not attachments. Some trays don't have handles at all and these are meant more for things like displays.
Bakery trays are designed for different weights. Lightweight trays suitable for carrying delicate items like pastries. Heavy duty construction for items with profound weight such as bread or cake pans. The intended use will also dictate the type of tray to purchase.
Plastic bakery trays come in rectangular shapes which are more common than the round shapes. The rectangular shape fits nicely in most ovens and refrigerators. The round trays work well for round cakes. There are also fancier styles available including colored or patterned trays. A standard flat tray with straight raised sides is preferred for practicality purposes.
A1: Yes, plastic bakery trays can be washed and reused many times if cared for properly. Gentle dish soap and warm water work good for everyday cleaning. Strong chemicals and abrasive scrubbers should be avoided as they can scratch or weaken the plastic over time.
A2: Many plastic bakery trays are dishwasher safe, however, high temperatures in dishwashers should be avoided, as this could warp or weaken the tray. Home owners should confirm from the manufacturer if the specific tray can withstand dishwasher temperatures. Washing by hand in lukewarm water prolongs the life of the tray.
A3: Some plastic trays may begin to fade or weaken if left in direct sunlight for long periods. Polycarbonate trays are more UV resistant than others, but still may not be suitable for prolonged outdoor use. EPF trays are more likely to warp or degrade from constant sun exposure.
A4: There are many people who have managed to paint plastic trays successfully. Use a primer made for plastics along with flexible paints meant to withstand bending and washing. However, paint may eventually chip off with frequent washing or heavy use. If the more permanent look is to be achieved, a sealer can be applied over the top after painting.
A5: Strong chemicals that could degrade the plastic should be avoided. Also, avoid prolonged exposure to high heat as this can warp the material. Follow care instructions for type of plastic used to ensure tray maintains its shape and usability for many years.
