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APS
In Stock
Element Tray GN 1/1 | Gastronorm Container | Stainless Steel Food Tray | APS DB963
£68.85
/ exc vat
£82.62/ inc vat
- Durable Melamine Construction
- Concrete-Style Finish
- Standard GN 1/1 Sizing
- Commercial Dishwasher Safe
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Product Overview
Thinking about a fresh look for your buffet or food display? This is the APS Element Tray, a fantastic bit of kit designed to give your presentation a seriously stylish, modern edge. Crafted from tough melamine but with a striking concrete-style finish, it offers a sophisticated alternative to the usual polished steel. It’s a full GN 1/1 size, so it slots perfectly into your existing setup, whether that’s a chilled display counter, a server station, or a catering line.
It’s perfect for cafes, delis, hotels, and event caterers who want their food to do the talking. If you’re serving vibrant salads, artisan sandwiches, beautiful cakes, or premium deli items, this tray provides a dramatic, neutral backdrop that makes your food pop. It’s all about creating that high-end, architectural feel without the hassle. It's much lighter than real concrete and far more durable than ceramic, giving you the best of both worlds.
Combining German design from APS with real-world practicality, this professional kitchen food pan is fully commercial dishwasher safe, lightweight for easy handling, and built to withstand the bumps of a busy service. Forget the standard fare; this is how you make your food display a centrepiece. It's a simple swap that makes a massive difference to your presentation game.
Key Features and Benefits
- Durable Melamine Construction: Resists chips and scratches for a long-lasting, smart appearance.
- Concrete-Style Finish: Gives a trendy, urban look to make your food presentation stand out.
- Standard GN 1/1 Sizing: Fits seamlessly into your existing bain-maries and food prep stations.
- Commercial Dishwasher Safe: Makes for a super quick and easy clean-up after a busy service.
- Lightweight Design: Easy for your team to carry and set up, unlike heavy ceramic or stone.
- Sloped Edges: Creates a professional look and makes serving just that little bit easier.
- Excellent for Cold Food Display: Perfect for showing off salads, desserts, and sandwiches in style.
- Stackable for Storage: Saves you precious space in the kitchen when not in use.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: APS
- SKU: DB963
- Dimensions: 530(L) x 325(W)mm (GN 1/1)
- Weight: 1.869 kg
- Material: Melamine
- Colour: Grey (Concrete Effect)
- Temperature Range: Suitable for cold food service only.
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Expert Review and Insights
The APS Element tray is a brilliant piece for anyone looking to break away from the sea of stainless steel. It’s got a superb, tactile finish that feels premium and instantly modernises a buffet line. It’s light, practical, and proves that functional equipment can also be a key part of your décor. A very smart choice for presentation-led businesses.
Hannah Cartwright – Buffet Equipment Expert View Profile →
- Top-Tier Aesthetics: The concrete effect is a real head-turner and elevates food display.
- Not for Hot Holding: It's for cold presentation only; it can't go in an oven or hot lamp.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Copper Spoon, a high-end corporate caterer based in Leeds, was looking to refresh its presentation equipment to better reflect its premium menu. Their standard stainless steel pans felt clinical and didn't match the vibrant, fresh food they were known for.
"We needed our serving dishes to look as good as the food tastes. The moment we switched to these APS Element trays, the feedback was instant. Clients commented on the modern, stylish look, and it just made our whole setup feel more polished and professional."
Robert Davies – Operations Manager
The visual upgrade directly contributed to a stronger brand image, helping them secure three new high-value corporate contracts within a quarter.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Wash thoroughly with warm, soapy water before the first use.
- The GN 1/1 size is standard, so it will fit right into compatible buffet stations or prep counters.
- Perfect for immediate use in cold displays and service counters.
Keeping It Going
- This tray is commercial dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Avoid using abrasive scourers or harsh chemicals to protect the finish.
- Do not use in conventional ovens, microwaves, or under direct heat lamps.
- Stack carefully with other melamine items to prevent scuffs during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this tray oven safe?
A: No, this tray is made from melamine and is designed for cold food presentation only. It should not be used in ovens, microwaves, or under heat lamps.
Q: What does GN 1/1 mean?
A: GN 1/1 refers to the standard 'Gastronorm' size of 530 x 325mm. It’s a universal measurement for catering containers and equipment, ensuring everything fits together.
Q: Is it as heavy as it looks?
A: Not at all! That's the beauty of its melamine construction. It has the visual weight of concrete but is surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle.
Q: Will it stain easily with things like beetroot or curry?
A: High-quality melamine has good stain resistance. However, for very strong-coloured foods, it's best to wash the tray as soon as possible after use to keep it looking its best.
Q: How does it compare to a standard stainless steel GN 1/1 gastronorm tray?
A: A steel tray is better for cooking and hot holding. This melamine tray is far superior for presentation, offering a modern, stylish look that makes food stand out. It's also lighter but not suitable for heat.
Q: Can I put it in the freezer?
A: Yes, melamine is generally safe for use in freezers, making it great for prepping chilled desserts or salads.
Q: Is it unbreakable?
A: It is very durable and shatter-resistant, making it a much safer option than ceramic or glass. However, like all materials, it can be damaged if dropped from a significant height onto a hard surface.
Q: Are there other matching items in this 'Element' range?
A: Yes, APS offers a range of items in the Element collection, allowing you to create a coordinated and professional look across your entire buffet display.
The APS Advantage: Presentation That Performs
Choosing APS isn't just about buying a piece of equipment; it's about investing in your presentation. With a heritage of German design and engineering, APS understands that in the modern food industry, aesthetics and functionality must go hand-in-hand. This Element tray is a perfect example. It moves beyond the purely utilitarian nature of a typical GN 1/1 food container and becomes an integral part of your brand's story. By investing in superior presentation, you elevate the perceived value of your food, create a more memorable customer experience, and build a reputation for quality and attention to detail. This isn't just a tray; it's a tool for differentiation in a competitive market, delivering long-term value by making your display as impressive as your menu.
Explore more from APSWhy Melamine Makes All the Difference
Ever wondered how this tray gets that cool, stone-like look without weighing a ton? The secret is in the material: melamine. Think of it as a super-tough, premium plastic that's completely food-safe and incredibly versatile. Whilst a traditional stainless steel GN 1/1 gastronorm tray is pressed from metal, these trays are moulded, which allows for creative finishes like this realistic concrete effect.
It's a bit like the difference between a basic lino floor and high-end composite flooring. Both do the job, but one offers a massive leap in style and feel. Melamine gives you the visual punch of heavy, expensive materials but with the practical benefits of being lightweight, shatter-resistant, and dishwasher-safe. It’s the smart way to get a high-end look without the high-maintenance drawbacks.
Who Should Buy This?
- Boutique Hotels: Perfect for creating an upscale, contemporary breakfast buffet or afternoon tea display.
- Modern Cafés & Delis: Ideal for showcasing fresh salads, artisan sandwiches, and pastries on the counter.
- Event Caterers: Adds a touch of class to wedding breakfasts, corporate buffets, and grazing tables.
- Corporate HQs: Great for upgrading the staff canteen or for serving food during important client meetings.
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Ready to Order?
Ready to bring that modern, high-end look to your food service? Order your Element Tray GN 1/1 today and make your display unforgettable.