Marianne Martinez
Steam table pans, also known as service pans, counter pans, or hotel pans, are an essential part of any foodservice business. They are designed to be versatile and efficient, being suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. These pans come in a variety of sizes, with the most common depths being 2, 4, 6, and 8. The capacity of a steam table pan depends primarily on its depth, with a 2-1/2-inch-deep pan capable of holding around 33 cups. A full-size pan, typically measuring 12 x 20, can hold approximately 20 liters (5.28 gallons) and is often used for cooking large batches and serving popular entrees. The number of 1/2 cups that can fit in a steam table pan will depend on its size and depth, with a full-size pan requiring six 1/6 pans to fill it up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Steam table pans, hotel pans, counter pans, service pans |
| Use | To serve food, retain food, store, transport, cook, and warm meals |
| Common Materials | Stainless steel, plastic, polypropylene, polycarbonate, melamine |
| Common Depths | 2", 4", 6", 8" |
| Standard Sizes | Full-size, 2/3-size, 1/2-size, 1/3-size, 1/4-size, 1/6-size, 1/8-size, 1/9-size |
| Full-size Dimensions | 12" x 20", 20.87" x 12.80" (GN 1/1), 20 3/4" x 12 3/4" |
| 2/3-size Dimensions | 12" x 13 1/3", 13 3/4" x 12 3/4" |
| 1/2-size Dimensions | 12" x 10", 12.80" x 10.43" (GN 1/2), 12 3/4" x 10 3/8" |
| 1/3-size Dimensions | 12" x 6 2/3", 12.80" x 6.93" (GN 1/3) |
| 1/4-size Dimensions | 6" x 10" |
| 1/6-size Dimensions | 6" x 6 2/3" |
| 1/9-size Dimensions | 4" x 6 2/3" |
| Capacity of Full-size Pan | 33 cups in a 2 1/2-inch-deep pan, 106 cups in an 8-inch-deep pan, 5.28 gallons |
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What You'll Learn
Common steam table pan depths
Food pans, also known as hotel pans, are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen. They are used to store, transport, and serve food. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion, making them suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. The size of the food pan is an important consideration, and food pans come in various sizes and depths.
The most common hotel pan depths are 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches. They are also available in half-inch or quarter-inch increments. The number of servings in each steam table pan depends primarily on the depth of the pan. For example, a 2-inch-deep hotel pan is commonly used in buffets to hold small quantities of food. It holds less product than deeper pans but is more compatible with chafers as it allows for an inch of water to be added and leaves half an inch of room for steam to rise and circulate.
On the other hand, 4-inch and 6-inch-deep pans are better suited for operations that need to meet high-volume service requirements, such as soup kitchens, cafeterias, and military facilities. These deeper pans can also hold foods at the proper temperatures more effectively, especially dense foods like pasta and potatoes.
It is worth noting that while the Gastronorm system provides standardized dimensions, the depth of the pans can vary. Common depths in the Gastronorm system include 20mm (0.79 inches), 40mm (1.57 inches), 65mm (2.56 inches), and 100mm (3.94 inches).
The choice of pan depth depends on the specific needs of the kitchen and the type of service. For example, a buffet line with a low to medium volume of food may prefer shallower pans, while a high-volume cafeteria may require deeper pans. Additionally, the type of food being served can also impact the choice of pan depth, as some foods may require specific temperatures to be held effectively.
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Full-size steam table pans
The standard dimensions of a full-size steam table pan are approximately 12 inches by 20 inches, with a capacity of around 20 liters or 5.28 gallons. These pans are often used for cooking large batches of food and serving popular items such as chicken fingers, burgers, or salad greens. They are a vital piece of equipment for any restaurant, as they can be used to cook and serve large quantities of food efficiently.
In addition to the size of the pan, depth is also an important consideration when choosing a full-size steam table pan. The number of servings in each pan depends primarily on its depth. Common hotel pan depths include 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches, but they are also available in smaller increments such as half an inch or a quarter of an inch. The depth of the pan will also affect its capacity, with deeper pans having a larger capacity than shallower ones.
Overall, full-size steam table pans are a versatile and essential tool for any commercial kitchen. Their standardized sizes and stackable design make them efficient for storing, transporting, and serving food. With a range of depths and materials to choose from, these pans can accommodate a variety of culinary needs and applications.
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Two-thirds steam table pans
Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen. They are designed to be versatile and efficient, suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. The pans are typically made of stainless steel, with varying thicknesses, and come in a range of sizes and depths. The most common depths are 2", 4", 6", and 8", but they can also be found in smaller increments of 1/2" or 1/4".
The two-thirds size is a popular option for restaurants, as it allows for flexibility in pan configurations. It can be paired with a third-size pan or a combination of smaller pans, depending on the specific needs of the kitchen. This size is often used for holding hot food in buffet lines or organizing ingredients on prep tables.
When determining the number of servings in a two-thirds steam table pan, the depth of the pan is a crucial factor. Deeper pans will naturally hold more food, and the capacity can also vary depending on the specific dimensions and design of the pan. Some two-thirds pans are designed with a coved interior, maximizing the serving yield by making scooping easier.
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Half steam table pans
Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, counter pans, or service pans, are used in various foodservice operations, including restaurants and catering businesses. They are typically made of stainless steel, with thicknesses ranging from 18 to 25 gauge, and come in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles. The sizes available include full-size, two-thirds size, half size, third size, quarter size, sixth size, and ninth size.
The capacity of half steam table pans can vary depending on their depth, which is an important consideration when choosing a pan. The most common depths for hotel pans are 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches, but they are also available in smaller increments. A half pan with a depth of 2.5 inches can hold around 15-17 portions, while a 2-inch deep pan can hold approximately 15-28 portions, depending on the average portion size.
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Quarter steam table pans
Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, counter pans, or service pans, are used in a variety of foodservice operations, including restaurants and catering businesses. They are typically used to keep food warm and are available in different sizes, materials, and styles.
The capacity of quarter steam table pans can vary depending on their depth. Common depths include 20mm (0.79"), 40mm (1.57"), 65mm (2.56"), and 100mm (3.94"), with pans of different depths available to accommodate varying needs.
When choosing quarter steam table pans, it is important to consider the specific dimensions, depths, and additional features that best suit your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of cups in a full-size steam table pan depends on the depth of the pan. A full-size pan has a capacity of around 5.28 gallons, or 84.48 cups. A 2.5-inch-deep pan can hold around 33 cups, so a full-size pan with this depth would hold around 2.55 cups.
A 2/3-size steam table pan will hold around two-thirds the volume of a full-size pan, or around 56.32 cups. A 2.5-inch-deep pan of this size would hold around 1.71 cups.
A 1/2-size steam table pan will hold around one-half the volume of a full-size pan, or around 42.24 cups. A 2.5-inch-deep pan of this size would hold around 0.88 cups.
A 1/3-size steam table pan will hold around one-third the volume of a full-size pan, or around 28.16 cups. A 2.5-inch-deep pan of this size would hold around 0.59 cups.
