What are rolling trays?
Rolling trays, also known as rolling carts or utility carts, are carts with wheels that are used for transporting items from one place to another. They come in a variety of sizes and designs, but generally consist of a flat surface or shelves mounted on a wheeled base.
Rolling trays are commonly used in hospitals, offices, schools, warehouses, and other settings to easily move supplies, files, food, laundry, and other items where they need to go. Their mobility makes them helpful for cleaning and organizing as well. Some key benefits of rolling trays include:
- Mobility – The wheels allow heavy and bulky items to be transported with minimal effort.
- Versatility – They come in many shapes and sizes to suit different storage and transport needs.
- Efficiency – Rolling trays save time and energy compared to carrying items by hand.
- Organization – Items can be neatly arranged on the shelves for order and access.
- Storage – Provide additional storage space wherever they are placed.
When shopping for a rolling tray, some factors to consider include the tray material (steel, plastic, wood), weight capacity, number of shelves, shelf configuration, handle style, wheel type (locking vs non-locking), and dimensions. Prices range from $50 for basic plastic utility carts to over $500 for extra large professional grade metal carts.
Benefits of Using Rolling Trays
There are many benefits that can make rolling trays a worthwhile investment for home, office, and industrial uses:
Save Effort
Rolling trays eliminate the need to lift and carry heavy objects like books, files, containers, or laundry baskets. The easy mobility is helpful for anyone with back injuries or conditions, arthritis, or limited strength. No more straining muscles or struggling to grip large stacks of items! Even light loads become fatiguing to hold for long periods. Rolling trays allow the weight to be transported with minimal physical exertion.
Save Time
Transporting items by hand, especially up and down stairs or long hallways, takes considerable time and multiple trips. Rolling trays allow larger quantities to be moved in a single trip. The time savings really add up in workplaces like hospitals and offices where staff need to retrieve records and move supplies frequently throughout large buildings. Rolling trays help maximize productivity.
Flexible and Mobile Storage
Unlike static shelves or cabinets, rolling trays allow storage space to be transported wherever it’s needed at the moment. They can also be conveniently tucked out of the way against a wall when not in use. The flexibility enables better space efficiency and organization. Rolling trays are ideal for holding supplies for a home improvement project, transporting cookware from a pantry to countertop when cooking, or keeping office supplies accessible.
Easier Cleaning and Organization
Rolling trays allow cleaning around and under furniture since heavy items can be rolled aside. It’s also simple to rearrange storage rooms, pantries, garage shelves, or workspace layouts. Items can be neatly organized on the shelves and drawers for convenience. Having supplies on rolling trays makes deep cleaning much simpler.
Extra Storage and Counterspace
Rolling trays can provide additional storage and countertop space wherever they are needed. A rolling cart with shelves adds usable space to a laundry room for folding clothes or holding detergent. In a classroom, they can hold learning manipulatives, books, and other instructional materials. Extra storage and workspace on wheels!
Potential Drawbacks of Rolling Trays
Despite their many benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to evaluate when considering rolling trays:
Bulkiness
Rolling carts do take up floorspace, which may be limited in some homes or offices. If not in use, they still occupy a footprint even when folded up or slid to the wall for storage. For tight spaces, the extra floor area required should be measured.
Tip-Over Risk
Improperly loaded rolling trays have the potential to tip over if weighted too heavily on one side. Shelves should be loaded evenly to keep the cart stable. Non-locking wheels could also allow accidental rolling. Care is needed to place brake-wheeled models on even surfaces.
Difficulty Rolling on Uneven Surfaces
Although wheels make traversal easy across smooth floors, rolling over carpet or thresholds can become difficult if the tray is overloaded or has small wheels. Outdoor terrain or thick carpet may be impassable. The types of surfaces the tray will need to traverse should be considered.
Noise Disturbances
Squeaky wheels or rattling dishes and boxes on a rolling tray can cause disruptive noise pollution in quiet settings like offices, libraries, and classrooms. Proper maintenance and securing of contents helps minimize excessive noise issues.
Aesthetics
Some rolling trays have an industrial appearance unappealing for home décor. Wire shelving can also accumulate dust and dirt over time. There are more attractive wood and custom trays available for those concerned about incorporating the look into living spaces.
Key Features to Evaluate
Not all rolling trays are equal when it comes to quality, durability, and utility. Here are some key features to assess when selecting a rolling tray:
Frame and Shelves
Consider whether metal, wood, plastic, or a combination is optimal for your needs regarding capacity, aesthetics, and cleaning. Do shelves adjust and allow for customizable configurations? Is the frame sturdy with rivets, welds, or joins of high quality?
Wheels
Larger wheels perform better over uneven surfaces and thresholds. Non-marring rubber wheels protect floors. Locking wheels prevent accidental movement in busy environments. Swivel front wheels provide maneuverability in tight spaces.
Storage
Does the unit offer drawers, bins, or trays for compartmentalized storage? Open shelves provide minimal storage while enclosed cabinets offer more concealment. Measure storage capacity in quarts or cubic feet.
Durability
Commercial grade metal construction typically withstands heavy loads and constant use, while consumer plastic trays have lower weight limits and shorter lifespans. Consider care requirements as well – some finishes will show wear, stains, or rust over time.
Ergonomic Design
Look for handles at an appropriate and comfortable height for users. Shelves should be easy to access without excessive bending or reaching. Utility trays meant for hospitals also consider pinch points and antimicrobial finishes.
Weight Capacity
Make sure the stated weight capacity meets your needs with a safety margin. Exceeding weight limits risks damage to the tray or tip-over accidents. Heavy loads require very sturdy construction.
Dimensions
Consider where the tray will be stored and moved. Measure doorways, aisles, and paths to ensure the tray can fit appropriately. Larger trays become difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. Extending handles provide some clearance.
Top Uses for Rolling Trays
Thanks to their mobility and versatility, rolling trays have many useful applications across different environments:
Hospital and Patient Transport
Nurses use rolling trays to transport medications, supplies, charts, meal trays, and lab specimens around medical facilities while making rounds. Models with IV poles, oxygen tank holders, and stretchers are designed specifically for patient transport.
Office and School Supplies
Office workers and teachers frequently use small wheeled carts to transport documents, mail, paper, toner, books, and other educational materials around buildings. Larger filing cabinets and shelves roll as well.
Housekeeping and Laundry
Plastic and metal utility carts with open shelves easily transport cleaning supplies like dusters, towels, and cleaning solutions from room to room. Rolling hampers allow large laundry loads to be moved with minimal effort.
Tools and Hardware
Mechanics and construction workers use heavy duty models with drawers to organize tools, parts, nails, fasteners, and hardware. The ability to bring components and equipment conveniently onsite improves work efficiency.
Event Set-Up and Break-Down
Rolling trays assist event planners to transport tables, chairs, linens, serving pieces, and decorations quickly during set-up and post-event breakdown. Custom catering carts provide mobile buffet service.
Cooking and Kitchen Storage
Baker’s racks with shelving bring cooking ingredients within reach. Serving carts make transporting food and dishes easy when entertaining. Pantry carts create extra organized storage for dry goods and appliances.
Choosing the Best Rolling Tray Type
Determining how the rolling tray will primarily be used helps choose the best style and features:
Utility Carts
General purpose utility carts with open shelves or drawers suit most home and office needs. Available in plastic or metal, they provide budget mobile storage and transport. Better quality models last for years.
Hospital Carts
Engineered specifically for the demands of healthcare settings, these feature medical-grade finishes resistant to disinfectants with ergonomic handles. Specialized details accommodate oxygen tanks, hanging IV bags, and chart binders.
Workshop and Garage Carts
Heavy duty metal shop carts handle heavy tools, hardware, and parts. Deep drawers provide secure storage. Extended handles allow two-handed steering. Wheels must be durable and easy to maneuver over garage floors.
Kitchen and Pantry Carts
Food safe finishes without cracks or crevices make these ideal for cooking ingredients and serving ware transport. Enclosed models protect edibles from pests. Adjustable chrome shelves accommodate various heights and diameters of goods.
Office and Mail Carts
Designed for paperwork and document transport, these have wide shelves to accommodate legal files and small parts drawers with dividers for office supplies. Book trucks allow easy transport of educational materials in schools.
| Rolling Tray Type | Best Suited For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Cart | Home, office, garage | Plastic or metal, open shelves |
| Hospital Cart | Healthcare settings | IV, oxygen holders, ergonomic handles |
| Shop Cart | Workshops, garages | Heavy duty, deep drawers, rugged wheels |
| Kitchen Cart | Cooking, food storage | Enclosed, adjustable shelves, food safe |
| Office Cart | Paperwork transport | Wide shelves, file/binder holders |
Key Considerations When Purchasing
Keep the following important criteria in mind when selecting the optimal rolling tray:
- Intended use – Carts designed for medical, office, or industrial uses have features tailored to those settings.
- Weight capacity – Verify it meets your loading needs with a safe buffer.
- Shelf configuration – Fixed vs adjustable, and inclusion of drawers/bins provides customizable storage.
- Wheel quality – Larger non-marring wheels perform best and protect floors.
- Dimensions – Consider storage space and areas trays will need to maneuver.
- Construction – Metal or high-impact plastic? Riveted, welded, or screwed? Durable finishes?
- Care requirements – Some finishes prone to rust, stains, or scratches. Stainless steel requires less maintenance.
- Noise level – Rolling squeaks and rattling contents may require maintenance.
- Assembly – Many ship unassembled. Complexity of assembly varies.
- Warranty – Indicates expected lifespan. Commercial models often have longer warranties.
Taking time to evaluate options using these criteria helps select the ideal rolling tray for your specific needs and environment.
Top 5 Best Rolling Trays
Based on quality, utility, durability, and value, here are 5 excellent rolling tray options to consider:
Seville Classics Large Utility Cart
- Durable steel construction with scratch-resistant finish
- 2 fixed and 2 removable shelves
- Smooth rolling 4″ wheels
- 300 lb weight capacity
- Measures approximately 37” x 18” x 33”
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Cart
- Rugged structural foam plastic won’t dent, peel or chip
- Nearly seamless surface for easy cleaning
- 3 fixed shelves and bottom cart
- 300 lb weight capacity
- Measures approximately 36.2” x 17.7” x 32.4”
Trinity Eco Storage Rolling Cart
- Chrome-plated steel wire construction
- 3 height adjustable shelves
- Smooth rolling casters with cornerguards
- 400 lb weight capacity
- Measures approximately 24” x 16 “ x 36”
Mind Reader 3 Tier Metal Rolling Cart
- Durable powder-coated steel
- 2 removable mesh shelves for airflow
- Bottom storage rack
- Rolls on 3″ casters
- Measures approximately 30” x 15.5” x 26.25”
Amada 5-Shelf Portable Wire Shelving
- Chrome-plated steel wire construction
- Welded frames and joints prevent squeaking
- 5 height-adjustable shelves
- 300 lb weight capacity
- Measures approximately 36” x 18” x 64”
Conclusion
Rolling trays provide effortless mobility for efficient transport, organization, storage, and accessibility of home goods, office supplies, medical items, hardware components, pantry ingredients, and anything else that needs to be moved from location to location.
Thoughtfully designed trays improve workflow and minimize physical strain in hospitals, schools, garages, kitchens, and other settings. With smart features catered to their environment and sturdy customizable construction, quality rolling trays are worth the investment for most institutional and industrial purposes, in addition to select home uses where space allows.
By evaluating intended use, weight capacity, shelf configuration, wheel maneuverability, and durability of materials using the guidance provided, you can select the ideal rolling tray model to suit your specific needs. The top trays highlighted offer versatile, heavy-duty options with excellent value. Carefully assessing where and how the rolling tray will improve storage accessibility, transport, and organization ensures you choose the right option to provide strength, efficiency, and mobility.