Burger Box Size Guide: Dimensions, Materials & Buying Tips

Choosing the right burger box size helps protect the burger during takeaway and delivery. A box that is too small can squash the bun and toppings, while an oversized box allows the food to move around.

There is no single standard burger box size used by every supplier. However, most boxes fall within practical ranges for standard burgers, larger gourmet burgers and sliders.

Oxypac offers a range of burger boxes for takeaway and food service in different dimensions and materials.

What Are Standard Burger Box Sizes?

Burger boxes are generally selected according to the width and height of the finished burger.

These sizes are a guide rather than an industry standard. Always check the internal dimensions and height before ordering.

For example, Oxypac's current range includes a 120 × 120 × 100 mm kraft burger box, a roughly 127.4 × 127.4 mm 5-inch bagasse box, and larger 150 × 150 mm 6-inch burger boxes.

Burger Box Size for a Standard Burger

For most standard burgers, a box around 120 to 150 mm wide provides enough room without leaving excessive empty space.

Height also matters. A basic cheeseburger needs less clearance than a burger with multiple patties, salad and toppings.

Ideally, the lid should close comfortably without pressing against the food.

Burger Box Size for Double and Gourmet Burgers

Double patties, fried chicken burgers and loaded burgers usually need more space.

A box around 150 mm wide or larger may be suitable, depending on the bun and toppings.

Measure the burger after it has been fully assembled rather than relying only on labels such as “regular”, “large” or “gourmet”.

What About Sliders?

Sliders can be packed individually, although businesses selling several at once may prefer a larger clamshell, food tray or takeaway box.

The main goal is to prevent smaller burgers from tipping or moving during transport.

Different clamshell takeaway containers may suit sliders as well as sandwiches, snacks and other smaller meals.

How to Measure a Burger Box

Prepare the largest version of the burger you regularly sell and check:

1. Width: Measure the widest part of the finished burger.

2. Height: Include patties, salad, cheese and toppings.

3. Clearance: Leave enough space so the lid closes without compressing the food.

4. Movement: Avoid excessive empty space that lets the burger slide around.

It is also worth testing the packaging under normal takeaway or delivery conditions before ordering larger quantities.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand advises businesses to use packaging that is suitable for its intended purpose and unlikely to contaminate food. See the FSANZ food packaging guidance for more information.

Choosing the Right Burger Box Material

Burger box size is only part of the decision. Material affects strength, grease resistance and how the packaging performs during takeaway and delivery.

Kraft Burger Boxes

Kraft burger boxes are commonly used for burgers, sandwiches and takeaway meals.

They are lightweight, easy to handle and relatively compact when supplied flat. Grease resistance varies between products, so check the specifications if your food is particularly oily or saucy.

Oxypac's kraft paper food packaging range includes burger boxes, food trays, snack boxes and other takeaway packaging.

Corrugated Paper Boxes

Corrugated packaging uses a fluted layer to give the box additional strength.

It can suit heavier burgers or meals that need more support during transport, although the strongest option is not always necessary for every menu.

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation's Sustainable Packaging Guidelines encourage businesses to consider both packaging functionality and sustainability.

Sugarcane Bagasse Burger Boxes

Bagasse is the fibrous material left after sugarcane processing and can be moulded into food trays, bowls and clamshell takeaway containers.

Its rigid structure makes it useful for hot takeaway food. Oxypac offers several sugarcane bagasse takeaway containers, including burger boxes in different sizes.

Claims such as biodegradable and compostable should still be checked carefully. The Australasian Bioplastics Association explains that certified compostable products in Australia may be assessed against standards including AS 4736 and AS 5810. See the ABA compostability guidance for details.

Grease Resistance and Ventilation

Grease resistance matters for burgers containing fatty patties, cheese or sauces. If grease passes through the packaging, the box can weaken and become unpleasant to handle.

Ventilation also matters because steam trapped inside a hot burger box can soften the bun.

The ideal balance depends on the burger, travel time and packaging material. Testing the finished meal under normal delivery conditions is often the easiest way to see whether a box performs well.

For more information, see Oxypac's guide to burger box packaging design.

Stock vs Custom Burger Boxes

Stock burger boxes are usually the simplest choice for restaurants, cafés, takeaway shops and food trucks.

They offer:

• lower order commitments

• faster replenishment

• easier storage

• flexibility when testing new menu items

Businesses ordering larger quantities may consider custom packaging featuring logos, colours or purpose-built dimensions.

The minimum order quantity depends on the product and level of customisation. Oxypac states that standard products can be ordered from one carton, while custom-print quantities vary according to the product and design.

See the Oxypac packaging FAQ for current ordering information.

How to Choose the Right Burger Box

Before placing an order:

1. Measure the finished burger, including its toppings.

2. Consider delivery time, especially for hot or greasy food.

3. Check storage space and packaging costs before ordering multiple sizes.

4. Test samples with real food before buying in bulk.

After packing the burger, check the bun texture, grease penetration, lid closure, condensation and how much the food moves inside the box.

Choosing Your Burger Box Size

There is no single burger box size suitable for every menu. Standard burgers often fit boxes around 120 to 150 mm wide, while larger or heavily loaded burgers may need more space.

The best approach is to measure the finished food, compare the box dimensions and test the packaging under normal service conditions.

To compare different sizes and materials, browse Oxypac's burger box range for takeaway and food-service packaging.