Boxes & Trays Buying Guide

So What Differentiates Boxes & Trays

As ubiquitous as they are defining them is not as obvious as it might seem. The line in definition between them can be very fine indeed. Our boxes & trays guide will help clarify. In general we have defined trays with handles or drop sides and boxes without. This works most of the time but then we found some boxes looked most definitely like trays and visa versa.

We therefore decided that the determining factor in definition would be in subtle changes in emphasis of function. Both trays & boxes function as “cart horses” they carry their wares from A to B. The differential is that trays are more about presentation and display and boxes are more about storage and organisation.

From this we developed a greater clarification based on both the inclusion or not, of hand holds or drop sides and the height of the container.

We have there fore characterised boxes & trays as such:

• If the height is less than or equal to 10% of the length OR 40mm it is a TRAY
• If the height is greater than 10% and less than or equal to 30% of length AND has a handle, drop side or usherette straps it is a TRAY otherwise it is a BOX
• If the height is greater than 30% of length it is a BOX

Of course no sooner do we define this there will always be exceptions to the rule.

Benefits of Boxes & Trays

As we’ve already mentioned, the primary functions of boxes & trays are to act as carriers or containers with subtle emphasis differentiation in presentation and storage. Generally however they have similar benefits:

• Light weight – easily carried around
• Sturdy design – robust enough for everyday frequent use
• A wide range of finishing colours – match your style & brand
• Wide range of functions – versatility provides a solution
• Great storage – improved organisation
• Portability – fast & efficient service

Variations & Features of our Boxes & Trays

We have designed our boxes & trays to accommodate varying levels in demands and styles:

Its All About the Wood

Perhaps the main character that sets our boxes & trays apart is the material it is manufactured from. In the main we use 3 different types:

Redwood – this offers a rustic finish whether painted or otherwise. Redwood is our go to everyday wood. Its versatility and soft rustic look makes it very popular in a traditional environment

Plywood – this is an incredibly popular manufactured solution. Plywood offers a toughness with clean crisp lines. Plywood trays and boxes are often used in contemporary settings making use of our full range of colours

Oak – nothing says style like oak does. It offers both clean and crisp lines in a classic style, our oak boxes and trays are second to none

To Handle or Not

Part of the defining features with boxes and trays are how easily they are to carry. From no handles whatsoever to handholds and Iron handles you can choose what suits you best

Size is Everything

We’ve already mentioned how size is important to defining them but crucially we offer our boxes & trays in an abundance of permutations of the 3 dimensions so that you should be able to find one just right for you.

Stackable

Many of our boxes and trays are defined as stackable. The additional stackable design allows them to be stacked in a sturdy fashion for greater storage capacity.

Colours & finishes

We recognise that your branding and styling is very important so our boxes & trays come with a full range of standard colours and wood stains for you to choose from: (if you don’t find the right colour or finish here we can easily colour match to your specific requirements)

Gastronorm Boxes

Our boxes are used for an incredibly wide range of applications. One of the more popular applications is the containing and displaying of gastronorms. The offers great thermal properties if contents are warm. It also creats an attractive cover for an industrial gastronorm.

The Hospitality Modular Buffet System

Many of our boxes & trays are design around a dynamic modular buffet system allowing for each component to integrate and interact with each other. This allows for hotels, restaurants, bars and executive hospitality establishments to truly tailor to their needs. From large banquets to stand alone tea stations our system can truly deliver to each.

So what do I need to consider when choosing?

Choosing the right box or tray for your environment can really help increase efficiency

Here are a few factors which would need to be considered

• Where is the emphasis on function? As mentioned if you are looking more toward service and display then a tray is your answer. If you are looking more toward storage and organisation then a box may be more fitting.
• What are the contents likely to be? Understanding what you’re going to be putting in it should help determine size
• What style is the environment? Are you after a classic look such as oak or perhaps a more contemporary look with ply could be better.