Bottle Coolers & Beer Fridges
Ice Cream Displays
Ice Cream Machines
Chest Freezers
Commercial Freezers
Commercial Fridges
Ice Cube Makers and Flakers
Wine Coolers
Bain Maries
Commercial Microwaves
Commercial Sinks
Commercial Ovens
Fryers and Chip Scuttles
Glass and Dishwashers
Pie Warmers & Hot Food Displays
Pizza Ovens
Water Boilers
Bar Supplies
Bowls & Display Baskets
Cash Registers
Chafing Dish Sets & Fuel
Menus & Boards
Table Numbers & Stands
Salt, Pepper & Spice Mills
Crockery
Cutlery
Glassware
Wine Glasses
Bins
Cleaning Chemicals
GreasePak
Janitorial Equipment
Laundry Equipment
Coffee Machines
Juice Dispensers
Juicers
Drink Blenders
Milkshake Blenders
Slush Machines
Water Boilers
Cookware
Gastronorm Containers
Ingredient Bins
Pastry & Baking
Utensils
Pizza Pans & Equipment
Food Storage
Food Transport & Delivery Bags
Folding Furniture
Garden and Outdoor Furniture
High Chairs
Chairs
Tables
33% OFF
Jarvis
Catering SpecialistJarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535
How can we help?
Choose an option below
Select an option to get started. We're here to help!
Product Questions
Specs, suitability, features & comparisons
Other Enquiries
Delivery, warranty, invoices & customer service
APS
In Stock
Element Tray GN 2/4 | Gastronorm Container | Food Storage | APS DB967
£43.36
/ exc vat
£52.03/ inc vat
- Stylish Concrete Effect
- Durable Melamine Construction
- Lightweight Design
- Commercial Dishwasher Safe
Have a quick question about this product?
Ask instantly →
Product Overview
Here’s a fantastic way to break free from the sea of stainless steel. The Element Tray from APS is a GN 2/4 gastronorm container that swaps boring metal for a seriously stylish, urban concrete-effect finish. Crafted from durable melamine, it’s designed for businesses that want their food presentation to look as good as their food tastes, making it a brilliant choice for modern hotel buffets, artisan delis, and event caterers.
But it's not just about looks. This tray is a real workhorse. It’s surprisingly lightweight, making it a doddle for your team to carry and replenish, even during the busiest service. The sloped edges aren't just a neat design touch; they make it easier for customers to serve themselves without spilling. And when the rush is over? Just pop it straight into the commercial dishwasher for a quick and easy clean-up.
If you’re ready to elevate your buffet or counter display with something that’s both beautiful and built for the demands of a professional kitchen, this is it. It’s a simple switch that makes a huge difference to how customers see your spread, blending rugged durability with a high-end, contemporary aesthetic that really stands out.
Key Features and Benefits
- Stylish Concrete Effect: Makes your food presentation look modern and effortlessly cool.
- Durable Melamine Construction: Resists chips and scratches for long-lasting good looks in daily use.
- Lightweight Design: Easy for your staff to carry and manoeuvre, even when fully loaded.
- Commercial Dishwasher Safe: Saves you precious time on washing up after a busy service.
- Sloped Edges: Helps customers serve themselves easily without making a mess on the counter.
- Standard GN 2/4 Sizing: Fits perfectly into existing buffet stations, chillers and racks.
- Stackable Form: Saves valuable storage space in a cramped kitchen or stockroom.
- Highly Versatile: Ideal for everything from fresh salads and antipasti to pastries and canapés.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: APS
- SKU: DB967
- Gastronorm Size: GN 2/4
- Dimensions: 530(W) x 162(D) mm
- Weight: 919g
- Material: Melamine
- Internal Material: Silicone
- Colour: Grey (Concrete Effect)
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Expert Review and Insights
We're seeing a big shift in buffet service, moving away from purely functional kit to items that actively enhance the dining experience. This APS tray is a prime example. The concrete-effect melamine is bang on-trend, offering a sophisticated, textural backdrop that makes food colours pop. It’s a clever choice for any operator wanting to create a more premium, curated feel without a huge investment.
Hannah Cartwright – Buffet Equipment Expert View Profile →
- Presentation Power: Instantly elevates the look of a standard buffet or deli counter display.
- Cold Service Only: Remember, it's melamine, so it's not suitable for hot holding in bain-maries.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton wanted to refresh their weekend brunch buffet to better reflect their boutique, coastal-chic brand. The old stainless steel pans felt clinical and dated next to their newly refurbished dining room.
"Our brunch service is incredibly popular, and presentation is everything. Swapping to these concrete-effect trays was a simple change, but the visual uplift was immediate. They feel so much more premium, and guests have definitely noticed. They look fantastic and are a breeze to clean."
Robert Davies – Operations Manager
The hotel saw a significant increase in social media tags from guests, specifically highlighting the attractive new look of the brunch buffet.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Always give the tray a good wash with warm, soapy water before its first use.
- It's designed to fit any standard GN 2/4 compatible counter, refrigerated well, or prep station.
- Make sure the tray is completely dry before you stack it away to prevent water marks.
Keeping It Going
- This tray is 100% commercial dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and simple.
- To keep the finish looking its best, avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool.
- Remember, this is for cold or ambient food presentation – do not use it in ovens, microwaves or on direct heat sources.
- Like any service item, give it a quick check for any deep scratches or chips as part of your regular routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this tray safe to serve food from?
A: Absolutely. It's made from high-quality, 100% food-safe melamine, making it perfect for direct contact with all kinds of chilled or ambient foods.
Q: Can I use this in my heated bain-marie?
A: No, melamine is not designed for high-heat applications. It's intended for use in cold buffets, salad bars, refrigerated displays, or for serving food at room temperature.
Q: Is the 'concrete' finish just a coating that will peel off?
A: Not at all. The concrete-style finish is integrated into the melamine material itself, so it won’t peel, flake, or wear off with normal use and commercial dishwashing.
Q: What does GN 2/4 actually mean?
A: It refers to a standard European 'Gastronorm' size. A GN 2/4 pan measures 530 x 162mm, which is a specific fraction of the base GN 1/1 size, ensuring it fits compatible equipment perfectly.
Q: Will it stain easily from colourful foods like beetroot or curries?
A: Melamine is highly resistant to staining from food acids and colours. For best results, simply wash it promptly after use, especially with very vibrant ingredients.
Q: Is the APS DB967 gastronorm container heavy to carry?
A: No, at just 919g, it's remarkably lightweight for its size and sturdiness, which makes life much easier for your staff during setup and replenishment.
Q: Can I stack these trays to save space?
A: Yes, they are designed with a profile that allows them to be stacked securely, helping you make the most of your valuable storage space.
Q: What is the texture of the surface like?
A: It has a subtle texture to achieve its realistic concrete appearance, but it's smooth enough that food won't get stuck and it can be wiped clean with ease.
APS: Where German Design Meets Buffet Innovation
Choosing APS for your tableware and buffet ware is about more than just buying a product; it’s an investment in presentation and perception. With a long history of German engineering and design, APS is a brand trusted by professionals for creating items that are both beautiful and incredibly practical. This tray isn't just a container; it's a strategic tool. In a competitive market, an elevated presentation can justify premium pricing, enhance the guest experience, and set your business apart. The durability of the melamine means this tray will maintain its stylish appearance service after service, providing a far better long-term return than cheaper alternatives that quickly scratch, stain, or break. It’s a commitment to quality that your customers will see and appreciate every time they visit your buffet line.
Explore more from APSWhy Melamine Makes a Difference on the Buffet Line
Ever wondered what makes melamine so popular for modern tableware? Think of it as the best of both worlds. It’s a type of very tough, durable thermosetting plastic that's completely food-safe and can be moulded into all sorts of stylish shapes and finishes, like the concrete effect on this APS DB967 gastronorm container. Unlike stainless steel, it offers huge aesthetic variety, and unlike ceramic, it’s shatter-resistant and lightweight, which is a massive plus in a fast-paced commercial environment. It gives you that premium, heavy-duty feel without the risk of chipping or the clatter of porcelain. It’s the smart choice for looking good, service after service.
Who Should Buy This?
-
Event Caterers
Creating stylish, modern food displays at weddings, corporate events, and private functions. -
Hotel Buffet Managers
Upgrading the breakfast or lunch buffet from standard steel to a more premium, contemporary look. -
Delicatessens & Food Halls
Perfect for showcasing salads, antipasti, and other chilled items in a customer-facing display counter. -
Cafés & Patisseries
A brilliant way to present cakes, pastries, and sandwiches with an on-trend, rustic-industrial feel.
Find equipment tailored to your type of business:
Shop for Cafes Shop for Hotels Shop for Restaurants View All Business Types
Why Choose EasyEquipment?
-
Trusted for 50+ Years
We've been kitting out UK kitchens for half a century—we know our onions.
-
Speedy & Free Delivery
Get your gear fast with free UK mainland delivery, often as soon as the next day.
-
Price Match Promise
Find it for less elsewhere? We'll match the price, no quibbles or fuss.
-
Real UK Support
Got a question? Our friendly, UK-based team is on the phone, ready to help you out.
Ready to Order?
Order your Element Tray GN 2/4 | Gastronorm Container today and give your food presentation an instant, stylish upgrade!