5 Best BBQ Grill Prep Trays for 2024

A BBQ grill prep tray is an essential tool that can significantly improve your grilling experience, making it easier, safer, and more organized. These handy trays not only provide a convenient way to transport food to and from the grill but also help prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked meats.

Many models feature color-coding, allowing you to easily distinguish between trays used for raw and cooked foods. This simple yet effective design keeps potentially harmful juices contained and separate from your perfectly grilled dishes.

Grill prep trays are also incredibly affordable, making them an excellent gift idea for the BBQ enthusiast in your life or a practical addition to your own grilling arsenal. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 BBQ grill prep trays for 2024, helping you choose the perfect option for your outdoor cooking needs.

The Top 5 BBQ Grill Prep Trays for 2024

We’ve carefully reviewed and selected the best BBQ grill prep trays available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. for 2024. Each of these options offers unique features and benefits to enhance your grilling experience.

1. Cuisinart CPK-200 Grilling Prep and Serve Trays

The Cuisinart CPK-200 Grilling Prep and Serve Trays are our top choice for BBQ grill prep trays, offering a perfect balance of functionality, durability, and convenience.

These trays are designed with the griller in mind, featuring a clever nesting design that allows for easy storage and provides insulation when transporting hot foods. The color-coded system (black and red) helps prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked meats.

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Highlights

• Lightweight yet sturdy construction
• Nesting design for easy storage
• Color-coded to prevent cross-contamination
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

Specifications

• Dimensions: 17.3″ L x 10.5″ W x 1″ H
• Material: Melamine
• Color: Black and Red
• Set includes: 2 trays

The Cuisinart CPK-200 trays feature a lipped edge that effectively contains juices and marinades, preventing spills during transport. The grooved bottom helps keep food elevated, allowing excess liquids to drain away.

Customer Reviews for Cuisinart CPK-200 Grilling Prep and Serve Trays

1. “These trays are perfect for grilling. They’re sturdy, easy to clean, and the color coding is a great safety feature.”
2. “I love how these nest together for storage. They’re lightweight but can hold a lot of food.”
3. “The lip around the edge is great for containing juices. No more messy trips to and from the grill!”

The Cuisinart CPK-200 Grilling Prep and Serve Trays are an excellent investment for any grilling enthusiast. Their thoughtful design and durable construction make them a standout choice for safe and efficient outdoor cooking.

2. LEHAHA Grilling Prep and Serve Trays

For those seeking a stylish and functional option, the LEHAHA Grilling Prep and Serve Trays offer a great combination of aesthetics and practicality.

These trays feature a beautiful blue and white color scheme that adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor cooking setup. The melamine construction ensures durability and resistance to breaking, making them perfect for busy BBQ sessions.

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Highlights

• Stylish blue and white design
• Durable melamine construction
• Large size for ample food capacity
• Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

Specifications

• Dimensions: 17.2″ L x 10.5″ W
• Material: Melamine
• Color: Blue and White
• Set includes: 2 trays

The LEHAHA trays are designed with a slight lip around the edge to contain juices and prevent spills. Their large size allows you to transport multiple items at once, making them ideal for family gatherings or larger BBQ events.

Customer Reviews for LEHAHA Grilling Prep and Serve Trays

1. “These trays are not only functional but also look great. They’ve become a staple for our outdoor entertaining.”
2. “I appreciate the durability of these trays. They’ve survived many BBQs and still look brand new.”
3. “The size is perfect for prepping and serving. I use one for raw meats and one for cooked foods.”

The LEHAHA Grilling Prep and Serve Trays are an excellent choice for those who want to add a touch of style to their grilling setup without compromising on functionality. Their large size and durable construction make them versatile tools for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.

3. Tovolo Prep and Serve BBQ Trays

The Tovolo Prep and Serve BBQ Trays offer a practical and efficient solution for your grilling prep needs. These trays are designed with functionality in mind, featuring a simple yet effective design that makes outdoor cooking a breeze.

Like the Cuisinart model, these trays come in a set of two with different colors (black and white), allowing for easy separation of raw and cooked foods. The nesting design makes storage simple and provides an extra layer of insulation when transporting hot foods.

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Highlights

• Durable and heat-resistant construction
• Nesting design for compact storage
• Color-coded to prevent cross-contamination
• Large size suitable for family meals

Specifications

• Dimensions: 16.5″ L x 11″ W x 0.5″ H
• Material: Melamine
• Color: Black and White
• Set includes: 2 trays

The Tovolo trays feature a grooved bottom that helps drain excess juices away from the food, keeping your meats and vegetables from sitting in their own liquids. The raised edges prevent spills during transport, ensuring a clean grilling experience.

Customer Reviews for Tovolo Prep and Serve BBQ Trays

1. “These trays are the perfect size for our family BBQs. They’re sturdy and easy to clean.”
2. “I love how these stack together. It makes storage so much easier in my small kitchen.”
3. “The grooved bottom is great for letting marinades drain off. No more soggy vegetables!”

The Tovolo Prep and Serve BBQ Trays are an excellent choice for those seeking a straightforward, effective solution for their grilling prep needs. Their large size and thoughtful design make them suitable for a wide range of outdoor cooking scenarios.

4. ECOIOU Extra Large Grilling Prep and Serve Trays

For those who need even more space, the ECOIOU Extra Large Grilling Prep and Serve Trays offer an expansive surface area perfect for large gatherings or preparing multiple dishes at once.

These trays are significantly larger than standard options, providing ample space for all your grilling needs. The set includes two trays in black and red, maintaining the color-coding system that’s crucial for food safety.

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Highlights

• Extra-large size for maximum capacity
• Durable melamine construction
• Color-coded for food safety
• Includes cleaning accessories

Specifications

• Dimensions: 17.3″ L x 13″ W x 1.2″ H
• Material: Melamine
• Color: Black and Red
• Set includes: 2 trays, cleaning accessories

The ECOIOU trays feature a textured bottom that helps prevent food from sticking and allows excess liquids to drain away. The deep sides provide extra protection against spills, making them ideal for marinating or transporting saucy dishes.

Customer Reviews for ECOIOU Extra Large Grilling Prep and Serve Trays

1. “These trays are huge! Perfect for our family reunions and large BBQ gatherings.”
2. “I appreciate the extra depth of these trays. No more worries about marinades spilling during transport.”
3. “The included cleaning accessories are a nice touch. Makes maintenance so much easier.”

The ECOIOU Extra Large Grilling Prep and Serve Trays are an excellent choice for those who frequently cook for large groups or prefer to have extra space for food preparation. Their generous size and thoughtful design make them a versatile addition to any outdoor cooking setup.

5. BLAZIN’ GRILL Prep and Serve Trays

Rounding out our top 5 is the BLAZIN’ GRILL Prep and Serve Trays, a set that combines functionality with a sleek, professional look.

These trays are designed to withstand the rigors of frequent grilling, featuring a durable melamine construction that resists scratches and stains. The set includes two stackable trays in black and red, perfect for separating raw and cooked foods.

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Highlights

• Stackable design for easy storage
• Durable, scratch-resistant melamine
• Suitable for marinating and serving
• Lightweight yet sturdy construction

Specifications

• Dimensions: 17.13″ L x 10.63″ W x 2.5″ H
• Material: Melamine
• Color: Black and Red
• Set includes: 2 trays

The BLAZIN’ GRILL trays feature a textured bottom that helps prevent food from sliding around during transport. The raised edges are designed to contain liquids effectively, making these trays excellent for marinating as well as serving.

Customer Reviews for BLAZIN’ GRILL Prep and Serve Trays

1. “These trays are a game-changer for my grilling routine. They’re sturdy, easy to clean, and look great.”
2. “I love how these stack together. It makes storage in my crowded kitchen so much easier.”
3. “The size is perfect for prepping and serving. The red tray for raw meats and black for cooked foods is a smart system.”

The BLAZIN’ GRILL Prep and Serve Trays offer a professional-grade option for home grillers. Their robust construction and well-thought-out design make them an excellent choice for those who take their BBQ seriously and want equipment that can keep up with their passion.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best BBQ Grill Prep Tray

When selecting the perfect BBQ grill prep tray for your needs, consider the following factors:

1. Size: Choose a tray that can accommodate the amount of food you typically grill. Larger trays are great for family gatherings, while smaller ones might be more suitable for everyday use.
2. Material: Look for durable materials like melamine or heavy-duty plastic that can withstand high temperatures and frequent use.
3. Design Features: Consider trays with grooved bottoms for draining excess liquids, raised edges to prevent spills, and nesting capabilities for easy storage.
4. Color-Coding: Opt for sets with different colors to easily distinguish between trays used for raw and cooked foods, enhancing food safety.
5. Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe trays can save you time and effort in cleanup.
6. Versatility: Some trays can double as serving platters or marinating dishes, adding value to your purchase.
7. Handle Design: If you plan to carry fully loaded trays, look for models with comfortable, secure handles.
8. Heat Resistance: Ensure the tray can withstand the heat of freshly grilled foods without warping or melting.
9. Price: While most grill prep trays are affordable, consider your budget and choose the best quality within your price range.
10. Brand Reputation: Opt for trusted brands known for producing quality grilling accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do I need a BBQ grill prep tray?
A: BBQ grill prep trays help organize your grilling process, prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, and make transporting food to and from the grill easier and safer.

Q: Are grill prep trays dishwasher safe?
A: Many grill prep trays are dishwasher safe, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some may require hand washing to maintain their quality.

Q: Can I use these trays for purposes other than grilling?
A: Yes, most grill prep trays are versatile and can be used for general food prep, serving, or even as organizers for non-food items.

Q: How do I clean my grill prep trays?
A: Most can be cleaned with warm, soapy water or in the dishwasher. For stubborn stains, a mixture of baking soda and water can be effective.

Q: Are these trays safe to use with hot foods?
A: Most grill prep trays are designed to handle hot foods. However, always check the product specifications for temperature limits.

Q: How many trays do I need for effective grilling?
A: A set of two trays is typically sufficient, allowing you to separate raw and cooked foods. However, for larger gatherings, you might find additional trays helpful.

Q: Can these trays be used for marinating?
A: Many grill prep trays are suitable for marinating, especially those with raised edges to contain liquids. Always check the product description to confirm.

Q: Are these trays stackable for easy storage?
A: Many grill prep trays are designed to be stackable, saving space in your kitchen or outdoor storage area. Look for nesting designs if this feature is important to you.

Q: Can I use metal utensils with these trays?
A: While many trays are durable, it’s generally best to avoid metal utensils to prevent scratching. Opt for silicone, wooden, or plastic utensils instead.

Q: How long should a good quality grill prep tray last?
A: With proper care, a high-quality grill prep tray should last for many grilling seasons. Look for trays made from durable materials like melamine for longevity.

Conclusion

A good BBQ grill prep tray can significantly enhance your outdoor cooking experience, making it more organized, efficient, and enjoyable. Whether you opt for the versatile Cuisinart CPK-200 Grilling Prep and Serve Trays, the stylish LEHAHA Grilling Prep and Serve Trays, the practical Tovolo Prep and Serve BBQ Trays, the spacious ECOIOU Extra Large Grilling Prep and Serve Trays, or the professional-grade BLAZIN’ GRILL Prep and Serve Trays, you’re sure to find an option that suits your needs and preferences.

Each of these top picks offers unique features designed to make your grilling experience safer, more organized, and more enjoyable. From color-coded systems to prevent cross-contamination to nesting designs for easy storage, these trays are thoughtfully crafted to address the needs of BBQ enthusiasts.

Remember to consider factors such as size, material, design features, and ease of cleaning when making your choice. By investing in a quality grill prep tray, you’re not just buying a product – you’re enhancing your entire outdoor cooking experience.

So, whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting your BBQ journey, a good prep tray is an essential tool that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. Happy grilling!

Chris Johns

Chris is the founder of BBQ Report® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.

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