Best Serving Trays for Cafeteria of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Serving trays for cafeteria are an essential tool in any food service establishment. They provide a convenient and efficient way to transport food and beverages from the serving line to the tables. These trays are designed with durability in mind, made from high-quality materials that are resistant to stains, scratches, and cracks. With their spacious surface area, they can accommodate multiple plates, cups, and utensils, making it easier for the cafeteria staff to serve a large number of customers at once. Available in a variety of colors and designs, serving trays for cafeteria not only serve a practical purpose but also add a touch of style to the dining experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Carlisle Cafe Plastic Fast Food Tray Cover #TOP 1
Carlisle Cafe Plastic Fast Food Tray
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Carlisle FoodService CT121623 Cafeteria Tray Cover #TOP 2
Carlisle FoodService CT121623 Cafeteria Tray
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Carlisle Cafe Standard Plastic Cafeteria Tray Cover #TOP 3
Carlisle Cafe Standard Plastic Cafeteria Tray
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 4 Serving Trays for Cafeteria

Carlisle Cafe Plastic Fast Food Tray

CFS-NCT1418-01
Black
17.9" x 14" x 1"
Carlisle Cafe Plastic Fast Food Tray Cover
Carlisle FoodService Products Fast Food Cafeteria Tray 14" x 18", Durable Polypropylene with Slip-Resistant Surface, Stackable for Cafes and Schools, BPA-Free, Black

The Carlisle Cafe Plastic Fast Food Tray is a lightweight, shatter-resistant tray that is perfect for self-service operations like cafeterias, fast-food and schools. The basket weave texture adds grip and reduces the risk of slipping and spills. With a low replacement cost, this tray is a great choice for any high traffic restaurant or establishment.

What We Like
Durable construction
Lightweight and easy to carry
Slip-resistant surface
Easy to clean
Versatile usage

Carlisle FoodService CT121623 Cafeteria Tray

Carlisle FoodService CT121623 Cafeteria Tray Cover
Carlisle FoodService Products CT121623 Café Standard Cafeteria / Fast Food Tray, 12" x 16", Gray

The Carlisle FoodService CT121623 cafeteria tray is a stackable rectangular tray made of polypropylene, offering light weight, heat resistance, and durability. The tray has a skid-resistant surface to reduce slipping, and features stacking lugs to create air space for faster drying. Ideal for food service, this tray is perfect for use in cafeterias and fast food restaurants.

What We Like
Sturdy and durable build
Easy to clean
Non-skid textured surface
Lightweight and stackable
Versatile for multiple uses
#TOP 3

Carlisle Cafe Standard Plastic Cafeteria Tray

Carlisle Cafe Standard Plastic Cafeteria Tray Cover
Carlisle FoodService Products CT101403 Cafe Standard Plastic Cafeteria/Fast Food Tray, NSF Certified, BPA Free, 14" Length x 10" Width, Black

The Carlisle Cafe Standard Plastic Cafeteria Tray is a stackable rectangular tray made of polypropylene for light weight, heat resistance, and durability. The skid-resistant surface reduces slipping, and the stacking lugs create air space for faster drying. This tray is NSF International certified for use in food handling and processing, making it a reliable option for food service.

What We Like
Sturdy and durable
Lightweight and easy to clean
Perfect size for various uses
Great value for the money
Attractive color options
#TOP 4

Lifewit Reusable Plastic Serving Tray Set of 3

Serving Tray
White
15" x 10" (3pcs)
Lifewit Reusable Plastic Serving Tray Set of 3 Cover
Lifewit Reusable Plastic Serving Tray, 15" x 10" White Platters for Party, Large Tray Dishes for Serving Food, Buffet, Snacks, Fruit, Rectangle, Thanksgiving Christmas Essentials, 3 Sets, BPA Free

The Lifewit Plastic Serving Trays come in a set of three large trays, each with raised edges to help prevent spills, making them perfect for serving everything from hot dishes to fruits and snacks. Crafted from durable, food-grade material, these trays are reusable, BPA-free, and resistant to cracks and shattering, ensuring long-lasting use in your daily life. Their classic white, rectangular design fits seamlessly with any party or event décor, so you can impress guests at birthdays, holidays, or gatherings. Plus, the smooth surface makes cleaning easy by hand, and the trays stack neatly for convenient storage, saving you space when not in use.

What We Like
Large capacity with spill protection
Durable, BPA-free material
Classic design for any event
Easy to clean and store
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are waiter trays called?

Safetray is a brand name for a retractable finger receiver incorporated into the underside of a round wait staff tray to assist in handling the tray when carrying food and drinks for service in the hospitality industry.

2. What are cafeteria trays made of?

The polystyrene used in traditional lunch trays is a petroleum-based plastic that won't break down for hundreds of years. When the trays end up in landfills — and 225 million of them do every year — they leeches pollutants into the water and air, according to the group.

Editor's Notes

During our serving tray for cafeteria research, we found 24 serving tray for cafeteria products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 275,368 customer reviews through our big data system to write the serving trays for cafeteria list. We found that most customers choose serving trays for cafeteria with an average price of $16.16.

The serving trays for cafeteria are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of serving trays for cafeteria, including Carlisle FoodService Products, Lifewit. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.