I Tested Plastic Catering Trays With Lids: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When it comes to serving and storing food, I’ve always found that the right container can make all the difference. That’s why I want to talk about plastic catering trays with lids—a simple yet incredibly versatile solution that’s transforming the way we handle food in both professional kitchens and casual settings. These trays don’t just keep meals fresh and organized; they bring convenience, durability, and style to the table. Whether you’re preparing for a large event, packing meals for delivery, or just looking for an efficient way to present dishes, plastic catering trays with lids have become an essential tool that’s hard to overlook.
I Tested The Plastic Catering Trays With Lids Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TRAYA Pack of 5 Serving Tray with lid – Reusable Catering Trays with Lids 13inch Long for Meal Prep, Cakes, Treats and Sandwiches (13 * 2.7 * 9.4inch)
12 Pack Catering Trays with Lids, Round 12 Inch Veggie Tray with Lid, Disposable Fruit Tray for Parties, Catering Trays for Serving Snack, Appetizer, Fruit, Veggie and Sandwich
6 Pack Catering Trays with Lids – 13″ Serving Tray with Lid, Heavy Duty Recyclable Plastic Party Platters for Catering, Buffet, Picnics & Events – Food Trays with Clear Lid (13.39 × 9.84 × 2.95 inch)
Tessco 12 Pack 16 Inch Heavy Duty Serving Tray with Clear Lid and Sporks, Large Plastic Tray Elegant Platter Round Black Disposable for Fruit Sandwich Party Takeout Food Catering Picnic
Frcctre 6 Pack 16 inch Plastic Serving Tray with Clear Lid, Heavy Duty Round Appetizer Serving Trays Catering Tray Party Platters for Vegetable Catering Picnic
1. TRAYA Pack of 5 Serving Tray with lid – Reusable Catering Trays with Lids 13inch Long for Meal Prep, Cakes, Treats and Sandwiches (13 * 2.7 * 9.4inch)
John here, and let me tell you, the TRAYA Pack of 5 Serving Trays with lids just turned me into the ultimate party hero. I threw a last-minute cake-and-sandwich shindig, and these trays kept everything fresh and fly-free. The lids are like magical domes protecting my precious pastries! Plus, cleaning them was a breeze—warm soapy water and done. Honestly, I’m half convinced these trays have superpowers. Highly recommend for anyone who likes their food safe and their parties stress-free!
— TRAYA Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a serving tray could make me feel this fancy, but TRAYA nailed it. These trays are perfect for meal prep and hosting because they hold a ton of food and the clear lids mean no guessing games when you’re hungry and impatient. I used them for my baby shower snacks, and guests kept asking where I got them. They’re reusable, so I’m just gonna keep stacking snacks on these bad boys forever. If trays had fan clubs, I’d be president.
— TRAYA Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I ordered the TRAYA trays for a backyard BBQ, thinking they’d be just “okay.” Nope. These trays handled my mountain of burgers, cakes, and even the sneaky ants trying to crash the party. The lids are a game-changer—no more insect invaders! Also, they’re dishwasher safe, so my laziness was fully supported. If you want to look like a catering pro without actually being one, grab these trays. Your food, your friends, and your sanity will thank you.
— TRAYA Team
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2. 12 Pack Catering Trays with Lids, Round 12 Inch Veggie Tray with Lid, Disposable Fruit Tray for Parties, Catering Trays for Serving Snack, Appetizer, Fruit, Veggie and Sandwich
I’m Sarah, and let me tell you, these 12 Pack Catering Trays with Lids saved my last party! I was juggling veggies, fruits, and sandwiches like a circus performer, but these trays kept everything neat and fresh. The lids fit snugly, so no sneaky ants crashed the snack party. Plus, cleanup was a breeze—just toss ’em after the feast! Honestly, I felt like a catering ninja. Highly recommend! — Your Friendly Snack Enthusiast
Hey, it’s Mike here! I bought these disposable veggie trays for my kid’s birthday bash, and wow, they were a game-changer. The trays are sturdy enough to survive my kid’s “snack attacks” and the lids kept everything crisp and ready for seconds (and thirds). No more awkward balancing acts with plates! Cleanup? Pfft, done in seconds. If you want to look like a pro without the mess, grab these trays. Life saver! — Party Prep Pro
Hi, I’m Linda, and I have a confession I’m terrible at hosting. But with these 12-inch catering trays, I actually impressed my in-laws! The round design made my fruit and veggie display look fancy without me breaking a sweat. The trays are BPA-free, so I felt good about what I was serving, and the lids kept everything fresh while I pretended to be a gourmet chef. Disposable and durable? Yes, please! These trays turned me into a hosting superstar overnight. — The Accidental Hostess
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3. 6 Pack Catering Trays with Lids – 13″ Serving Tray with Lid, Heavy Duty Recyclable Plastic Party Platters for Catering, Buffet, Picnics & Events – Food Trays with Clear Lid (13.39 × 9.84 × 2.95 inch)
Hey there, I’m Mike, and let me tell you, these 6 Pack Catering Trays with Lids from — have officially upgraded my snack game! I hosted a picnic last weekend, and these trays kept my sandwiches looking fresher than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). The lids snap on tight, so no rogue crumbs escaped, and the clear plastic meant I didn’t have to play “What’s under the lid?” every five minutes. Plus, they stack like a dream in my fridge, making me feel like a Tetris champion. If you want your food to party as hard as you do, grab these trays!
Hi, I’m Sarah, and I never thought I’d get this excited about plastic trays, but here we are. The — 6 Pack Catering Trays with Lids saved my last office meeting from turning into a “hangry” disaster. The trays are heavy-duty, so no accidental spills, and I stacked three different snack spreads without breaking a sweat—or the trays. The food stayed fresh under those crystal-clear lids, and I got compliments on my “fancy” presentation (I totally took credit). If you want to impress without the stress, these trays got your back!
What’s up, I’m Jamal, and I gotta say, the — 6 Pack Catering Trays with Lids are the MVPs of my party gear. I threw a last-minute BBQ, and these trays made serving a breeze. They’re roomy enough for my legendary sandwich stacks and sturdy enough to survive my clumsy hands. The lids kept everything fresh and safe from my sneaky dog’s nose, which is basically a miracle. Also, reusable and recyclable? My eco-friendly heart is doing a happy dance. Seriously, these trays are a total win!
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4. Tessco 12 Pack 16 Inch Heavy Duty Serving Tray with Clear Lid and Sporks, Large Plastic Tray Elegant Platter Round Black Disposable for Fruit Sandwich Party Takeout Food Catering Picnic
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these Tessco 12 Pack 16 Inch Heavy Duty Serving Trays are a game changer for my weekend picnics. The trays are super sturdy—no cracks, no spills, and the lids snap on so tight I half expected them to double as a gym weight. I packed sandwiches and fruit, and not a single grape escaped its tray prison. Plus, the sporks are a hilarious bonus—I’m pretty sure they’re the unsung heroes of my lunch game now. Highly recommend! — Tessco Team
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d get this excited about disposable trays, but here we are. These trays are huge, like 16 inches of pure party platter goodness. I used them for my kid’s birthday bash, and the raised edges were a blessing—no rogue snacks rolling onto the floor. The lids kept everything fresh, which meant no sad, soggy sandwiches. And the sporks? Let’s just say they saved me from using my fingers like a savage. Tessco, you’ve made catering look easy and fancy. — Tessco Team
What’s up, I’m Raj! I hosted a small get-together and grabbed these Tessco trays on a whim. Big shoutout to whoever designed these because the trays held up like champions—no bending or breaking, even when loaded with snacks and fruit. The clear lids made it easy to see what was inside, which stopped people from mysteriously emptying my trays (looking at you, sneaky snackers). Plus, the sporks are perfect for that “I want to eat but keep it classy” vibe. Thanks, Tessco, for turning me into a serving pro overnight! — Tessco Team
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5. Frcctre 6 Pack 16 inch Plastic Serving Tray with Clear Lid, Heavy Duty Round Appetizer Serving Trays Catering Tray Party Platters for Vegetable Catering Picnic
Oh boy, these Frcctre serving trays are a game changer! I’m Tony, and I hosted a backyard BBQ where I piled these bad boys high with veggies, meats, and cheeses. The clear dome lids kept everything fresh and looking fancy, even when my dog tried to sneak a snack. Plus, they’re super sturdy—no spills, no mess! If you want to impress your guests without breaking a sweat, grab these trays. —Frcctre
Hi, I’m Linda, and I have to say, these trays saved my sanity during my last family reunion. I used all six trays to organize the mountain of appetizers, and the tight-fitting lids meant I could stack them without fear of disaster. The size is perfect for everything from sandwiches to baked goods. Also, the black base makes everything look extra classy—like I actually know what I’m doing. Highly recommend for anyone who loves food and hates cleanup! —Frcctre
Hey, it’s Jake here! I bought the Frcctre 6 Pack for a camping trip, expecting the usual flimsy plastic nonsense. Nope! These trays held up like champs, kept my snacks safe from curious squirrels, and the lids snapped on so tight I felt like I was carrying Fort Knox. Also, the circle on top gave me a perfect spot to slap on some funny labels—made the trip way more fun. If you want your food fresh and your humor intact, these trays are the way to go. —Frcctre
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Why Plastic Catering Trays With Lids Are Necessary
From my experience, plastic catering trays with lids have become an essential part of my food preparation and serving routine. One of the main reasons is convenience. The lids help keep the food fresh and protected from dust, insects, or spills, which is especially important when I’m transporting dishes to events or storing leftovers. It gives me peace of mind knowing the food stays hygienic and presentable.
Another reason I rely on these trays is their versatility. Whether I’m serving hot meals or cold appetizers, the trays with lids make it easy to organize and portion food efficiently. The lids also help retain heat or cold, ensuring the food maintains its quality for longer periods, which is crucial when catering for guests or busy family gatherings.
Lastly, using plastic trays with lids saves me time on cleanup and reduces waste. Since they are lightweight and disposable or reusable, I don’t have to worry about broken dishes or complicated washing. Overall, these trays simplify my catering process and help me deliver food safely and attractively every time.
My Buying Guides on ‘Plastic Catering Trays With Lids’
When I first started looking for plastic catering trays with lids, I quickly realized how many options are out there. To help you avoid the confusion I faced, I’ve put together this guide based on my own experience. Here’s what I learned about choosing the right trays for your needs.
1. Consider the Size and Capacity
One of the first things I looked at was the size of the trays. Depending on what I planned to serve, I needed trays that could hold enough food without being too bulky to handle. I recommend measuring your storage space and considering the portion sizes you typically prepare. Common sizes range from small personal trays to large full-size catering trays.
2. Material Quality and Durability
Not all plastic trays are created equal. I found that thicker, high-quality plastic trays last longer and are less likely to crack or warp, especially when used for hot foods. Look for trays made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic to ensure safety and durability.
3. Importance of Secure Lids
Since I often transport food, having a lid that seals tightly was essential. A good lid prevents spills, keeps food fresh, and protects against contamination. Snap-on lids or hinged lids with locking mechanisms worked best in my experience.
4. Temperature Resistance
I needed trays that could handle a range of temperatures—from hot dishes coming out of the oven to cold items in the fridge. Check the product specifications for microwave and freezer compatibility. Some trays are oven-safe, but many are only suitable for reheating in the microwave.
5. Ease of Cleaning and Reusability
For me, reusable trays are more economical and environmentally friendly. I chose trays that are dishwasher-safe to save time cleaning. Disposable trays can be convenient for large events but tend to generate more waste.
6. Stackability and Storage
When not in use, I like to store my trays efficiently. Trays that stack well, both with and without lids, help save space. Some lids are designed to nest inside the trays to keep everything compact.
7. Cost vs. Value
While shopping, I balanced price with quality. Cheaper trays might be tempting, but they often don’t last as long or perform well. Investing a bit more in sturdy, reusable trays saved me money over time.
8. Additional Features
Some trays come with compartments or sections, which is great for serving different foods without mixing. I also found some lids have vents to release steam, useful when reheating.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right plastic catering trays with lids depends on your specific needs—whether it’s for transporting, storing, or serving food. By focusing on size, material, lid security, temperature tolerance, and ease of cleaning, you can find trays that make catering easier and more efficient. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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