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APS
In Stock
Commercial Melamine Tray | Slate Effect Serving Tray with Rim | GN 1/1 Size | APS GN563
£60.54
/ exc vat
£72.65/ inc vat
- Slate-Effect Finish
- GN 1/1 Sizing
- Durable Melamine Construction
- Dishwasher Safe
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Product Overview
Introducing a smarter way to serve. This commercial melamine serving tray GN 1/1 offers the rustic, sophisticated appeal of natural slate without any of the drawbacks. It's a robust, stylish solution designed for the fast-paced world of professional catering, where presentation is just as important as performance. Forget the chipping, cracking, and heavy lifting of traditional slate; this is modern presentation, perfected.
Crafted for busy caterers, bustling restaurants, and premium buffet services, this APS GN563 melamine tray is the ideal canvas for everything from charcuterie selections and artisan cheeses to delicate canapés and vibrant dessert spreads. Its standardised GN 1/1 size slots seamlessly into your existing kitchen workflow, fitting perfectly into serveries, prep stations, and transport trolleys, making it a truly versatile workhorse.
Combining a stunning slate effect melamine tray finish with incredible durability, it’s chip-resistant, scratch-resistant, and completely dishwasher safe. The subtle raised rim contains spills and keeps your creations perfectly in place, ensuring your food looks impeccable from the kitchen to the customer. It’s time to upgrade your service with tableware that works as hard as you do.
Key Features and Benefits
- Slate-Effect Finish: Get the premium look of real slate without the weight.
- GN 1/1 Sizing: Fits standard commercial counters, fridges, and buffet displays perfectly.
- Durable Melamine Construction: Resists chips, scratches, and breakage, saving on replacement costs.
- Dishwasher Safe: Makes cleanup quick and easy, ideal for high-turnover service.
- Raised Rim: Cleverly contains food and sauces, preventing messy spills during transport.
- Chip Resistant: Stands up to the knocks and bumps of a busy kitchen.
- Scratch Resistant: Keeps its smart finish for longer, even with daily use.
- Lightweight Design: Easy for staff to carry, reducing fatigue and risk of drops.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: APS
- SKU: GN563
- Dimensions: 15(H) x 325(W) x 530(D) mm
- Gastronorm Size: GN 1/1
- Material: Melamine
- Colour: Black (Slate Effect)
- Weight: 1.36kg
- Features: Dishwasher Safe, Chip Resistant, Scratch Resistant, Raised Rim
Expert Review and Insights
APS has really hit the mark with this one. We're seeing more kitchens move away from genuine slate because it’s just too impractical. This slate style serving tray delivers that sought-after, high-end rustic aesthetic but with the resilience and functionality of melamine. It’s a no-brainer for any high-volume establishment that wants to impress without the stress of constant breakages.
Emily Hart – Tableware Expert View Profile →
- Style without the Stress: Looks the part and is tough enough for real-world service.
- Not for Ovens: Remember it’s melamine, so keep it away from direct heat sources.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Copper Kettle, a popular gastropub in Harrogate, was struggling with constantly chipping and breaking their heavy slate platters used for their signature sharing boards. They needed a more durable and lightweight alternative that didn't compromise on style.
"These APS trays have been fantastic. They look just as good as the real slate we were using, but they’re a fraction of the weight and we haven't had a single chip or break since we switched. The team can carry two or three at a time, which has sped up service during our busy weekend rushes."
David Chen – General Manager
By switching to the APS GN563 melamine trays, The Copper Kettle completely eliminated their budget for replacement platters and reported a noticeable improvement in service efficiency.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Upon delivery, give the tray a quick inspection to ensure it's perfect.
- Wash thoroughly with warm, soapy water or run through a dishwasher cycle before first use.
- That's it! It's ready to be integrated into your serveware collection.
Keeping It Going
- To maintain its stunning finish, avoid using abrasive scouring pads or harsh chemicals.
- While dishwasher safe, rinsing off highly pigmented foods like beetroot or curry sauces promptly will prevent any chance of staining.
- Stack carefully with other melamine or plastic items to avoid scratching from sharp ceramic edges.
- Do not use in conventional ovens, microwaves, or on direct heat sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this tray actually made from slate?
A: No, it is made from highly durable melamine but features a very realistic slate-effect finish, giving you the look without the weight and fragility.
Q: Is the APS GN563 melamine tray food safe?
A: Absolutely. It is made from 100% food-grade melamine, making it completely safe for serving all types of food directly on its surface.
Q: Can I put this tray in the microwave or oven?
A: No. Melamine is not suitable for use in microwaves or conventional ovens as extreme heat can damage the material.
Q: How durable is it really? Will it break if I drop it?
A: It is exceptionally durable and shatter-resistant. While not indestructible, it is designed to withstand the accidental drops and knocks common in a busy commercial environment.
Q: What does GN 1/1 size mean?
A: GN 1/1 is a standard European Gastronorm size, measuring 530 x 325mm. This ensures it fits perfectly in compatible refrigerators, serveries, and chafing dishes.
Q: How do I prevent it from staining?
A: Melamine is stain-resistant, but it's good practice to rinse or wash the tray soon after serving foods with strong pigments like turmeric, paprika, or beetroot.
Q: Is the surface completely flat?
A: The main surface is flat, but it features a slightly raised rim around the edge to help prevent food and liquids from spilling.
Q: Can these trays be stacked for storage?
A: Yes, they are designed to be stacked, saving valuable storage space in your kitchen.
The APS Advantage: Presentation Meets Practicality
Choosing APS isn't just about buying a piece of equipment; it's an investment in operational intelligence. For decades, APS has been a trusted name in European hospitality, engineering products that solve real-world kitchen problems. This slate-effect tray is a prime example of their philosophy. Beyond its good looks, it represents a strategic choice to reduce overheads. You'll spend less time worrying about delicate tableware and less money on replacements. Staff will appreciate its lightweight nature during a hectic service, and the ease of cleaning boosts hygiene and turnover. This focus on long-term value, combining aesthetic appeal with rock-solid German engineering and reliability, is what sets an APS product apart. It’s a tool built not just for serving food, but for running a smarter, more efficient, and more profitable business.
Explore more from APSWhy Melamine is a Caterer's Best Friend
You might see 'melamine' and just think 'plastic', but it's a bit more clever than that. Melamine is a thermoset polymer, which is a fancy way of saying that once it's moulded into shape, it becomes incredibly rigid and strong. Think of it like the difference between a standard plastic bottle and a durable kitchen worktop. While regular plastics can warp or melt with heat and repeated washing, melamine holds its form, colour, and integrity. This is why it's so resistant to chips and scratches from cutlery, and why it can handle the high temperatures of a commercial dishwasher day in, day out, without fading or degrading. It offers the elegance of ceramic with the toughness needed for a professional kitchen.
Who Should Buy This?
- Buffet Restaurants: Perfect for creating stunning, uniform displays on self-service lines that are easy for staff to replenish.
- Event Caterers: Lightweight and durable, making them ideal for transporting and serving canapés and bites at weddings and corporate events.
- Boutique Hotels: Elevate your room service or breakfast bar presentation with a tray that looks premium but is incredibly practical.
- Artisan Delis & Cafes: The perfect commercial food presentation tray for showcasing sandwiches, pastries, and charcuterie boards in a display counter.
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Get your Commercial Melamine Tray | Slate Effect Serving Tray with Rim | GN 1/1 Size | APS GN563 on its way today and give your food the stunning, practical platform it deserves.