Burger boxes are hinged paperboard clamshells that hold a burger and keep it warm on the way to the table or the car. TBPB prints them to your burger size with no minimum order, and we beat any written quote for the same specs.
The problem is steam and grease
Anyone who has opened a burger box and found a damp bun knows the real design brief. A hot burger releases steam, and if the box traps it, the bun goes soft. If the box vents too much, the burger goes cold. Grease is the second enemy, because a leaking patty can spot through plain board and stain the print on the outside. So a burger box is partly a grease barrier and partly a ventilation problem, and you should ask for both when you spec it.
Many operators use small vent holes or a notched lid edge to let steam out without leaving the burger exposed. Others choose a corrugated micro-flute wall that insulates a little better. Which approach suits you depends on how long the food sits before eating: a counter pickup is nothing like a 25-minute delivery.
Sizing the clamshell
Measure the burger as served, at its widest diameter and its stacked height, bun top included. A box that is too small squashes the top bun and smears the sauce into the lid. Too big and the burger slides around. A clearance of roughly 1/4 inch per side works for most. If the box also carries fries or a side, say so, because that changes the footprint and may point to a tray-style box with a divider. Standard clamshells for a single-patty burger are small, while double-stack and gourmet builds need extra height.
Board and print
Burger boxes are usually folding carton board, either coated white or natural kraft, and many include a grease-resistant coating or liner. Ask for the barrier you need rather than assuming it is built in. Kraft suits a rustic, local brand. White takes a bold full-color design well, so a bright pattern or a logo wall is easier to read at a distance. Water-based or aqueous coatings are common on the outside to guard against scuffs and spills. Food-contact suitability depends on the materials and the coating, so confirm requirements with your own regulatory adviser, because TBPB prints the artwork you supply.
- Hinged clamshell with a tuck or snap lock
- Kraft or white board, with or without a grease barrier
- Steam vent holes or a notched lid
- CMYK or Pantone print, aqueous coating
- Single, double and mini burger sizes
When another format is better
If you serve sliders or a tasting set, the custom mini burger boxes are sized for smaller builds. For a full meal to go, a meal packaging bag carries the box together with fries and a drink. For a counter or catering setup, see the food counter display boxes. The burger packaging range shows the sizes we make.
Stacking matters in a busy kitchen. Boxes that nest flat save shelf space behind the line, and a lock that closes with one push saves seconds on every order. Check that the lid closes cleanly when the burger is a little taller than planned, because a loaded special will test it. If the lid pops open, the fix is usually more height in the dieline, not stronger board.
Next step: send the burger dimensions, whether sides share the box, and your quantity, even if it is one, and we will draw the dieline and quote it.
Frequently asked questions
What size burger box do I need?
Measure the burger as served at its widest point and stacked height, then add roughly 1/4 inch per side. A box that is too tight squashes the bun. Tell us if it carries fries too and we size the footprint.
Is there a minimum order for burger boxes?
No. TBPB has no minimum order, so a new restaurant or pop-up can order a small run and a chain can order thousands. We beat any written quote for the same specs.
How do I keep a burger from going soggy in the box?
Let steam escape with vent holes or a notched lid, and choose a grease-resistant board. For long delivery times, ask for an insulating micro-flute wall. Test a packed burger after 20 minutes before you commit.
Are custom burger boxes grease resistant?
They can be, with a barrier coating or liner. It is not automatic, so ask for it in your quote. Food-contact requirements vary, and TBPB prints supplied artwork, so confirm materials with your regulatory adviser.
Can burger boxes be kraft instead of white?
Yes. Natural kraft board suits rustic and local brands, and white board takes full-color print more sharply. Both can be coated. Send your artwork or ideas and we recommend one.
Can I print my logo on a burger box?
Yes. We print CMYK or matched Pantone on the lid, sides and inside, with aqueous coating for scuff resistance. A logo wall or pattern works well on white board. Send artwork with your dimensions.
More Burger Packaging
See the full Burger Packaging range, or explore related options with no minimum order and our best-price guarantee:
