10 things you didn’t know about rolling trays and ways to use them

Imagine having a place to store all your joint rolling accessories. How about a neat and organized space that offers a clean and flat surface to work on. Imagine never spilling your favorite herbs on the floor ever again! Until now, you may have been using a plate or a magazine as a work surface, which is totally ok. 

You may have thought to yourself, “This plate works fine; who needs a rolling tray?” Sure, you may be able to get away with using the surface of a park bench or dinner plate. But you will be missing out on a ton of benefits that a high-quality rolling tray has to offer.

Maybe you're a veteran joint roller who has never considered using a rolling tray. Or perhaps you are new to the craft and wonder if a rolling tray will help you roll better joints. Either way, this article will introduce you to ten things you may not know about rolling trays. To find out more - stick with us.

What is a Rolling Tray?

A rolling tray is simply a flat rectangular tray, which is designed to aid your joint rolling efforts. Rolling trays vary in size and are made from lightweight materials like bamboo, plastic, tin, or aluminum. Rolling trays are usually enjoyed by those who prefer joints over vapes and pipes.

A rolling tray may seem far too simple to offer many benefits. But don't be fooled. The seasoned joint smoker and the novice will find value in this uncomplicated tool. Many rolling paper companies offer rolling trays in their product line, and they often feature cool and colorful designs. Rolling trays are popular for one reason - their usefulness. Let's dive right in!

When it Comes to Rolling Trays - Size Does Matter

Are you always on the move? Do you often have people over for smoking sessions? These are the factors you need to consider before buying a rolling tray. The size you should choose will depend on your lifestyle. If you are a frequent traveler or commuter, a small rolling tray that fits your handbag or backpack is ideal.

A small rolling tray may not give you the space that a large rolling tray will offer, but it will prevent you from having to work on a dirty table. It will also keep your smoking accessories together while you roll your joint on the move. A large rolling tray is ideal for entertaining. It offers a spacious surface area to work on, which is excellent for rolling lots of joints for a group of people.

As a rule of thumb, a large rolling tray is better to work with as it offers ample room to work with. But it is best to consider your lifestyle before purchasing a rolling tray, as small rolling trays are far more portable.

Rolling Trays are Ideal For Organizing your Smoking Accessories

There is nothing worse than having the rolling process interrupted because you can't find your rolling papers or lighter! Think of a rolling tray like a fruit bowl for all your smoking accessories. When not in use, your rolling tray will provide a place to store your papers, grinder, and other equipment. Additionally, a rolling tray will keep everything together when you're rolling joints. This sure beats dealing with your accessories scattered about the coffee table.

Some rolling trays come with built-in compartments or recesses. These offer extra storage for organizing your rolling materials. You may feel spoilt for choice when it comes to features, but remember, you can't go wrong with a classic rolling tray with raised edges. You will be amazed at how organized this simple device will make you feel.

Rolling Trays Prevent Mess

Rolling a joint can be a messy business, especially if you're new to the craft. Even if you are a pro, it is normal to drop herb bits here and there when rolling a joint. You may also be cutting bits of card stock when making filter tips. All this can create a bit of a mess.

A rolling tray can prevent your precious herb or bits of card stock from ending up on the carpet or kitchen table. It does this by catching whatever you may drop during your rolling journey. No more having to clean up after you've rolled your joint. Your rolling tray will contain all your jumble, and the raised edges will prevent any crumbs and bits from sliding off. No mess - no fuss!

It Beats Rolling on Your Lap!

Sure, it can be done, but rolling a joint with the help of nothing but your lap can be difficult. Accidently dropping rolling papers while balancing your herb grinder on one knee and fumbling for filter tips. Does this sound familiar? Nothing is more frustrating. Dropping bits of herb on a coffee table is one thing, but dropping crumbs all over your jeans can be embarrassing.

Let's face it. The lap was not designed to aid in the joint rolling process. We need help to roll the perfect joint! With your equipment laying safely on your rolling tray cradled in your lap, you can focus your attention on rolling your joint. This way, you'll be that much closer to rolling a high-quality joint with a smooth draw.

A Rolling Tray Will Save you Money

Start rolling with a rolling tray today, and it will save you money in the long term. High-quality herb is expensive. The last thing you want to do is sweep it out the door or into a trash can. This happens more than one would expect.

How often have you dropped freshly ground herb onto the floor and tried to rescue it by brushing it into your hand... only to find that you have also picked up bits of lint and dirt. Most people would throw this out instead of rolling it up to smoke, and for a good reason.

As mentioned earlier, a rolling tray will catch the little bits you drop along the way. And on those rare occasions when you drop rolling paper filled with precious herbs, you'll be thankful you chose to use a rolling tray.

Some rolling trays, like those with extra compartments, can be expensive. But a regular rolling tray with raised edges will not break the bank, and it will do the job. Think of it as an affordable investment that could potentially save you a lot of money.

A Rolling Tray is a Portable Work Station

Rolling a joint at a table is the most convenient way to roll. A table or a desk provides a workspace where you can lay out your materials in front of you, making them easier to reach and giving you enough space to work. If you are new to rolling joints, you may want support for your elbows or wrists while you practice rolling joints.

Sometimes you may not have access to a table that you can use as a workspace. A rolling tray provides a portable workstation that will help you get the job done on the move. You will easily fit a small rolling tray into a handbag, and you may even fit a sizable rolling tray into a backpack. Take a joint-rolling workstation wherever you go and never be left searching for an open table.

Rolling Trays Offer a Clean and Flat Surface to Work on

A hard flat area makes rolling a joint easier. But not all surfaces are sanitary. Considering the joint will end up pinched between your lips, you may want to avoid using a public table as a workstation. Who knows what kind of germs you'll expose yourself to.

Avoid using dirty surfaces and use a rolling tray instead. Your rolling tray offers a clean and sanitary space that you can take with you wherever you go. Whether sitting at a park bench or a public table, a rolling tray gives you complete control over your environment. Not only will it prevent you from picking up germs, but it will also help you not to pick up dirt or grit that can ruin the smoking experience.

Metal Rolling Trays are the Most Durable

Rolling trays are made from various materials - some from wood and others from plastic. Plastic rolling trays are usually the most affordable. However, some people prefer rolling trays made from sustainable wood such as bamboo.

The most durable rolling trays are manufactured from metal. Metal rolling trays are designed to put up with a lot of use. They are also ideal for traveling as they will survive being stuffed into a backpack and knocked about. A metal rolling tray is an excellent choice if you are looking for a rolling companion that will last a long time. Zig-Zag rolling trays are made from tin and are highly durable and lightweight.

A Rolling Tray Makes Joint-Rolling Easier

Rolling the ideal joint takes practice. If you are new to the craft, there is a good chance that you will roll a few rejects before you start to get better at rolling, and it’s totally normal. Simply empty the filler onto the rolling tray and re-roll your joint using a new rolling paper. You may need to repeat this process before you get the hang of rolling, but a tray will help you along your way.

If you are just starting out, a rolling tray will make the experience of rolling more manageable and more enjoyable. Simply lay down your materials on the tray, grind up some of your favorite herbs and get rolling. With a bit of practice, you will be well on your way to rolling a perfect joint.

Zig-Zag Makes a Super Cool Rolling Tray

Zig-Zag is known for its iconic rolling paper. The slow-burning French Orange rolling paper has been their best seller for over 100 years. The packaging features the iconic Zig-Zag man, better known as Captain Zig-Zag. This imagery has influenced pop culture for decades, from album covers to concert posters. And now you can have a rolling tray featuring this iconic artwork!

This Zig-Zag rolling tray measures in at 10 3/4X6 1/2 inches, making it ideal for people on the go. The rounded corners won't damage the lining of your bag, and its raised edges will keep your accessories and materials in one place. The thick tin material will ensure that it lasts longer and stands up to heavy use.

Zig-Zag rolling trays also come in a larger size for people who are looking for some extra room. Zig-Zag's large metal rolling tray is made from tin and coated with smooth and durable paint. It measures 13.4x6.5 inches which makes it ideal for the social smoker.

Conclusion

A rolling tray is a simple device that can be a smoker's best friend. There are many new products on the market, but a standard rolling tray with raised edges can make rolling a joint much easier. It's a portable workstation that doubles as storage!

A rolling tray will catch your crumbs and save your precious herb from being swept away into the garbage. Sizes will vary, but a small rolling tray is more portable than a large tray as a rule of thumb. But larger trays offer more room to work on. Figure out what will suit your lifestyle.

A metal rolling tray will offer reliability and durability for years to come. Your rolling tray will give you a clean area to work on wherever you find yourself rolling a joint. A rolling tray is an inexpensive tool that will add a ton of value to your lifestyle. Be sure to check out Zig-Zag's rolling trays, which are made from high-quality tin that is a lightweight but durable metal.

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