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Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Gastronorm Tray | Food Storage Container | Blue Ocean | APS FD038. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

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APS In Stock

Gastronorm Tray | Food Storage Container | Blue Ocean | APS FD038

SKU: FD038
£30.90 / exc vat
£37.08/ inc vat
  • Tough Melamine Construction
  • Striking Blue Ocean Design
  • Standard 1/3 GN Sizing
  • Lightweight and  Easy to Handle

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Features Overview Specifications Case Study Reviews Installation Buying Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Here’s a fantastic way to bring a splash of colour and  style to your food displays. This isn't just another bit of kit; it's the APS Blue Ocean gastronorm tray, designed to make your fresh salads, appetisers, and  deli items look absolutely irresistible. Made from incredibly tough melamine, it blends the elegance of ceramic with the durability needed in a bustling commercial kitchen, making it a brilliant upgrade from standard metal pans.

Perfect for cafes, hotel buffets, event caterers, and  delis, this food storage gastronorm container is all about presentation. The striking blue and  white pattern catches the eye, making your food the star of the show. It’s built to the universal 1/3 gastronorm size, so it will slot seamlessly into your existing setup, whether that’s a refrigerated display counter or a self-service breakfast bar.

Combining German design from APS with practical, food-safe materials, this tray is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and  a breeze to clean. If you’re looking to lift your presentation game without sacrificing an ounce of practicality, this blue ocean gastronorm tray is an absolute must-have for your commercial kitchen gastronorm tray collection.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Tough Melamine Construction: Resists scratches and  chips, looking great for longer.
  • Striking Blue Ocean Design: Makes your food display vibrant and  far more appealing.
  • Standard 1/3 GN Sizing: Fits perfectly into your existing compatible counters and  units.
  • Lightweight and  Easy to Handle: Less strain for your staff during setup and  service.
  • Shatter-Resistant Material: Avoids the cost and  danger of broken ceramic dishes.
  • Dishwasher Safe: Makes cleanup quick and  simple after a busy service.
  • Stackable for Storage: Saves valuable space in your kitchen or storage area.
  • Certified Food Safe: Gives you complete peace of mind for serving customers.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: APS
  • SKU: FD038
  • Dimensions: 20(H) x 176(W) x 325(D)mm
  • Gastronorm Size: 1/3 GN
  • Material: Melamine
  • Colour: Blue & White
  • Sold As: Singly

Expert Review and  Insights

The APS Blue Ocean range is a breath of fresh air for buffet displays. For too long, operators have defaulted to plain stainless steel, but this melamine tray proves that practicality and  aesthetics can go hand-in-hand. It feels substantial and  high-quality, and  the vibrant pattern genuinely makes food look more appetising under display lighting. It's an easy win for any business wanting to create a more premium feel.

Hannah Cartwright – Buffet Equipment Expert View Profile →

  • Visual Impact: A stunning, immediate upgrade from plain stainless steel or white plastic trays.
  • Heat Limitation: It's strictly for cold or ambient displays; not for ovens or hotplates.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Bayleaf Café in Whitby, North Yorkshire, decided their salad bar needed a visual refresh. Their old, scratched stainless steel pans made their fresh produce look tired and  uninviting.

"We swapped out our old metal pans for these Blue Ocean trays and  the difference was instant. The counter looks so much more vibrant and  appealing. We've even had customers comment on how lovely the new dishes are, which never happened before!"

Robert Mills – Owner

Since making the change, The Bayleaf Café has seen a noticeable increase in the sales of its daily salad specials.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Getting Started

  • Give the tray a thorough wash with warm, soapy water before its first use.
  • Although tough, give it a quick check on arrival to ensure it's perfect.
  • Ideal for use in refrigerated display units, salad bars, and  for general cold food presentation.

Keeping It Pristine

  • The tray is fully commercial dishwasher safe for quick and  easy cleaning.
  • To avoid dulling the finish, don't use abrasive scourers or harsh chemicals.
  • These trays are designed to be stacked, but do so carefully to protect the finish.
  • Crucially: Do not use in ovens, microwaves, or on direct heat sources like a hotplate.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Gastronorm Tray

Not sure what fits best in your kitchen? Picking the right GN container is simple when you know what to look for. Here are a few pointers.

Material Matters

Choose your material based on the job. Melamine (like this one) is king for cold displays and  presentation. For cooking, roasting, or bain-marie use, you’ll need a stainless steel food storage tray.

Get the Size Right

‘GN’ stands for Gastronorm, a standard European sizing system. A 1/1 GN is the base size (530x325mm). This tray is a 1/3 GN (176x325mm), meaning three of them fit perfectly into a 1/1 GN space.

Depth and  Volume

This tray is 20mm deep, making it perfect for presenting smaller portions, sliced meats, or garnishes. For storing sauces or larger quantities of food, you’d look for deeper GN pans (e.g., 100mm or 150mm).

Presentation is Key

Don't underestimate looks! A colourful blue ocean gastronorm tray can make food look fresher and  more appealing than a plain metal pan, potentially boosting sales from your display counter.

Lid Compatibility

If you plan to use your trays for storage as well as display, check for compatible lids. They are essential for hygiene and  keeping food fresh in the fridge.

See all Afternoon Tea Stands

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this blue ocean gastronorm tray fully dishwasher safe?

A: Yes, it's designed for use in commercial dishwashers, making cleanup nice and  simple.

Q: Can I use this tray in the oven or microwave?

A: No. Melamine is a type of plastic and  is not suitable for use in ovens, microwaves, or on any direct heat source. It is for cold or ambient food presentation only.

Q: What does '1/3 GN' actually mean?

A: It refers to 'Third Gastronorm,' a standardised size in the catering industry. It measures 176mm x 325mm, allowing it to fit neatly alongside other GN-sized containers in standard serveries and  refrigerators.

Q: Is the material food-safe?

A: Absolutely. This APS tray is made from 100% food-safe melamine, so you can serve your customers with complete confidence.

Q: Will colourful foods like beetroot or tomato sauce stain the surface?

A: Melamine has excellent stain resistance. For best results, simply wash the tray promptly after use and  avoid leaving highly pigmented foods on it for extended periods.

Q: How does its durability compare to a stainless steel tray?

A: It's a trade-off. It's more resistant to shattering than ceramic and  won't dent like stainless steel can. However, it can be scratched by sharp knives, so it's best not to cut food directly on the surface.

Q: Are these trays heavy to carry?

A: Not at all. They are significantly lighter than their ceramic or even stainless steel counterparts, which your staff will certainly appreciate during setup and  breakdown.

Q: Can I stack these to save space?

A: Yes, they are designed with a slight lip that allows for stable stacking, helping you keep your storage areas organised and  tidy.

What Customers Are Saying

"Absolutely love these. They've really lifted our buffet presentation. They're tough, easy to clean, and  look fantastic. So much better than the old metal ones."

Sarah L – Events Caterer, Manchester

"A brilliant product that has made our deli counter look much more professional. They're very durable and  wash well in the dishwasher. My only wish is for more sizes in this pattern!"

Tom P – Deli Owner, Bristol

"We bought a dozen of these for our hotel's continental breakfast service. They are stylish, non-chip, and  our guests love the look. A great investment."

Maria Evans – Hotel Manager, Edinburgh

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The APS Advantage: Presentation That Performs

Choosing an APS product like this blue ocean APS gastronorm container is about more than just buying a tray; it's an investment in your business's image. With roots in Germany, APS has built a formidable reputation for creating catering ware that perfectly balances innovative design with the practical demands of the professional kitchen. They understand that in a competitive market, presentation matters. This tray isn't just a vessel for food; it’s a tool to make your culinary creations look their absolute best, encouraging customer choice and  reinforcing the quality of your offering. The long-term value comes from its durability—resisting chips, stains, and  breakages means fewer replacements and  a consistent, professional look for your displays day in, day out. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference to the customer experience.

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Why Is Melamine a Smart Choice for Food Display?

Ever wondered what melamine actually is? Think of it as the smarter, tougher cousin of standard plastic. It’s a resin that, when heated and  moulded, becomes incredibly strong and  durable. It’s the perfect middle-ground between delicate ceramics and  cold, industrial-looking stainless steel. For a food display, this is a huge plus.

Imagine this: a member of staff accidentally drops a tray during a busy lunch rush. A ceramic dish would shatter into pieces, creating a hazard and  costing you a replacement. A thin stainless steel food storage tray might get a big, ugly dent. But a melamine tray, like this APS FD038 gastronorm pan, is far more likely to just bounce. It gives you the beautiful, premium look of porcelain but with the resilience you need for daily commercial use. It holds its colour, resists scratches from serving utensils, and  is non-porous, making it hygienic and  easy to clean. It's display-ware that's built for the real world.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Hotel Buffet Managers: To create an elegant, coordinated look for breakfast bars and  continental spreads.
  • Deli and  Farm Shop Owners: Ideal for showcasing artisanal salads, olives, and  antipasti with a premium feel.
  • Mobile and  Event Caterers: A lightweight, durable, and  stylish solution for transporting and  serving food beautifully on-site.
  • Café and  Sandwich Bar Operators: Perfect for elevating the look of your chilled counter display for fillings and  fresh ingredients.
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Don't wait to give your food display a stunning, professional makeover. Add the APS FD038 Gastronorm Tray to your basket today for an instant and  effortless upgrade!

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