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APS
In Stock
Frida Bowl GN2/4 | Gastronorm Food Container | Black Melamine | APS DW068
£49.25
/ exc vat
£59.10/ inc vat
- Durable Melamine
- Lightweight Design
- GN2/4 Sizing
- Contrasting Finish
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Product Overview
Looking to give your food displays a bit of a facelift? This Frida Bowl from APS is just the ticket. It's a professional, GN2/4 sized container that combines a sophisticated black interior with a lovely, rustic wood-effect exterior. It’s designed for businesses that want to serve up style as well as delicious food, moving away from plain, clinical-looking steel or plastic to something with a bit more personality.
Perfect for buffet restaurants, high-end delis, cafés, and event caterers, this bowl is made from incredibly tough melamine. That means it can handle the daily hustle and bustle of a commercial kitchen without chipping or cracking at the first sign of trouble. It’s the ideal choice for presenting everything from vibrant salads and artisanal sandwiches to sharing platters and pastries, making your food the star of the show.
So, if you need a durable, dishwasher-safe, and seriously stylish black melamine gastronorm food container that fits standard service areas, this is it. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a massive difference to how customers see your food, blending top-notch presentation with the practical performance you need every single day.
Key Features and Benefits
- Durable Melamine: Resists chips, scratches, and cracks for a long life.
- Lightweight Design: Easy for your staff to carry, even when fully loaded.
- GN2/4 Sizing: Slots perfectly into standard commercial fridges and buffet displays.
- Contrasting Finish: The black interior makes colourful ingredients pop visually.
- Physical Shock Resistant: Handles the inevitable bumps and knocks of a busy service.
- Dishwasher Safe: Saves precious time and effort during clean-up.
- Stylish Wood Effect: Adds a warm, premium feel to your food presentation.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for everything from salads and sandwiches to deli items.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: APS
- SKU: DW068
- Dimensions: 75(H) x 530(W) x 162(D)mm
- Gastronorm Size: GN2/4
- Material: Melamine
- Colour: Black / Wood Effect
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Feature: Shock & Scratch Resistant
Expert Review and Insights
APS has really hit the mark with the Frida range. It brilliantly solves the common problem of wanting beautiful, rustic-looking displayware without the impracticality of actual wood or the fragility of ceramic. This bowl feels sturdy in the hand, and the finish is excellent – it genuinely elevates the look of a standard buffet or deli counter.
Emily Hart – Tableware Expert View Profile →
- Best of Both Worlds: You get a high-end, artisan look with commercial-grade durability.
- Cold Service Only: Like all melamine, it's not suitable for hot lamps or ovens.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Copper Kettle Café in Bristol wanted to refresh their lunchtime counter display. Their old stainless steel pans felt cold and uninviting, failing to do justice to their freshly made sandwiches and salads. They invested in the APS Frida range to create a warmer, more rustic aesthetic.
"The difference was immediate. The bowls look so much more premium and appealing. Customers are definitely drawn to the counter more, and the food just looks better. They’re tough as old boots, too, which is exactly what we need."
Mark Rowland – Owner, The Copper Kettle Café
After the switch, the café noted a clear uplift in lunch sales, with staff reporting that the new display helped to sell more high-margin items.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Upon arrival, give the bowl a good wash with warm, soapy water before its first use.
- Check that it fits correctly within your GN-compatible service counter or refrigerated well.
- That's it! It's ready to be filled with your delicious food.
Keeping It Going
- The bowl is 100% dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleaning.
- To preserve the finish, avoid using serrated knives or sharp metal utensils directly on the surface.
- Do not use in conventional ovens, microwave ovens, or under high-heat lamps.
- The bowls are stackable for easy storage, but place them carefully to avoid scuffing the finish over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does GN2/4 actually mean?
A: It's a standard size. A GN2/4 container measures 530 x 162mm. It's the same length as a full-size GN1/1 pan, but narrower, making it great for things like sandwiches or baguettes.
Q: Is this bowl really dishwasher safe?
A: Yes, absolutely. It's designed for commercial dishwashers, making cleanup quick and hygienic.
Q: Can I use it in the oven or microwave?
A: No. Melamine is not suitable for use in ovens, microwaves, or under direct heat lamps as it can damage the material.
Q: Is melamine easy to break?
A: It's extremely difficult to break. It is highly resistant to chipping and shattering from drops, making it much safer and more durable than ceramic.
Q: Will strong-coloured foods like beetroot or tomato sauce stain the black surface?
A: The non-porous surface is highly resistant to staining. As with any dish, it's best to wash it promptly after use to keep it looking its best.
Q: Is the wood-effect finish a sticker?
A: No, the finish is integrated into the melamine during the manufacturing process, so it won't peel or flake off.
Q: Can I cut bread or sandwiches directly in the bowl?
A: We recommend avoiding using sharp or serrated knives directly on the surface to prevent scratching and preserve its beautiful finish.
Q: Is the APS black melamine GN tray heavy?
A: Not at all. One of the key benefits of melamine is that it is significantly lighter than ceramic or glass alternatives, making it easier for staff to handle.
The APS Advantage: Presentation That Pays Off
Investing in an APS DW068 food pan is about more than just buying a bowl; it's about upgrading your customer's entire experience. For decades, German brand APS has been a leader in creating professional catering and tableware that cleverly blends thoughtful design with rock-solid reliability. This Frida bowl is a perfect example. It's built not just to hold food, but to present it in a way that enhances its perceived value and appeal. In a competitive market, small details make a big difference. By choosing displayware that looks this good, you're communicating a message of quality and care to your customers before they've even taken a bite. This long-term investment pays dividends in customer perception, brand image, and reduced replacement costs compared to less durable alternatives.
Explore more from APSWhat's the Big Deal About Melamine?
You might hear 'melamine' and just think 'posh plastic', but there's a bit more to it than that. It's a specific type of material that's perfect for demanding food environments. Unlike standard plastic bowls that can warp or cheap ceramics that chip easily, melamine is a thermoset polymer. In simple terms, this means it's cured under heat and pressure, which hardens it permanently. Think of it like baking a cake – once it's done, it's done. You can't melt it back down into batter. This process gives the APS Frida bowl its fantastic resistance to scratches, heat, and impact. It provides the look and feel of quality ceramic without the weight or the risk of shattering into a million pieces if dropped, making it a smarter and safer choice for any busy business.
Who Should Buy This?
Buffet Restaurants & Hotels
Ideal for creating a sophisticated salad bar or presenting continental breakfast items with a touch of class.
Delicatessens & Farm Shops
Showcase your artisan sandwiches, antipasti, and fresh deli salads in a durable, attractive GN2/4 gastronorm tray.
Modern Cafés
The perfect way to display fresh cakes, pastries, and lunch specials on the counter, enhancing visual appeal.
Event & Corporate Caterers
A lightweight, stackable, and unbreakable solution for creating impressive food stations at any location.
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Ready to give your displays a stylish and durable upgrade? Add the Frida Bowl GN2/4 | Gastronorm Food Container | Black Melamine | APS DW068 to your basket today for fast UK delivery.