Toggle Nav
0333 355 0535
My Account
Login Register Now
Shopping Cart
Advanced Search
main product photo
33% OFF

Jarvis

Catering Specialist
Reset

Hello! 👋

Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Shallow Food Storage Tray | Commercial Food Container | 21in | J223. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

Jarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535

How can we help? Choose an option below

Select an option to get started. We're here to help!

Product Questions

Specs, suitability, features & comparisons

Other Enquiries

Delivery, warranty, invoices & customer service

Product questions are answered instantly. Our support team typically responds within minutes.

Araven In Stock

Shallow Food Storage Tray | Commercial Food Container | 21in | J223

SKU: J223
£33.09 / exc vat
£39.71/ inc vat
  • High-Density Polyethylene
  • Dishwasher Proof
  • Stackable by Design
  • Freezer Safe to -40°C

Order by 12pm

Price Match

UK Warehouse

Have a quick question about this product?
Ask instantly →
Features Overview Specifications Case Study Reviews Installation Buying Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Here’s a bit of kit that proves you don’t need to be flashy to be essential. The Araven Shallow Food Storage Tray is a proper workhorse for any professional kitchen. Made from incredibly tough high-density polyethylene, it’s designed to withstand the frantic pace of daily service, from the heat of the dishwasher to the icy depths of a commercial freezer. This isn't just a plastic box; it's a cornerstone of good kitchen organisation and  food safety.

This commercial food container is spot-on for anyone who needs to prep, store, and  organise ingredients efficiently. Think of busy restaurant kitchens portioning out mains, bakeries proving dough, or caterers transporting prepped veg. Its shallow design is brilliant for rapid cooling, which is a big tick for food hygiene, while its stackable nature means you’re not wasting an inch of precious shelf or cold-room space. It’s the sort of simple, effective tool that makes a real difference to your daily workflow.

Ultimately, this tray is about making life easier. It’s tough, it’s hygienic, and  it’s built to last, saving you the hassle and  cost of replacing cheaper, flimsier alternatives. If you want to bring a bit of calm, organised control to your kitchen chaos, this is a fantastic place to start. It’s a simple solution that just works, day in, day out.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • High-Density Polyethylene: Built to last and  resist the knocks of a busy kitchen.
  • Dishwasher Proof: Makes clean-up at the end of a long shift quick and  easy.
  • Stackable by Design: Frees up valuable shelf, counter, and  cold room space.
  • Freezer Safe to -40°C: Perfect for batch prepping and  locking in freshness safely.
  • Shallow Profile: Allows for rapid cooling of contents, improving food safety.
  • Smooth, Rounded Corners: Prevents food traps and  makes the tray incredibly easy to clean.
  • Lightweight Yet Robust: Simple to carry and  move around the kitchen, even when full.
  • Generous 21-inch Size: Holds a good amount of product without being too cumbersome.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Araven
  • SKU: J223
  • Dimensions: 80(H) x 540(W) x 385(D) mm
  • Material: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
  • Colour: White
  • Weight: 0.83kg
  • Freezer Safe: Down to -40°C
  • Features: Dishwasher Safe, Stackable

Expert Review and  Insights

The Araven J223 is one of those unsung heroes every kitchen needs. It’s not about fancy features; it’s about sheer, bloody-minded reliability. The HDPE construction is the star here – it doesn’t go brittle in the freezer or warp in the dishwasher. For everyday prep, storage, and  organisation, it's a solid, no-nonsense choice that you’ll be chuffed to have on your shelves.

Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment View Profile →

  • Built to Endure: The HDPE material is seriously tough; it resists stains and  won't crack easily.
  • Lids Sold Separately: It doesn't include a lid, which is a must for airtight storage.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Corner Deli, a bustling sandwich shop in Leeds, was struggling with an inefficient and  mismatched collection of storage containers. They needed a standardised system to speed up their morning prep for the lunchtime rush and  to keep their walk-in fridge organised.

"These Araven trays have been brilliant. They're the perfect depth for our salad items and  pre-cooked meats. We can stack them five high in the fridge, they slide right into our prep counters, and  a quick run through the dishwasher gets them spotless. Our morning routine is so much smoother now."

Michael Edwards – Owner

After switching to the Araven trays, The Corner Deli reduced their morning setup time by 30 minutes and  significantly improved the organisation and  stock rotation in their fridge.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Give the tray a thorough wash with warm, soapy water before its first use.
  • Check for any damage that might have occurred during shipping.
  • Ensure it's completely dry before you use it for storing dry goods.

Keeping It Going

  • The tray is dishwasher safe for easy and  hygienic cleaning.
  • For manual washing, use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the surface.
  • Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners or steel wool.
  • Don't expose the tray to direct heat sources like hobs or open flames.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Commercial Food Container

Not sure which food container is right for the job? Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide.

Material Matters

HDPE (like this tray) is a fantastic, durable all-rounder. Polycarbonate is often clear and  very impact-resistant, while stainless steel is unmatched for heating and  extreme durability but is much heavier.

Size and  Shape

Consider what you're storing. Shallow trays are great for quick cooling and  easy access. Deeper containers are better for liquids or bulk storage. Sticking to standard Gastronorm (GN) sizes can also help with kitchen compatibility.

Lids or No Lids?

If you need airtight storage to prevent cross-contamination or keep food fresh for longer, make sure to get a container with a compatible, tight-fitting lid. For quick prep and  short-term storage, an open tray might be fine.

Temperature Range

Always check if a container is freezer, microwave, or dishwasher safe. Using a container outside its recommended temperature range can cause it to warp, crack, or even leach chemicals.

Stackability is Key

In a commercial kitchen, space is money. Look for containers that are designed to stack securely, both when in use and when empty, to maximise your storage efficiency.

See all Food Storage Boxes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this food storage tray really dishwasher safe?

A: Yes, absolutely. It's designed to withstand the high temperatures and  detergents of commercial dishwashers for quick and  easy sanitation.

Q: Can I put it directly from the freezer into a hot environment?

A: While HDPE is very durable, we recommend letting it acclimatise for a few moments to avoid extreme thermal shock, which helps prolong its life.

Q: What is HDPE plastic?

A: HDPE stands for High-Density Polyethylene. It’s a food-safe plastic known for its excellent strength, durability, and  resistance to chemicals, moisture, and  impact.

Q: Does the J223 tray come with a lid?

A: This model is supplied as the tray only. Lids are often available separately if you require an airtight seal for storage.

Q: Will it stain if I use it for things like tomato sauces or curries?

A: HDPE is highly resistant to staining, especially compared to cheaper plastics. For best results, wash it promptly after use with strong-coloured foods.

Q: Is it safe for direct food contact?

A: Yes, the material is certified as food-safe, making it suitable for all types of food prep and  storage.

Q: How heavy is the tray when empty?

A: It's very lightweight, weighing just 0.83kg, which makes it easy to handle and  move around the kitchen.

Q: Can I stack these trays when they have food in them?

A: Yes, they are designed to be stackable, but be mindful of the contents. For best results and  to protect the food, use lids if stacking with delicate items inside.

What Customers Are Saying

"A really sturdy bit of kit. We use these for everything from proving dough to storing veg. They take a real beating and  still look good as new after a wash."

Sarah Jenkins – The Flour Pot Bakery, Cornwall

"Great value. They stack perfectly, which has saved us a load of space in the freezer. Dropped one the other day and  it just bounced, no cracks!"

Ben Carter – Head Chef, Glasgow Hotel

"We bought a dozen of these for our catering business and  they're indispensable. Easy to transport, easy to clean, and  the perfect size for our needs."

Fatima Khan – Mobile Caterer, Birmingham

Add Review

The Araven Advantage: Built for Real-World Kitchens

Choosing Araven isn't just about buying a piece of plastic; it's an investment in your kitchen's workflow and  compliance. With decades of experience, Araven designs products with the direct input of chefs and  catering professionals. This shallow food storage tray is a perfect example: it’s not over-engineered, but every aspect, from the durable HDPE material to the easy-to-clean corners and  stable stacking design, is intentional. This focus on practical, real-world use means fewer replacements, better organisation, and  easier adherence to food safety standards like HACCP. In the long run, investing in quality basics like this reduces waste, saves staff time, and  brings a level of professional consistency that cheap, mismatched containers simply can't offer. It's a small detail that contributes to a smoother, safer, and  more efficient operation.

Explore more from Araven

Why High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Matters in Your Kitchen

You see 'HDPE' in the specs, but what does that actually mean for you? In short, it means reliability. Think of the difference between a cheap, brittle plastic takeaway container that cracks if you look at it funny, and  a sturdy, slightly flexible bucket that you can use for years. This commercial food container is made from the latter kind of plastic.

HDPE is non-porous, which means it won't absorb food juices, colours, or smells – so yesterday's beetroot marinade won't haunt today's fresh cream. It also has excellent temperature resistance, meaning it won't become fragile and  shatter in the freezer or warp out of shape in a hot commercial dishwasher. It's a choice of material that prioritises hygiene, durability, and  a long service life, which is exactly what you need from equipment you rely on every single day.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Restaurants & Pubs: Ideal for marinating meats, storing prepped vegetables, or resting portions before service in the walk-in.
  • Bakeries & Patisseries: Perfect for proving small batches of dough, holding finished pastries, or storing dry ingredients neatly.
  • School & Care Home Kitchens: A durable, easy-to-clean solution for organising daily ingredients and  managing large-scale meal prep hygienically.
  • Butchers & Fishmongers: The non-porous surface is excellent for displaying cuts or storing fish on ice without absorbing odours or stains.
Find equipment tailored to your type of business:

Shop for Cafes Shop for Hotels Shop for Restaurants View All Business Types

You Might Also Like

Why Choose EasyEquipment?

  • Trusted for 50+ Years

    We've been kitting out UK kitchens for half a century—we know our onions.

  • Speedy & Free Delivery

    Get your gear fast with free UK mainland delivery, often as soon as the next day.

  • Price Match Promise

    Find it for less elsewhere? We'll match the price, no quibbles or fuss.

  • Real UK Support

    Got a question? Our friendly, UK-based team is on the phone, ready to help you out.

Ready to Order?

Get your kitchen in order! Add the Araven Shallow Food Storage Tray J223 to your basket today for a smarter, tidier workspace.

Add to Cart Call Us for Advice

Customer Reviews

How do you rate this product?

Your voice makes a difference! We value your honest feedback and would love to hear about your experience with our products.

Please take a moment to leave a review and help us grow together.