Aluminium foil containers are widely used by takeaways, restaurants, caterers, bakeries and food preparation businesses because they are lightweight, stackable and suitable for a wide range of hot and cold foods.
This guide explains the main foil container sizes and shapes available from Smart Food Packaging, including No.1, No.2, No.6A, No.6, No.9, No.12, rectangular trays, round foil containers and Gastronorm sizes.
Browse our complete aluminium foil trays and containers.
What Are Aluminium Foil Containers Used For?
Foil containers are suitable for many foodservice applications, including takeaway meals, curries, rice dishes, pasta, baked dishes, roast meals, pies, catering portions and prepared food.
The best container depends on portion size, food type, depth, shape and whether you need a matching lid for transport.
Common Aluminium Foil Container Sizes
| Container | Typical Size / Shape | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| No.1 | Small rectangular | Side dishes, rice, small portions, desserts |
| No.2 | Medium rectangular | Curries, rice, pasta, takeaway meals |
| No.6A | Long rectangular | Main meals, kebabs, rice dishes, larger portions |
| No.6 | Larger/deeper rectangular | Larger takeaway meals and generous portions |
| No.9 | Square 9 x 9 inch | Large meals, baking, catering portions |
| No.12 | Round 7 inch | Pies, rice, curries and round meal portions |
| Gastronorm | Half or full-size trays | Catering, buffets, batch cooking and large portions |
No.1 Aluminium Foil Containers
No.1 foil containers are compact rectangular trays suitable for smaller food portions, side dishes and individual servings.
Our No.1 aluminium foil food containers measure approximately 95 x 120 x 35mm and are supplied in bulk packs for foodservice use.
For takeaway transport, matching No.1 foil board lids are also available.
No.2 Aluminium Foil Containers
No.2 containers offer more capacity than No.1 trays and are commonly used for curries, rice, pasta, meat dishes and other takeaway meals.
Browse the No.2 aluminium foil food container, measuring approximately 115 x 140 x 40mm.
Compatible No.2 foil board lids can help protect food during takeaway and delivery.
No.6A Foil Containers
No.6A foil containers are a popular long rectangular format used for larger takeaway portions, rice dishes, kebabs, curries and complete meals.
The No.6A aluminium foil food container measures approximately 105 x 195 x 50mm.
Matching No.6A foil board lids are available separately.
No.6 Aluminium Foil Containers
No.6 containers are larger than No.6A trays and are suitable for bigger meal portions and dishes requiring extra capacity.
Our No.6 aluminium foil food container measures approximately 11 x 21 x 6cm.
Because No.6 and No.6A are different sizes, always check the matching lid before ordering.
No.9 Square Foil Containers
No.9 foil trays are large square containers commonly used for generous meal portions, oven dishes, catering and batch-prepared food.
Smart Food Packaging stocks the No.9 square aluminium foil container, 9 x 9 x 1.5 inch.
For deeper food portions, we also stock a 9 x 9 x 2 inch deep aluminium foil container.
No.12 Round Foil Containers
No.12 round foil containers are useful for pies, baked dishes, curries, rice and round meal portions.
Our No.12 7-inch round aluminium foil containers provide a compact round format for takeaway and catering.
Matching No.12 round foil board lids are also available.
6 x 8 Inch Aluminium Foil Containers
The 6 x 8 inch format is a useful medium rectangular option for takeaway meals, baked dishes and prepared food.
Browse our 6 x 8.2 x 1.5 inch aluminium foil food containers.
Compatible 6 x 8 inch foil board lids are available separately.
7 x 9 Inch Foil Containers
7 x 9 inch foil containers offer a larger rectangular format for substantial takeaway meals, baked food and catering portions.
The 7 x 9 x 1.5 inch aluminium foil container is suitable for a wide range of foodservice applications.
9 Inch Round Foil Containers
Large round foil trays can be useful for pies, baked dishes, sharing portions and catering.
Smart Food Packaging stocks 9-inch round foil food containers with a diameter of approximately 22.7cm.
Matching 9-inch round foil board lids are available for compatible trays.
Gastronorm Foil Containers
Gastronorm foil containers are designed for larger-volume catering and food preparation. They are commonly used for buffets, events, batch cooking and commercial kitchen service.
Half Gastronorm Containers
The half deep Gastronorm aluminium foil containers provide a useful catering-size format for larger prepared dishes.
Smart Food Packaging also stocks half deep rolled-edge Gastronorm foil containers.
Full Gastronorm Containers
For higher-volume catering, choose between full shallow Gastronorm foil containers and full deep Gastronorm foil containers.
Compatible foil lids for full Gastronorm containers are available separately.
What Is the Difference Between Shallow and Deep Foil Containers?
Shallow foil containers are better suited to flatter foods and smaller portions, while deep containers provide more capacity for dishes with greater volume, sauces or layered ingredients.
When choosing between shallow and deep trays, consider both the food volume and the amount of headspace required beneath the lid.
Are Aluminium Foil Containers Oven Safe?
Many aluminium foil containers are suitable for conventional oven use because aluminium tolerates high cooking temperatures. However, always check the individual product specification and follow the appliance manufacturer's instructions.
Remove any paperboard or plastic lid before putting a foil container into an oven unless the lid is specifically confirmed as oven safe.
Can Aluminium Foil Containers Go in the Microwave?
Aluminium should not be treated in the same way as microwave-safe plastic. Microwave suitability depends on the appliance, tray design and manufacturer instructions.
Unless your microwave manufacturer and the specific foil container instructions clearly confirm that use is permitted, transfer the food to a microwave-safe container before reheating.
Foil Containers vs Plastic Takeaway Containers
Foil and plastic containers serve different purposes.
| Feature | Aluminium Foil Containers | Plastic Microwave Containers |
|---|---|---|
| Oven use | Often suitable, subject to product instructions | Usually not suitable for conventional ovens |
| Microwave use | Only where specifically permitted | Many PP containers are designed for microwave reheating |
| Presentation | Traditional takeaway and catering format | Often available with clear lids for product visibility |
| Best suited to | Hot meals, baking and catering | Meal prep, reheating and takeaway meals |
If microwave reheating is important, browse our microwavable plastic food containers and lids.
How to Choose the Right Foil Container
Before ordering, consider:
- The size and weight of the food portion
- Whether the dish contains sauce or liquid
- Whether the food will be cooked in the container
- Whether the container will be used for takeaway or delivery
- Whether a matching board or foil lid is required
- The amount of storage space available
- Whether you need individual portions or catering-size trays
Which Foil Container Is Best for Takeaway Food?
There is no single best size. Smaller No.1 and No.2 containers work well for individual portions and side dishes, while No.6A and No.6 containers provide more capacity for complete meals. Larger square, round and Gastronorm trays are better suited to family portions, baking and catering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aluminium Foil Containers
What are the most common foil takeaway container sizes?
Common formats include No.1, No.2, No.6A, No.6, No.9 and No.12, as well as rectangular 6 x 8 and 7 x 9 inch trays and Gastronorm containers.
What is the difference between No.6 and No.6A foil containers?
No.6 is larger and deeper than No.6A. Because the dimensions differ, they may require different lids, so always check compatibility before ordering.
Can foil containers go in the oven?
Many aluminium foil trays are suitable for conventional oven use, but always check the individual product specification and remove lids that are not designed for oven use.
Can foil containers go in the microwave?
Do not assume they are microwave safe. Microwave use depends on the appliance and product instructions. If compatibility is not clearly confirmed, transfer the food to a microwave-safe container.
Do foil containers come with lids?
Some products may be sold as bases only, with compatible board or foil lids sold separately. Always check the individual product listing.
Are aluminium foil containers suitable for takeaway delivery?
Yes, they are widely used for takeaway and catering. A correctly fitted compatible lid helps protect the food during handling and transport.
What are Gastronorm foil containers used for?
Gastronorm foil trays are commonly used for catering, buffets, batch cooking and larger food portions where higher capacity is required.
Where can I buy aluminium foil containers in bulk?
Smart Food Packaging supplies aluminium foil containers, trays and compatible lids in bulk packs for restaurants, takeaways, caterers and other foodservice businesses.
Shop Aluminium Foil Containers
Smart Food Packaging stocks a wide range of foil trays and containers for individual takeaway portions, baking, catering and large-volume food preparation.
Browse our complete aluminium foil container range or explore our wider hot and cold takeaway food packaging.