Thali and meal-box orders have grown fast for cloud kitchens, tiffin services, canteens and caterers. A multi-compartment tray keeps rice, dal and sabzi apart, and a sealed film on top keeps the meal clean and leak-proof until the customer opens it. The question is which sealing machine you need for your tray. This guide compares our 2, 5 and 8 portion meal tray sealers.
Why compartment trays need a matching machine
A compartment tray has ridges between the sections. The film has to seal along the outer rim and also along those ridges, otherwise dal can creep into the rice section and the pack looks messy when it arrives. The sealing mould is therefore made to match your tray, not just its overall size. That is why we ask for a sample tray or a photo with measurements before we recommend a machine.
Quick comparison
| Machine | Tray size | Output per hour | Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Portion | 240 x 170 mm | 200 to 280 trays | 850 W | Tiffin and lunch box orders |
| 5 Portion | 270 x 200 mm | 150 to 250 trays | 1000 W | Cloud kitchens, canteens, caterers |
| 8 Portion | 330 x 230 mm | 120 to 200 trays | 1200 W | Hospitals, factories, large catering |
2 portion tray sealer: tiffin and lunch boxes
A two-compartment tray is the simplest meal box: dal and rice, or curry and bread. The 2 Portion Tray Sealer is the usual choice for tiffin services, small lunch suppliers and home kitchens that deliver daily meals. It has the highest output of the three, so it suits steady daily volumes.
5 portion meal tray sealer: the everyday thali
A five-compartment tray holds rice, dal, vegetable, roti and a sweet. The 5 Portion Meal Tray Sealer is built for this layout and is the most common choice for cloud kitchens, office and factory canteens and caterers who pack full meals.
8 portion meal tray sealer: full meals at volume
Large eight-compartment trays are used for full thali meals, hospital diet meals and airline-style catering. The 8 Portion Meal Tray Sealer takes the biggest tray in the range, so each cycle is a little slower, but it is the right fit when every meal has many components.
How to decide
- Count the compartments on your tray, not the number of dishes you serve. The mould follows the tray.
- Measure the outside of the tray (length and width in mm) and compare it with the sizes above. If your tray is different, we make the mould for your size.
- Check your busiest hour. If you need more than one machine can seal at peak time, plan for two machines or stagger the packing.
- Confirm the film. Tell us the tray material so we can guide you on film. See our film guide.
Practical tips for sealing meal trays
- Do not overfill. Food touching the rim stops the film from sealing properly. Keep a small gap below the rim.
- Wipe the rim if gravy or oil spills on it before you seal.
- Mind the steam. Many kitchens let very hot food cool slightly before sealing, because trapped steam can wet the film and weaken the seal. Test with your own meals to find what works.
- Keep the tray flat in the mould so the film seals evenly on all sides.
If a seal does not hold, read why seals leak or wrinkle and how to fix them.
Get the right machine for your tray
Send a photo of your tray with its size and tell us how many meals you pack on a busy day. We will confirm the machine and mould and share the price. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 85108 13358 or use the enquiry form.
