Introduction to Aluminum Foil Trays

Aluminum foil trays are indispensable in commercial kitchens, catering services, and household cooking due to their versatility, heat conductivity, and eco-friendly recyclability. This guide provides a detailed aluminum foil tray sizes chart to help businesses and consumers select the ideal dimensions for their needs. Whether you’re packaging meals, baking desserts, or storing leftovers, understanding tray sizes ensures efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Standard Aluminum Foil Tray Sizes and Dimensions

Below is a categorized breakdown of common aluminum foil tray sizes, including their dimensions, capacities, and typical applications. All measurements are based on industry standards (ASTM International) and cater to global markets.

1. Rectangular Trays

Rectangular trays are the most widely used due to their space-efficient design and compatibility with ovens, freezers, and transport.

Dimensions (Inches) Metric Equivalent Capacity (Fluid Ounces) Common Uses
9" x 13" 23 cm x 33 cm 128 oz (3.8 L) Roasting turkeys, sheet cakes
8" x 8" 20 cm x 20 cm 64 oz (1.9 L) Brownies, casseroles
10" x 7" 25 cm x 18 cm 50 oz (1.5 L) Meal prep, lasagna
12" x 10" 30 cm x 25 cm 200 oz (5.9 L) Bulk catering, BBQ ribs

Key Features:

  • Material Thickness: 0.08–0.15 mm (heavy-duty options available for high-heat applications).

  • Reinforced Rims: Prevent bending during handling.

2. Round Trays

Round trays are ideal for baking, frying, and presenting dishes with aesthetic appeal.

Diameter (Inches) Metric Equivalent Capacity (Fluid Ounces) Common Uses
8" 20 cm 42 oz (1.2 L) Pies, quiches, deep-dish pizza
10" 25 cm 80 oz (2.4 L) Roasted vegetables, fried rice
12" 30 cm 150 oz (4.4 L) Party platters, seafood boils

Key Features:

  • Depth Options: Shallow (1.5") for pastries, deep (3") for liquid-rich dishes.

  • Non-Stick Coatings: Optional for easy food release.

3. Oval Trays

Oval trays combine the elegance of round trays with the practicality of rectangular designs, often used for serving and gourmet packaging.

Dimensions (Inches) Metric Equivalent Capacity (Fluid Ounces) Common Uses
13" x 9" 33 cm x 23 cm 100 oz (3 L) Fish, whole chickens
16" x 11" 40 cm x 28 cm 200 oz (5.9 L) Banquet entrees, holiday meals

Key Features:

  • Decorative Edges: Scalloped or crimped finishes for upscale presentations.

  • Lid Compatibility: Secure snap-on lids for spill-proof transport.

4. Compartment Trays

Compartmentalized trays (2–3 sections) are perfect for meal kits, school lunches, or separating dishes.

Dimensions (Inches) Compartment Layout Capacity per Section Common Uses
9" x 6" 3 sections 12 oz (355 ml) each Bento boxes, appetizers
10" x 8" 2 sections 24 oz (710 ml) each Meat and sides, salads

Key Features:

  • Divider Strength: Laser-welded seams to prevent leakage.

  • Microwave-Safe: Ideal for reheating pre-portioned meals.

How to Choose the Right Aluminum Foil Tray Size

Selecting the correct tray size depends on three factors:

1. Food Volume and Type

  • Liquid-Based Dishes (soups, stews): Use deep trays (≥2.5" depth) with secure lids.

  • Solid Foods (roasts, baked goods): Opt for shallow trays (1–1.5" depth) to maximize surface area.

2. Oven and Storage Compatibility

  • Check oven dimensions to ensure trays fit without overcrowding.

  • For freezer storage, choose trays with stackable designs to save space.

3. Sustainability Goals

  • Recyclable Trays: Look for 1000-series aluminum (e.g., 1050, 1060) with minimal coatings.

  • Reusable Options: Anodized aluminum trays withstand 50+ dishwasher cycles.

Industry Applications of Aluminum Foil Trays

  1. Food Catering:

    • 9" x 13" trays for bulk entrees.

    • Compartment trays for individual meals (hospitals, airlines).

  2. Bakery and Confectionery:

    • 8" round trays for artisanal tarts.

    • 12" x 10" trays for commercial cookie sheets.

  3. Retail Packaging:

    • Pre-filled frozen meal trays (FDA-compliant labeling).

    • Custom-branded trays for gourmet food brands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can aluminum foil trays be used in convection ovens?
A: Yes, but reduce the temperature by 25°F (14°C) to account for aluminum’s superior heat conductivity.

Q: Are aluminum trays safe for acidic foods?
A: Modern anodized and coated trays resist corrosion. Avoid prolonged storage of tomato-based or citrus dishes in plain aluminum.

Q: How do I recycle used aluminum trays?
A: Rinse trays, check local recycling guidelines, and ensure they’re free of food residue. Most facilities accept aluminum trays labeled ♻️.

Conclusion: Optimize Your Operations with the Right Tray Size

Understanding aluminum foil tray dimensions streamlines food preparation, reduces waste, and enhances presentation. From compact 8" x 8" brownie trays to expansive 16" x 11" banquet pans, this aluminum foil tray sizes chart equips you to make informed decisions. For custom sizing or bulk orders, explore our range of FDA-approved, eco-conscious solutions tailored to your industry.