There are few kitchen frustrations greater than going to serve a dish only to find it’s torn, broken, and half of it is still welded to the tray. Sticking isn’t just an annoyance; it’s wasted product, lost time on scrubbing, and a compromised plate presentation.
If you’re consistently facing this issue in your high speed oven, the cause is usually one of the following. The good news? Every one of them has a straightforward fix.
1. The Tray is Too Cold
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The Problem: Placing cold food (especially high-moisture items like frozen or refrigerated products) onto a room-temperature tray is a recipe for sticking. The temperature difference causes the food to “sweat” and glue itself to the surface as it heats up.
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The Fix: Preheat your tray along with the oven. A hot tray will sear the outside of the food on contact, creating a natural release layer. This is a simple yet transformative step for items like sausages, burgers, and roasted vegetables.
2. The Non-Stick Surface is Worn or Damaged
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The Problem: Non-stick coatings don’t last forever. Scratches from metal utensils, harsh abrasive cleaners, and the intense thermal cycling of high speed ovens degrade the surface over time, creating microscopic pits for food to grip onto.
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The Fix: Inspect your trays regularly. If you see scratches, discolouration, or notice food starting to stick where it didn’t before, it’s time for a replacement. Invest in durable, high-quality PTFE trays designed for commercial use, like those from Falcon Products Ltd.
3. You’re Using the Wrong Type of Tray
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The Problem: A standard, uncoated aluminium or steel tray has no inherent non-stick properties. Using a silicone mat on a warped tray can also create pockets where food and moisture get trapped, leading to sticking.
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The Fix: Use a purpose-built non-stick accessory. Our PTFE Sheets and Trays offer a flawless, seamless non-stick surface for general use. For items with high sugar content (like glazed pastries) or that are particularly delicate, our specialised non-stick surfaces provide a much more reliable release.
4. There’s Too Much Moisture
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The Problem: Foods with very high water content, like certain fish fillets or fresh fruits, will release a lot of steam during cooking. This moisture can act like a glue if it can't evaporate quickly enough.
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The Fix: Choose a tray that manages moisture. For these items, our PTFE Mesh Trays are ideal. The mesh allows steam to escape from underneath the food, rather than letting it sit in a puddle and cause sticking.
5. The Tray is Simply Dirty
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The Problem: It sounds obvious, but invisible residues from oils and proteins can build up on a tray over time, even after washing. This residue carbonises during the next cook, creating a sticky, uneven surface.
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The Fix: Ensure a thorough clean. Use a soft cloth or sponge with a mild detergent. Avoid abrasive scouring pads that can scratch the surface. For our PTFE products, a simple wipe is often all that's needed due to their excellent release properties.
The Falcon Solution: Stop Sticking Before It Starts
At Falcon Products Ltd, we engineer our accessories to prevent these issues. Our PTFE Sheets, Mesh Mats, and Bespoke Moulded Trays are designed with a superior non-stick surface that withstands the demands of a high speed oven, giving you a perfect release time after time.
Tired of Wasting Food and Time?
Upgrade to accessories designed for your professional environment. Explore our range of non-stick solutions and get back to flawless service.
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