Tray slides — a canteen modular system tray slide is a stainless steel rail system that determines the direction of the customer’s tray along the serving front; the correct configuration of the slides ensures an even and congestion-free flow of customers, which is critically important for canteen operations during peak hours in HoReCa businesses.
Tray slide construction and components
Tray slides — the foundation of tray slides consists of two or four parallel stainless steel tracks along which the tray glides along the counter; the track can be flat, with rollers, or have a special surface texture that reduces friction and facilitates sliding. Rail pairs — a standard tray slide includes two parallel rail tracks with a specific spacing that matches the tray size used; tray sizes may vary — most commonly GN 1/1 equivalent width or a special tray standard. Height and adjustment — the height of tray slides is selected to match the counter height and the average height category of customers; some models allow height adjustment; the universal combined height of counters and slides in canteens is approximately 900–950 mm; see Canteen Modular Systems. BHS supplies tray slides.
Tray slide configurations and corners
Tray slides — the tray slide system can be configured in various routes according to the canteen space layout and the shape of the serving front. Straight segments — the main direction along the serving front; segment length is selected to match the length of the serving front. Corners — 90° and 45° corners allow the tray slide system to change direction if the serving front includes turns; L-shaped and U-shaped serving fronts are common in large corporate canteens. Entry and exit segments — the tray slide system starts with an entry segment (where the customer places the tray into the system) and ends with an exit segment at the cash register counter; the entry segment often has additional width or a shelf for tray pickup; see Serving Display Case and DROP-IN Serving Display Cases DROP-IN.
Materials and hygiene requirements for tray slides
Tray slides — tray slides, which are in direct proximity to food and trays, have strict hygiene and material requirements. Stainless steel — canteen tray slides are made from AISI 304 grade stainless steel, which is inert to food contact, easy to clean, and HACCP compliant; a smooth surface coating prevents dirt accumulation; the rails between the tray and the serving front collect greasy water and debris, which must be cleaned regularly. Cleaning and maintenance — daily cleaning of tray slides is simple: rails and support plates are wiped with a disinfectant; detachable rail systems are easier to clean; see Counters with Serving Display Cases. BHS supplies tray slides across Europe.
HoReCa usage scenarios
Corporate canteen with tray slides — in large corporate canteens, tray slides organize the customer flow past hot food, salad, dessert, and beverage stations; a 90° corner directs customers from the linear front to the cash register counter; the BHS setup ensures an ergonomic and efficient system. University or hospital canteen with tray slides — in high-traffic conditions, tray slides ensure an orderly queue flow and reduce congestion risk. Large self-service restaurant with tray slides — a gourmet self-service restaurant with an extensive serving front uses a modular tray slide system with multiple entry points; BHS supplies the products. BHS offers tray slides to HoReCa businesses across Europe.
Frequently asked questions
Are tray slides intended only for self-service canteens? Tray slides — tray slides are primarily designed for self-service and semi-self-service canteens, where the customer moves independently along the serving front with a tray; in full-service restaurants where food is served at the table, tray slides are usually not necessary; see Canteen Modular Systems.
Can tray slides be added to an existing serving counter? Tray slides — yes, tray slides are typically modular and can be installed on the existing counter facade with special brackets or fasteners; before purchasing, check that the counter height matches the tray slide height requirements; see also Cash Register Counters for cash register counter solutions.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.
