’ll never forget the first oven I bought when I moved into my own place. I thought it would arrive with everything I needed: oven trays, oven racks, maybe even a pan or two. I unpacked it, opened the door, and there it was: one lonely enamel tray and a single wire rack. That was it. I remember standing there thinking, “Wait, do ovens actually come with trays, or did mine get short-changed?”
Turns out, the answer is yes, but not always in the way you expect.
Do Ovens Come With Trays?
In most cases, yes. But don’t picture a full set of cookware neatly tucked inside. Ovens typically arrive with the bare minimum:
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A wire rack (so you can at least put something in there on day one).
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One enamel-coated tray, usually shallow and multipurpose.
Some ovens, usually pricier or premium ones, throw in a couple more, like a deeper roasting tray or even a grill pan. But many stick to just the basics.
So, if you’re imagining your new oven will come ready for roast chicken, lasagne, cookies, and pizza night, you’re going to need more trays.
What Kind of Trays Do Ovens Come With?
When people ask, “Do ovens come with trays?”, they usually mean: what exactly do I get? Here’s what’s most common:
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Flat baking tray, shallow edges, perfect for biscuits or oven chips.
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A deeper roasting tray, sometimes included, is good for meats and casseroles.
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Grill pan, less common these days but still included in some models.
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Drip tray, in ovens with broilers, catches fat and juices.
That’s the typical lineup. If you’ve only got one flat enamel tray in yours, don’t panic, that’s still standard.
Why Don’t Ovens Include More Trays?
I used to think it was stingy, but it makes sense. Manufacturers don’t know what kind of cook you are. A baker, a meat-lover, or someone who only reheats leftovers, each of those people uses trays differently.
Also, trays add cost. Including five trays in every oven would bump up the price, and half of them might sit in a cupboard unused. So instead, they give you a “starter pack” and leave the rest up to you.
Do Ovens Come With Trays That Actually Fit?
Yes, and this is one of the perks of the included ones. The trays that come with your oven usually slot in perfectly. They’re made to match the rails or grooves so they don’t wobble or slide around awkwardly.
Universal trays you buy later can fit fine, but sometimes they’re off by a few millimetres. I’ve had trays that scraped the sides or tilted slightly, annoying when you’re cooking something with sauce.
So, even if you don’t love the included trays, you’ll appreciate how neatly they fit.
Are the Trays Big Enough?
That depends on your oven size:
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Standard 60 cm ovens: Trays are usually around 46–48 cm wide. Big enough for a roast or a tray of cookies.
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Compact ovens (45 cm): Smaller trays, which can feel limiting if you’re cooking for a family.
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Large ovens (70–90 cm): Huge trays that can hold big cuts of meat or two pizzas. They’re brilliant until you have to lift one when it’s loaded.
So yes, ovens come with trays, but “big enough” depends on your oven. For everyday cooking, most included trays are fine. For big family meals? You might want a second one.
Do Ovens Come With Dishwasher-Safe Trays?
Usually, yes. Most trays you get are enamel-coated, which means you can pop them in the dishwasher. Stainless steel trays are also dishwasher safe. The only ones you need to be careful with are non-stick trays; those coatings can wear down with harsh detergents.
That said, I’ll be honest: I hand-wash mine more often than not. They last longer, and I don’t have to risk scratching them against other dishes.
What Oven Trays Do You Actually Need to Buy?
Here’s where it gets real. Even though ovens come with trays, almost everyone ends up buying more. Why? Because cooking isn’t one-size-fits-all.
If you cook regularly, I’d recommend:
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A second baking tray, you’ll thank yourself when baking biscuits or roasting veggies at the same time.
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A deep roasting pan with a rack is essential for crispy roast chicken or lamb.
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A pizza tray or stone, if you ever do homemade pizza, this is non-negotiable.
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Non-stick trays, easy clean-up, great for delicate foods like fish.
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Muffin or cake tins, if baking is your thing.
So yes, ovens come with trays, but they don’t cover everything. Think of the included trays as the “starter kit.”
Are the Included Trays of Good Quality?
Sometimes. But often they’re middle-of-the-road.
The enamel trays most ovens come with are fine for everyday use, but they’re not indestructible. I’ve had one chip after a couple of years, and another that warped a little after constant high-heat roasting.
That’s why many people upgrade to heavier-duty trays, thicker stainless steel or cast aluminium that distributes heat better and doesn’t bend under pressure.
Caring for the Trays That Come With Your Oven
If you want them to last:
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Line trays with baking paper or silicone mats. Saves a ton of scrubbing.
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Avoid stabbing or scraping with metal utensils.
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For burnt-on messes, sprinkle baking soda, add a splash of water, leave overnight, then wipe.
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Dry properly before storing; enamel can chip, and even stainless steel can spot-rust if left wet.
A bit of care means the trays that came with your oven can last years longer than expected.
Mistakes People Make With Oven Trays.
Since we’re here, let’s call out the classic errors:
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Overcrowding food. Everything steams instead of crisps. Use two trays.
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Using warped trays. Once it bends, food slides to one corner. Replace it.
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Thinking foil = tray liner. It messes with airflow. Use parchment paper instead.
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Assuming trays are universal. They’re not. Measure before buying extras.
I’ve made all of these mistakes at some point, and trust me, fixing them makes your cooking better.
Final Thoughts: Do Ovens Come With Trays?
So here’s the straight answer: yes, ovens do come with trays. Usually one, sometimes two. Higher-end ovens may give you more, but don’t expect a full set.
The tray oven you get will fit perfectly and work fine for basic cooking. But if you love roasting, baking, or making pizza nights a thing, you’ll end up buying extras anyway.
Think of the included trays as your “welcome gift.” Useful, but not the whole story. The real magic happens when you build a small collection of trays that suit the food you love to make.
And honestly? That’s not a bad thing. Because once you’ve got the right trays, cooking becomes easier, cleaner, and a lot more fun.