Full-Size Steamtable Pan: Oz Explained

A full-size steam table pan, also known as a hotel pan, is a vital piece of equipment in the food service industry. Measuring approximately 12 inches by 20 inches, these pans are used for cooking large batches of food and serving popular items such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad. While the specific dimensions may vary slightly between manufacturers, a full-size pan is typically designed to fit into the well of a steam table, with its lip resting on the surface. This makes it a standard option for restaurants, which often opt for full-size steam table or hotel pans due to their large volume.

Pans used for cooking large batches and serving popular items

Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, gastronorm pans, fractional pans, or stainless steel pans, are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen. They are used for cooking, storing, transporting, and serving food. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion, making them suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. The standard full-size food pan measures approximately 12 inches by 20 inches and is often used for cooking large batches and serving popular items, especially entrées such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad greens.

The full-size food pan is the standard in the foodservice industry, and all other sizes are simply variations of those dimensions. For example, a half-size pan measures 12 inches by 10 inches, so two half pans can fit into the same space as one full-size pan. These half pans are commonly used for side dishes, salad toppings, and smaller entrées on food bars. Another variation is the two-thirds pan, which measures roughly 12 inches by 13 and one-third inches. This size will fill two-thirds of a full-size cutout, leaving room for a third-size pan or a combination of smaller pans.

The versatility of steam table pans is further enhanced by their stackable design and compatible lids, making them ideal for organizing and maximizing space efficiency in busy kitchens. Additionally, they are available in various materials, such as stainless steel, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and cast aluminum, each offering unique benefits to meet the diverse needs of different establishments. Stainless steel pans, for instance, can go from freezer to oven to steam or refrigerated tables, while polypropylene pans offer high chemical resistance and are economical.

When choosing the right steam table pans, it is important to consider the gauge of the steel, as this indicates the pan's heft. Lower gauge pans, with thicker steel, are more suitable for busier kitchens as they provide more even heating and are more resistant to denting and warping. On the other hand, high-gauge pans with thinner steel are more economical, lighter in weight, and heat up quicker, making them a preferred choice for operations with lower volume.

Two-thirds size pans

A two-thirds size steam table pan is a common food pan size, used in commercial kitchens worldwide. It measures roughly 12 inches by 13 and a third inches, and will fill two-thirds of a full-size cutout, leaving room for a third-size pan or a combination of smaller pans. This makes it a versatile option, allowing for a variety of pan combinations to suit different needs.

These pans are typically made from stainless steel, which is durable and suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. Stainless steel is also easy to clean and resistant to scratches and dents. However, other materials are available, such as aluminium and plastic.

When choosing a two-thirds size pan, it's important to consider the gauge of the stainless steel. The gauge indicates the thickness of the steel, with lower gauges indicating thicker steel. A thicker pan will provide more even heating and be more resistant to denting and warping, but it may be more expensive and take longer to heat up.

Half-size pans

Half-size steam table pans are half the size of full-size pans and measure approximately 12 3/4" by 10 3/8". They are a common food pan size, used for side dishes, salad toppings, and smaller entrées on food bars. They are also useful for holding seasonings, spices, garnishes, toppings, and condiments.

Half-size steam table pans are typically made from stainless steel or aluminum. Stainless steel pans are durable, easy to clean, and suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. Aluminum pans are often chosen for their disposability and are good for cooking, heating, and storing food.

When choosing a half-size steam table pan, it is important to consider the gauge of the stainless steel. A lower gauge indicates a thicker steel, which provides more even heating and is more resistant to denting and warping. However, these pans can be more expensive and take longer to heat. A higher gauge indicates a thinner steel, which is more economical, lightweight, and quick to heat, but may not retain heat for as long.

Third-size pans

A third-size pan is a standard food pan size, which measures roughly 12 inches by 62⁄3 inches. It is designed to fit inside a full-size pan, with three third-size pans fitting into a full-size cutout. This makes it a good choice for food preparation and storage, as well as for serving side dishes on hot food bars.

The capacity of a third-size pan is approximately 80 fl. oz. (or 96 fl. oz. according to some sources). This capacity is based on the pan being filled to 80% of its brimful capacity. The depth of a third-size pan is typically around 3 5/16 inches, providing ample space for sides, entrees, or desserts.

Some third-size pans are also designed with a flexible rim that can be bent to secure a lid for easy transportation. This feature further enhances their versatility and convenience for catering and food storage purposes.

Quarter-size pans

Quarter-size steam table pans are a popular choice for holding side dishes and salad toppings. They measure 6 inches by 10 inches, which means that four of them can fit into the same space as a full-size pan, and two can fit into the space of a half-size pan. This makes them a versatile option for commercial kitchens, as they can be used in various combinations with other pan sizes.

Like other steam table pans, quarter-size pans are designed to withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion. They are suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage, and their stackable design and compatible lids make them ideal for efficient organisation and space maximisation. Quarter-size pans are typically made from stainless steel or aluminium foil and are available in disposable options.

The capacity of a quarter-size pan depends on its depth. Common hotel pan depths include 2", 4", 6", and 8", with pans also available in 1/2" or 1/4" increments. The deeper the pan, the greater its capacity and the longer it will take to cook the food inside. For example, a 4" deep pan will take significantly longer to cook food than a 2" deep pan.

When choosing a quarter-size steam table pan, it's important to consider the type of material it is made from. Stainless steel pans are a standard option, known for their durability and ability to go from freezer to oven to steam or refrigerated tables. They are easy to clean and resistant to scratches and dents from metal utensils. However, stainless steel pans may be more expensive and take longer to heat up compared to other materials.

Aluminium foil pans are a more economical option and are often chosen for their disposability. They are lightweight and suitable for hot-holding and cold food storage. However, they may not offer the same durability as stainless steel pans and can vary in weight and volume.

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