Tiffany Haney
Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen. They are used for storing, holding, warming, cooking, chilling, transporting, and serving food. Steam table pans are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles. The most common sizes are full pans, two-thirds pans, half pans, and third pans. The full-size pan measures roughly 12 inches by 20 inches and is often used for cooking large batches. The half-size pan measures 12 inches by 10 inches and is commonly used for side dishes or salad toppings. The two-thirds size pan measures 13 3/4 inches by 12 3/4 inches, and the third-size pan measures 6 inches by 10 inches. The number of 9x13 pans that can fit in a steam table pan depends on the size of the steam table pan. For example, a full-size pan can accommodate three half-size pans, and a two-thirds size pan can fit two third-size pans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel, polypropylene, polycarbonate, melamine, aluminium |
| Thickness | 18-25 gauge |
| Standard size | 12" x 20" |
| Half size | 12" x 10" |
| Two-thirds size | 13 3/4" x 12 3/4" |
| Half size long | 6" x 20" |
| Third size | 6" x 10" |
| Ninth size | 4" x 6 2/3" |
| Common depths | 2", 4", 6", 8" |
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What You'll Learn
Steam table pans are also known as hotel pans
Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen. They are used for storing, holding, warming, cooking, serving, and transporting food. They are also used to organise sandwich trimmings on prep tables. Steam table pans are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles to accommodate a wide range of industries and applications. They are typically made of stainless steel, with thicknesses ranging from 18 to 25 gauge. The lower the gauge, the thicker the metal. Stainless steel steam pans are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches and dents from metal utensils. They can also withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion.
Food storage pans are known by many names, including counter pans, steam table pans, hotel pans, Gastronorm pans, service pans, and fractional pans. The different names and dimensions can be attributed to their widespread use in commercial kitchens around the world. For example, a full-size steam table pan measures roughly 12 inches by 20 inches, while a full-size hotel pan is roughly 12 by 20 inches, with ninth, quarter, and other pan sizes having smaller measurements. The discrepancy in names and dimensions can make finding the right hotel pan size complicated.
Standard size steam table pans are used when manufacturers design steam tables and prep tables. They are designed to fit into steam tables and food prep tables, but they are also very versatile. They can be used to keep batches of food warm in different foodservice settings, such as restaurants, catering businesses, and buffets. Steam table pans are also used in locations where food is served buffet-style or kept for a long time, such as at large gatherings like weddings, proms, birthdays, and galas.
Steam table pans are available in several standard sizes, with full pans being the most common in restaurants due to their large volume. Other sizes include half pans, which are commonly used for side dishes or salad toppings, and two-thirds pans, which are often used for appetizers with a side dish or a starter with gravy or sauce. The number of servings in each steam table pan depends primarily on the depth of the pan, with the most common depths being 2", 4", 6", and 8". In addition to the size of the pan, depth is an important consideration when choosing the right pan for your needs.
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They are available in a variety of sizes, styles and materials
Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, counter pans, or service pans, are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and materials to meet the needs of diverse industries and applications. They are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen, providing versatility and efficiency in storing, transporting, and serving food.
In terms of sizes, steam table pans typically come in full, two-thirds, half, and one-third sizes. Full-size pans measure approximately 12 inches by 20 inches, while two-thirds size pans fill up two-thirds of a full-size cutout, leaving room for a third-size or smaller pans. The traditional half-size pan measures 12 inches by 10 inches, and the half-size long pan measures 6 inches by 20 inches. The one-third size pan, ideal for serving side dishes, measures 6 inches by 10 inches. Additionally, there are smaller sizes like the ninth pan, which is perfect for holding small quantities of seasonings, spices, garnishes, or condiments.
The depth of a steam table pan is another important consideration. The most common depths available are 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches. The choice of depth depends on the intended use and the number of servings required.
Steam table pans are also available in different materials, with stainless steel being the most common option. Stainless steel pans offer durability, resistance to scratches and dents, and the ability to transition between freezer, oven, and steam or refrigerated tables. The thickness of stainless steel pans is indicated by their gauge, with lower gauges representing thicker steel. For instance, a 20-gauge stainless steel pan is suitable for heavy-duty use, while a 24-gauge pan is better suited for medium and light-duty kitchen tasks. Alternatively, plastic food pans made from materials like polypropylene, polycarbonate, or melamine offer a lightweight and versatile option for storing, holding, and serving food.
To enhance the functionality of steam table pans, various accessories are available, such as lids, covers, adapter bars, false bottoms, disposable pan liners, and drain grates. These accessories improve efficiency, food quality, and cleanliness in commercial kitchens.
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They are typically made from stainless steel
Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, are typically made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is a hard metal that resists scratches and dents from metal utensils. It is also easy to clean and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. Stainless steel pans can go from the freezer to the oven or steam table, making them suitable for a range of dining operations, from fine dining restaurants to central kitchens.
The thickness of stainless steel pans is measured in gauges, with lower gauges indicating thicker steel. Steam table pans typically have thicknesses ranging from 18 to 25 gauge. While 22-gauge is a standard weight for hotel pans, pans with lower gauges are more resistant to denting and warping and provide more even heating. However, they can be more expensive and take longer to heat up. On the other hand, higher gauges offer a more economical option for operators with lower volume needs.
Full-size steam table pans, measuring 12 inches by 20 inches, are commonly used in restaurants due to their large volume. They are perfect for cooking large batches and serving popular dishes such as fried chicken, burgers, or salads. Smaller pans, such as half-size and two-thirds size pans, are also available to accommodate different needs and fit into various configurations.
Steam table pans come in various sizes, materials, and styles to suit different industries and applications. They are an essential tool in commercial kitchens, providing a versatile and efficient way to store, transport, and serve food. With their stackable design and compatible lids, they maximize space efficiency and organization.
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They are used for storing, warming, cooking, chilling and serving food
Steam table pans are used for storing, warming, cooking, chilling, and serving food. They are available in a range of standard sizes, the most common being the full-size pan, which measures roughly 12 inches by 20 inches. These pans are typically made of stainless steel, with thicknesses ranging from 18 to 25 gauge—the lower the gauge, the thicker the metal. For instance, 20-gauge stainless steel pans are suitable for heavy-duty applications, while 24-gauge models are more suitable for medium and light-duty kitchen needs.
Steam table pans are an essential part of any foodservice business and are often used in commercial kitchens worldwide. They are commonly used in food warming equipment, such as electric commercial bain-marie buffet food warmers, which can hold multiple pans at a time. These pans are also useful for storing food, as their standardised, fractional sizes allow them to stack efficiently and fit into various configurations, regardless of the brand or features of the foodservice equipment.
In addition to storage and warming, steam table pans can be used for cooking. A full-size pan is often used for cooking large batches of food, such as fried chicken, burgers, or salad greens. These pans can also be used for baking, although some users have noted that the edges may turn brown or warp slightly, affecting the pan's appearance. Despite this, steam table pans offer the convenience of being able to move directly from the freezer to the oven to the serving line without bending.
Finally, steam table pans are also used for serving food. Their flexibility in terms of size and compatibility with various equipment, such as buffets, cold food bars, and mobile cooking carts, make them a versatile option for holding and serving a range of items, from salad dressings and spices to whole cuts of meat and pans of lasagna.
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They are stackable and compatible with lids
Food pans are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen, providing a versatile and efficient way to store, transport, and serve food. They are designed to be stackable, maximising space efficiency in crowded kitchens. This is especially important given the wide variety of pan sizes, from full pans (approximately 20 3/4" x 12 3/4") to the smallest ninth pans (4" x 6 2/3"). Stackable pans allow for easy organisation and are compatible with lids, which can be used to maximise space even further. For example, the Iris WeatherPro Storage Boxes feature lids that allow the base of another box to sit snugly on top, allowing for more secure stacking.
Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, are a type of food pan made to fit into steam tables and food prep tables. They are also used to keep batches of food warm in different foodservice settings. These pans are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles, but they are typically made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is a hard metal that resists scratches and dents, and it is easy to clean. The thickness of stainless steel pans is measured in gauges, with lower gauges indicating thicker steel. Lower-gauge pans are a good choice for busier kitchens as they provide more even heating and are more resistant to denting and warping.
Steam table pans are designed to be stackable and compatible with lids, which is essential for their use in commercial kitchens. The ability to stack pans allows for efficient storage and transport of food, and the use of lids helps to keep food fresh and secure. Lids can also be used to create a vacuum seal, as seen in some Tupperware and Pyrexware products. Stackable lids can be difficult to find, but they do exist, and some users have reported success with Pyrexware products.
In addition to their stackability and compatibility with lids, steam table pans offer flexibility in kitchen operations. They can be used for storing, warming, cooking, chilling, or serving food. This versatility is further enhanced by the variety of sizes and depths available. The number of servings in each steam table pan depends on the depth of the pan, with common depths including 2", 4", 6", and 8". The range of sizes allows kitchens to stock a variety of items, from salad dressings and spices to whole cuts of meat.
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Frequently asked questions
Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, counter pans, or service pans, are used in restaurants, catering businesses, and other foodservice operations. They are made to fit into steam tables and food prep tables and are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles.
Full-size steam table pans typically measure 12 inches by 20 inches. However, there are also half-size and two-thirds-size pans available, which measure 12 inches by 10 inches and 12 inches by 13-1/3 inches, respectively.
A 9x13 pan is considered a half-size deep steam table pan. Therefore, two 9x13 pans would be equivalent to one full-size steam table pan.
9x13 pans are often used for cooking, baking, roasting, heating, storing, prepping food, and serving large portions. They are also great for catering events, potlucks, and family gatherings as they are lightweight, sturdy, and disposable.
Steam table pans are typically made of stainless steel, with thicknesses ranging from 18 to 25 gauge. Lower-gauge pans have thicker metal and are more suitable for heavy-duty applications, while higher-gauge pans are thinner and more economical. Plastic food pans are also available, but their volumes may differ from stainless steel pans.
