
Hotel pans are an essential part of any foodservice business and are available in various sizes and capacities. The capacity of a hotel pan is influenced by its depth, with common depths including 2, 4, 6, and 8. A 1/3 pan, measuring 12 inches by 62⁄3 inches, is commonly used for serving side dishes, soups, and desserts. While specific capacities are not provided, the depth of a 1/3 pan can be a key factor in determining how many ounces it can hold.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12 inches by 62⁄3 inches |
| Depth | 2", 4", 6" (most common), also available in 1/2" or 1/4" increments |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Weight | 22-gauge (standard), lighter and heavier weights are available |
| Capacity | Depends on depth, but approximately 80% of the pan's brimful capacity |
| Use | Serving side dishes, soups, desserts, storing, warming, cooking, chilling, or serving food |
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What You'll Learn

A 1/3 pan measures 12 inches by 62⁄3 inches
A 1/3 pan is a standard food pan size in the foodservice industry. Its dimensions are 12 inches by 62⁄3 inches, and it has a depth of 6 inches. This size of pan is often made from stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion and rust. The 6-inch depth allows for greater storage capacity than a 4-inch pan, meaning less frequent refilling or replacement.
The capacity of a 1/3 pan is approximately 64 ounces when topped off, and 51.2 ounces at a more typical 80% fill level. However, this can vary slightly between manufacturers. The capacity also depends on the depth of the pan, with common depths being 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches. The number of servings in the pan depends primarily on its depth.
The term "gastronorm" refers to a standard pan size that originated in Switzerland and is now widely used across Europe. It is comparable to American sizes and can be interchanged. The main intention of the standard sizes is to promote flexibility in the kitchen and allow containers to be used with various appliances.
A 1/3 pan is a good choice for serving side dishes, soups, desserts, and more. It can be used for storing, warming, cooking, chilling, or serving food. This size of pan is also available with a perforated surface, which allows for efficient draining of liquids, or with a non-stick coating, which is ideal for cooking delicate items.
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Pans with greater depth can hold more
The number of ounces in a pan depends on its dimensions, which can vary between manufacturers. Pans are available in a variety of standard sizes, with the most common depths being 2, 4, 6, and 8 inches. They can also be purchased in smaller increments of 0.25 or 0.5 inches.
The weight of the pan is also an important consideration. Pans with the same dimensions but different weights can vary by as much as an ounce. The gauge of a pan indicates its heft, with lower gauges corresponding to thicker steel and higher gauges to thinner steel. For instance, a 22-gauge pan is a standard weight for hotel pans in the foodservice industry, but lighter and heavier options are available.
In addition to depth and weight, other features such as perforations or non-stick coatings can affect the functionality of the pan. Perforated pans are designed with small holes that allow for efficient draining of liquids, making them useful for preparing foods that release excess moisture during cooking. Non-stick pans, on the other hand, have a special coating that prevents food from sticking, making them ideal for delicate dishes and simplifying the cleaning process.
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The weight of stainless steel pans can vary
Size and Depth
The size and depth of a pan are crucial factors in determining its weight. A larger pan with a deeper depth will naturally weigh more than a smaller pan with a shallower depth. Standard food pan sizes include 1/9, 1/6, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, and full-size pans, each with varying dimensions and capacities. The depth of a pan can also vary, with common depths in the foodservice industry being 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches.
Thickness and Gauge
The thickness of a pan, often referred to as its gauge, also affects its weight. A lower gauge indicates a thicker steel pan, which will be heavier and more durable. These thicker pans are popular in busier kitchens as they provide more even heating and are more resistant to denting and warping. On the other hand, a higher gauge pan is thinner and lighter, making it more economical and quicker to heat up, but it may not retain heat for as long.
Construction Materials
The materials used in the construction of stainless steel pans can also impact their weight. Pure stainless steel pans are rare because stainless steel is a poor conductor of heat. To improve heat conduction, stainless steel pans are often layered with other metals like aluminum or copper, which are excellent conductors of heat. These additional layers can increase the weight of the pan.
In summary, the weight of a stainless steel pan can vary based on its size, depth, thickness, and the types of materials used in its construction. Each of these factors influences the pan's functionality, durability, and heat retention properties, making them important considerations when choosing the right pan for a specific application.
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Plastic pans have less volume than stainless steel
When it comes to choosing the right food pans, there are several factors to consider, including the type of material. The most popular materials for food pans are plastic and stainless steel. While plastic pans are suitable for storing or keeping food cold, stainless steel pans offer more versatility.
Stainless steel pans are a popular choice due to their durability and ease of maintenance. They are scratch and dent-resistant, making them ideal for heavy use in commercial kitchens. Additionally, stainless steel pans can withstand high temperatures and are oven-safe, which is not always the case with plastic pans. Stainless steel pans can go directly from the freezer to the oven or steam table, eliminating the need for multiple pans during food preparation. This feature is especially advantageous for restaurants, buffets, and cafeterias.
The weight of stainless steel pans is typically indicated by their gauge, with 22-gauge being the standard weight in the foodservice industry. Lower gauge pans have thicker steel, providing more even heating and increased resistance to denting and warping. However, they may be more expensive and take longer to heat up. On the other hand, higher gauge pans with thinner steel are more economical, lightweight, and suitable for kitchens with less volume.
Plastic pans, while convenient for storage and keeping food cold, may not offer the same heat resistance and durability as stainless steel pans. They are more susceptible to warping or melting at higher temperatures, which could result in reduced volume compared to stainless steel pans. Additionally, plastic pans may not be oven-safe or compatible with steam tables, limiting their versatility in food preparation.
In conclusion, while both plastic and stainless steel pans have their advantages, stainless steel pans generally offer greater volume and versatility due to their durability, heat resistance, and ability to withstand various cooking methods. The choice between the two materials ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of the kitchen or foodservice operation.
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The capacity of a pan is 80% of its brimful capacity
A 1/3 pan is a standard size in the foodservice industry, with dimensions of 12 inches by 62⁄3 inches and a depth of 4" or 6". The capacity of a pan is typically listed as 80% of its brimful capacity, also known as its topped-off capacity, which is the maximum capacity of the pan when filled to the very top with liquid. This is because pans are rarely filled to the brim, and an 80% fill level is considered a typical level.
The capacity of a 1/3 pan is approximately 80 ounces when filled to 80% capacity. This is calculated by multiplying the dimensions of the pan by its depth and then by 0.8. The exact capacity may vary slightly between manufacturers, and the type of material used for the pan will also affect its capacity. For example, stainless steel pans can vary in weight, and even the same size and brand of stainless steel pans can vary by up to an ounce. Plastic pans typically have a minimum of 5% less volume than stainless steel pans.
The 1/3 pan size is a versatile option for commercial kitchens and catering operations. It is often used for serving side dishes, soups, desserts, and more. The 6-inch depth allows for greater storage capacity, making it ideal for larger food items or when a larger quantity of food needs to be held in a single pan. This size is also useful for storing, warming, cooking, chilling, or serving food in various settings, such as food wells, steam tables, cold food bars, and mobile cooking carts.
Additionally, the 1/3 pan size is designed with an anti-jamming feature, preventing the frustration of stuck pans when trying to separate stacked pans. This feature, along with its stainless steel construction, makes the 1/3 pan durable, easy to clean, and resistant to rust and corrosion.
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Frequently asked questions
The capacity of a 1/3 pan depends on its depth. Common hotel pan depths include 2", 4", 6", and 8". Capacities are also approximate and represent 80% of a pan's brimful capacity.
A 1/3 pan with a 6" depth has a standard weight of 24-gauge stainless steel.
1/3 pans are good for serving side dishes, soups, desserts, and more.











































