
Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, are used for storing, warming, cooking, chilling, and serving food. They are typically made of stainless steel and come in various sizes and depths. The capacity of a steam table pan is usually listed in quarts and depends on its size and depth. A full-size 6-inch deep stainless steel steam table pan, for example, has a capacity of 21 quarts. A 20 3/4 x 12 3/4 full-size hotel steam table pan with a depth of 4 inches can hold approximately 15 quarts. The capacity of a steam table pan is also dependent on the type of food being served, as the volume of food can vary even with the same weight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Typical use | Catering large quantities of food, storing, holding, warming, cooking, chilling, and serving food |
| Typical materials | Stainless steel, polypropylene, polycarbonate, melamine |
| Typical thickness | 18 to 25 gauge |
| Typical sizes | 21⁄2, 4, and 6 inches in depth; 12 inches by 20 inches in length and width |
| Capacity | Depends on size and depth; a 20 3/4″ x 12 3/4″ pan that is 4 inches deep holds approximately 15 quarts |
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What You'll Learn
- A 6 deep stainless steel steam table pan can hold 21 quarts
- Steam table pans are used for storing, warming, cooking, chilling, and serving food
- They are commonly used for buffets, banquets, catering, and large events
- Hotel pans are available in various depths, including 2.5, 4, and 6 inches
- Different materials and gauges of stainless steel are used for different applications

A 6 deep stainless steel steam table pan can hold 21 quarts
A 6-inch deep stainless steel steam table pan is perfect for buffets and catered events due to its versatility. It can hold both hot and cold food, and it is easy to clean and refill. It is also impact-resistant and can withstand low and high-temperature applications, making it safe for freezer storage and oven use. This type of pan is typically made of stainless steel and is used for catering large quantities of food, making storage, refrigeration, transportation, reheating, and serving much more convenient.
The capacity of a 6-inch deep stainless steel steam table pan is 21 quarts. The capacity of a steam table pan depends on its size and depth. A general rule of thumb is that hotel pans should be filled to no more than 85% of their capacity. The amount of food a steam table pan can hold also depends on the volume of the food. For example, a 4-ounce serving of mashed potatoes will take up more space than a 4-ounce chicken wing.
A full-size 21" x 13" aluminum pan that is 3 inches deep holds approximately 10 quarts, which is equal to 86 4-ounce servings or 57 6-ounce servings if filled to maximum capacity. A 20 3/4" x 12 3/4" full-size hotel steam table pan that is 4 inches deep holds approximately 15 quarts.
A 6-inch deep stainless steel steam table pan is a full-size steam table pan. It measures 20 3/4" x 12 3/4" and has a depth of 6". This size of the pan is ideal for serving salads and entrees.
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Steam table pans are used for storing, warming, cooking, chilling, and serving food
Steam table pans are often used in locations where food is served buffet-style or needs to be kept warm for an extended period. They are ideal for holding hot foods at safe temperatures and are commonly used in kitchens, buffets, cafeterias, or hotels. Steam tables typically feature two or more compartments to hold full-size pans or a combination of smaller pans, allowing for the simultaneous holding of various dishes at different temperatures. This makes it easier for foodservice operators to manage a diverse menu and serve hot dishes promptly.
In addition to stainless steel, some large, rectangular, food-safe, thermally stable plastic pans are also referred to as steam table pans or hotel pans. These plastic food pans follow the same sizing as hotel pans but are made of materials such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, or melamine. No matter the material, these pans are essential for storing, holding, and serving food.
Steam table pans come in several standard sizes, with different widths, lengths, and depths, and are named according to their size in comparison to a full-size pan. Common sizes include the full pan, which measures roughly 12 inches by 20 inches, the 2/3 pan, the 1/2 pan, and the 1/3 pan. The versatility of these pans makes them a popular choice for storing, warming, cooking, chilling, and serving food in a variety of foodservice operations.
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They are commonly used for buffets, banquets, catering, and large events
Steam table pans are commonly used for buffets, banquets, catering, and large events. They are a versatile piece of equipment that can be used for holding food or liquid in refrigerated prep tables, steam tables, chafing dishes, and more. They are typically made of stainless steel, which is durable and heavy-duty, making them perfect for busy food service establishments.
Steam table pans come in various sizes and depths, and the amount they can hold is dependent on these factors. A full-sized 21" x 13" aluminum pan that is 3 inches deep holds approximately 10 quarts, while a 20 3/4" x 12 3/4" full-sized hotel steam table pan that is 4 inches deep holds approximately 15 quarts. The capacity of a steam table pan is usually listed in quarts, and a general rule of thumb is that hotel pans should be filled to no more than 85% of their capacity.
When choosing a steam table pan, it is important to consider the portion serving sizes of the food you will be serving. For example, a 4-ounce serving of mashed potatoes will take up less space than a 4-ounce chicken wing. It is also important to consider the depth of the pan, as a deeper pan will hold more food.
Steam table pans with anti-jam stacking lugs are a good option for buffets, banquets, and catered events as they can be easily stacked and stored without sticking to other pans. They are also easy to clean and refill, making them convenient for large events. The reinforced corners of these pans also make them easier to carry and more resistant to warping or breakage.
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Hotel pans are available in various depths, including 2.5, 4, and 6 inches
Hotel pans, also known as "steam table pans," "service pans," or "counter pans," are available in a variety of depths, including 2", 2.5", 4", and 6". The depth of a hotel pan is an important consideration, as it determines the pan's capacity and the number of servings it can hold.
The most common hotel pan depths are 2", 4", 6", and 8", with pans also available in smaller increments of 0.5" or 0.25". The depth of a hotel pan is indicated by a numbering system, such as "100," "200," "400," "600," or "800." For example, a "100" pan is approximately 1 inch deep, while a "200" pan is about 2.5 inches deep.
Hotel pans with a depth of 6" are often used for serving salads and entrees in banquet halls or buffets. They are typically made of stainless steel, which offers durability and the ability to go from freezer to oven to steam or refrigerated tables. Stainless steel hotel pans are also easy to clean and stack without jamming.
The capacity of a hotel pan is typically measured in quarts (qt) and depends on both the size and depth of the pan. For example, a full-sized 21" x 13" pan that is 3 inches deep can hold approximately 10 quarts, while a 20 3/4" x 12 3/4" full-sized pan that is 4 inches deep can hold about 15 quarts. A full-size 6" deep stainless steel steam table pan has a capacity of 21 quarts.
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Different materials and gauges of stainless steel are used for different applications
A deep steam table pan that is 6" deep and made of stainless steel has a capacity of 21 quarts. Steam table pans are used for catering large quantities of food and are convenient for storage, refrigeration, transportation, reheating, and serving. They are typically made of stainless steel.
Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy that contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium, which makes it highly resistant to corrosion and rust. It can be further alloyed with elements such as molybdenum, carbon, nickel, and nitrogen to enhance specific properties for various applications. The alloy's properties, such as luster and corrosion resistance, make it useful in many applications. Stainless steel can be rolled into sheets, plates, bars, wire, and tubing, and is used in a wide range of products, including cookware, cutlery, surgical instruments, appliances, vehicles, construction materials, industrial equipment, and storage tanks.
The various grades of stainless steel, such as ferritic, austenitic, martensitic, and duplex, also determine their applications. Ferritic steels, for instance, are noted for their high chromium content, magnetic properties, and good ductility. They are commonly used in automotive components, the petrochemical industry, heat exchangers, furnaces, and appliances. Austenitic steels, on the other hand, are typically non-magnetic and are used in applications where ECR (electrical contact resistance) poses lower design criteria and corrosion resistance is required, such as in high-temperature environments. Martensitic steels have a wide range of applications, including kitchen utensils, surgical instruments, cutlery, and cutting tools, due to their corrosion and oxidation resistance, as well as their formability at both low and high temperatures. Duplex stainless steels are ideal for demanding environments, such as in the chemical, oil, and gas industries, marine applications, and the food industry, due to their unique strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.
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Frequently asked questions
A 6-inch deep steam table pan typically holds 21 quarts.
Yes, steam table pans are available in several standard sizes, including 21⁄2, 4, and 6 inches.
Steam table pans are used for storing, warming, cooking, chilling, and serving food. They are commonly used for buffets and banquets and are suitable for both hot and cold food.









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