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5 Best BBQ Grill Prep Trays for 2024

By Chris Johns •  Updated: 08/24/24 •  7 min read
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Best BBQ Grill Prep Trays

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.

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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.


Cuisinart CPK-200 Grilling Prep and Serve Trays, Black and Red Large 17 x 10.5

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Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

  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!”

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.


LEHAHA Grilling Prep and Serve Trays, Blue and White

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Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

  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.”

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.


Tovolo Prep and Serve BBQ Trays

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Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

  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!”

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.


ECOIOU Extra Large Grilling Prep and Serve Trays

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Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

  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.”

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.


BLAZIN’ GRILL Prep and Serve Trays

View on Amazon

Highlights

Specifications

Customer Reviews

  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.”

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.
  2. Material: Look for durable materials like melamine or heavy-duty plastic.
  3. Design Features: Consider trays with grooved bottoms for draining liquids or nesting capabilities for easy storage.
  4. Color-Coding: Opt for sets with different colors to prevent cross-contamination.
  5. Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe trays save time and effort.
  6. Versatility: Some trays can double as serving platters or marinating dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are BBQ grill prep trays dishwasher safe?

Many grill prep trays are dishwasher safe, but it’s always a good idea to check the product specifications to ensure proper care.

Can I use these trays for purposes other than grilling?

Yes! BBQ grill prep trays are versatile and can be used for general food preparation, serving, or even as marinating dishes.

How do I clean my grill prep trays?

Most trays can be cleaned with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher. For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner.

Are these trays heat-resistant?

Most trays are designed to handle hot foods. However, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure heat resistance.

Conclusion

BBQ grill prep trays are a must-have for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. Whether you prioritize size, style, or functionality, there’s a perfect option for your needs among the top picks above. Happy grilling!

4.8/5 - (21 votes)

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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