Choosing the right tray for your commercial oven is vital for ensuring you get the results you want every time. There is an array of options on the market, but the following tips can help you pick the right one for you.
You will need to choose between options like stainless steel and other traditional alternatives, and more modern ovenable trays such as those offered by suppliers such as southerncrosspackaging.com/ovenable-trays. When considering the material you want, think about such factors as how high a temperature you need your trays to withstand and whether they will be carrying heavy loads.
You can consider a material such as non-stick aluminium as a low-cost option with high thermal conductivity, but think about how long-lasting your trays will be and whether the non-stick coating is suitable for your style of cooking. For example, flavour-creating layers created by roasting meat can be difficult to achieve with non-stick trays.
Stainless steel offers greater durability than non-stick alternatives and these trays are resistant to corrosion and light to handle.
Do not be afraid to explore more modern options as well, such as ovenable trays made from recycled paper and cardboard. These can be a good choice if you agree that going green is good for business.
You need to consider whether you want perforated or grill trays and think about depth. You may want griddles for cooking bread, meat, or pizzas, or stainless-steel grilling plates for food where a crunchy texture is essential. There are also trays that are made specifically for certain jobs, such as trays for bread and eggs.
The European Standard EN-631 means that all kitchen accessories, including ovens, are measured according to Gastronorm or GM. A standard baking tray for commercial ovens is a Gastronorm 1/1 tray, which is 530mm by 325mm, but there are also other choices such as double-width Gastronorm 2/1 trays and smaller options such as the Gastronorm 1/2 tray.