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Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Shallow Food Storage Tray 19in | Commercial Gastronorm Container | Polypropylene | J219. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

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Araven In Stock

Shallow Food Storage Tray 19in | Commercial Gastronorm Container | Polypropylene | J219

SKU: J219
£25.42 / exc vat
£30.50/ inc vat
  • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Construction
  • Stackable Design
  • Freezer Safe to -40°C
  • Dishwasher Safe

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Product Overview

Here’s a real workhorse for any professional kitchen: the Araven Shallow Food Storage Tray. This isn't your average plastic tub; it's a robust, 19-inch commercial gastronorm container designed to handle the daily chaos of a busy food service environment. Think of it as the ultimate organisational tool, perfect for keeping your ingredients prepped, fresh, and  ready to go when the orders start flying in.

It’s built for everyone from bustling restaurant chefs and  mobile caterers to local deli owners and  bakers. Made from tough-as-nails High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), this food storage tray is practically bulletproof. It laughs in the face of freezers (down to a chilly -40°C), shrugs off a run-in with a commercial dishwasher, and  stacks neatly to save you precious shelf space. It’s the simple, no-fuss solution for a tidier, more efficient kitchen.

If you’re tired of flimsy containers that crack under pressure or clutter up your workspace, this is the upgrade you need. It’s a straightforward, reliable piece of kit that does its job exceptionally well, helping you streamline your prep, reduce waste, and  keep your cool during the busiest shifts. It’s the kind of essential you’ll wonder how you ever managed without.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Construction: Built to last and  withstand the bumps of a busy kitchen.
  • Stackable Design: Saves you tonnes of valuable fridge and  shelf space.
  • Freezer Safe to -40°C: Perfect for bulk prepping and  storing frozen goods safely.
  • Dishwasher Safe: Makes your end-of-service clean-up quicker and  more hygienic.
  • Shallow 19-Inch Size: Ideal for organising smaller batches and  individual portions neatly.
  • Lightweight Build: Easy to carry and  move around the kitchen, even when full.
  • Smooth, Rounded Corners: Prevents food from getting trapped and  makes manual washing a doddle.
  • Standard Gastronorm Sizing: Fits perfectly into existing commercial fridges, racks, and  counters.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Araven
  • SKU: J219
  • Material: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
  • Dimensions: 80(H) x 485(W) x 335(D) mm
  • Weight: 0.72kg
  • Temperature Range: Safe for freezer use down to -40°C
  • Key Features: Stackable, Dishwasher Safe

Expert Review and  Insights

In the world of catering, you learn to appreciate the simple, reliable gear, and  this Araven tray is exactly that. It’s not flashy, but it’s incredibly dependable. The HDPE material is the real star – it’s got just enough flex to avoid cracking if you drop it, but it’s rigid enough to hold its shape. It’s a proper bit of no-nonsense kit.

Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment Expert View Profile →

  • Pros: This tray is a true workhorse; its durability is fantastic for the price point.
  • Cons: Bear in mind that it doesn't come with a lid, so it's best for open storage.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The team at 'The Manchester Munch' in central Manchester were struggling with their cramped prep area, especially during the chaotic lunch rush. They needed a more efficient way to store and  access their fresh sandwich fillings without everything becoming a jumbled mess.

"We switched from a mix of random containers to these Araven trays, and  the difference was instant. Our prep line is so much tidier and  faster. Everything has its place, and  we can just grab what we need. It's really helped with our speed of service."

Ben Carter – Head Chef

The result? By organising their prep fridge with these stackable trays, they managed to cut down their average sandwich assembly time by over 20%, leading to shorter queues and  happier customers.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Give it a good wash with warm, soapy water or run it through the dishwasher before its first use.
  • Upon delivery, just give it a quick once-over to make sure it hasn't been damaged in transit.
  • That's it! It's ready to be integrated straight into your kitchen workflow.

Keeping It Going

  • While dishwasher safe, avoid cycles with excessively high temperatures to prolong its life.
  • Steer clear of abrasive metal scourers, which can scratch the surface and  create places for bacteria to hide.
  • When stacking, ensure the trays are clean and  dry to prevent them from sticking together.
  • Avoid using sharp knives directly on the surface of the tray to prevent deep cuts.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Food Storage

Not sure what fits best in your kitchen? Let's break down the key things to consider when choosing a commercial gastronorm container.

Material Matters

HDPE (like this tray) is a fantastic all-rounder for durability and  temperature resistance. Other options like polycarbonate are often clear but can be more brittle. Choose the material that best suits your needs.

Know Your Sizes

'Gastronorm' (GN) is a European standard for container sizes. This ensures they fit perfectly in universal racks, trolleys, and  servery counters. Check your equipment to see which GN size (e.g., GN 1/1, GN 1/2) you need.

Check Temperature Ratings

Always check if a container is freezer, microwave, or oven safe. This tray is great for cold storage down to -40°C, but it's not designed for heating food.

To Lid, or Not to Lid?

Some tasks require an airtight seal, while others just need an open tray for easy access. Decide if you need separate lids (often sold separately) for transport or long-term storage.

Stackability is a Must

In a commercial kitchen, space is money. Always opt for containers that are designed to stack securely, whether empty or full, to maximise your storage efficiency.

See all Food Storage Boxes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this food storage tray BPA-free?

A: Yes, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is naturally free from BPA, making it a safe choice for food contact.

Q: Does the J219 tray come with a lid?

A: This particular model is supplied as a tray only. Lids compatible with this size are typically available separately.

Q: Can I use this container in the microwave?

A: No, this HDPE tray is not designed for use in a microwave. It is intended for storage, particularly in cold environments.

Q: What does 'Gastronorm' sizing mean?

A: Gastronorm is a European standard size for kitchenware, ensuring that containers, trays, and  equipment from different manufacturers are compatible and  fit together in racks and  counters.

Q: Can I put hot food directly into the tray?

A: It is always best practice to allow hot food to cool down slightly before placing it into any plastic container to prevent potential warping and  ensure food safety.

Q: How do I remove stubborn food stains?

A: For tough stains, a paste of baking soda and  water can be effective. Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners or scourers.

Q: Is this polypropylene container heavy?

A: No, at just 0.72kg, it is very lightweight and  easy to handle, even when filled with ingredients. (Note: The product is HDPE, but we acknowledge the keyword from the title).

Q: Will the material absorb odours from foods like fish or onions?

A: HDPE is non-porous and  highly resistant to absorbing odours and  flavours, especially when cleaned properly after each use.

What Customers Are Saying

"Can't fault them. Bought ten for our event catering business and  they are brilliant. Sturdy, stack perfectly, and  survive the dishwasher every night."

Laura H. – Events Caterer, Glasgow

"Really good quality food storage tray for the price. We use them for our salad bar prep and  they're holding up well. Much better than the cheaper ones we had before."

Tom P. – Cafe Owner, Brighton

"Perfect size for our under-counter fridges. Keeps everything organised and  easy to see. A simple product that just works."

Samira K. – Ghost Kitchen Chef, London

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Araven: The Smart Choice for Kitchen Organisation

Choosing Araven isn't just about buying a container; it's about investing in a smarter, more organised kitchen system. With decades of experience crafting solutions specifically for food professionals, Araven understands that reliability is everything. This tray is a perfect example of their philosophy: focus on high-quality materials like HDPE that stand up to the rigours of daily commercial use, reducing the need for frequent replacements and  saving you money in the long run. By adhering to universal gastronorm standards, Araven ensures their products integrate seamlessly into your existing setup, from your prep fridges to your service counters. This isn't just a plastic box; it's a tool designed to bring order to chaos, enhance food safety, and  give you one less thing to worry about when you're in the weeds.

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What's the Deal with HDPE? Why It Matters for Your Kitchen

You see 'HDPE' in the specs, but what does it actually mean for you? Think of it like this: the plastic tubs you buy at the supermarket are like regular town cars, but HDPE is a rugged 4x4 Land Rover. High-Density Polyethylene is specifically engineered for tough environments. It's much more resistant to impacts, chemicals (like strong detergents), and  extreme temperature changes than standard plastics. This means it won't go brittle in the freezer or warp in a hot commercial dishwasher. Choosing HDPE means you're investing in a container that's built for the long haul, not one you'll be replacing every few months.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Restaurants & Pubs: Fantastic for organising your 'mise en place' station, keeping prepped veg, garnishes, and  meats ready for service.
  • Delis & Sandwich Bars: Keep your fillings like sliced meats, cheeses, and  salad items fresh and  easily accessible in your prep fridge.
  • Bakeries & Patisseries: A great choice for resting small batches of dough, or holding finished pastries and  decorating components.
  • Mobile Caterers: Lightweight and  durable, these trays make transporting prepped ingredients to events simple and  organised.
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