Apparatus is disclosed for dispensing such flanged elements as trays and plates from a stack thereof. The apparatus has a pair of units spaced apart to receive the stack between them and each unit includes a pair of blades vertically spaced by a distance equal to the thickness of the margins of the elements and movable into and out of margin supporting position. Operating means provide a cycle in which the stack is first supported by the upper blades, then by the lower blades, the upper blades then returned to their supporting position and the lower blades retracted to release the lowermost element. When the lowermost elements may adhere to the stack, pry means are provided to become operative when the lower blades are retracted. Fluidpressure and cam-operated embodiments of the apparatus are detailed.