Third Pan Ounces: How Many?

A third pan, also known as a hotel pan, steam table pan, counter pan, or service pan, typically measures 12 inches by 6 2/3 inches. It is a popular choice for restaurants serving side dishes on hot food bars. Three third pans can fit into the space of a full-size pan, which measures approximately 12 inches by 20 inches. The capacity of a third pan in ounces will depend on its depth, which can vary. Common hotel pan depths include 2, 4, 6, and 8.

Pans with different depths hold different amounts

The capacity of a pan depends on its size and depth. A third pan measures roughly 12 inches by 62⁄3 inches and three third pans can fit in a full-size cutout. This makes it a good choice for serving side dishes on hot food bars.

The depth of a pan is an important consideration when choosing the right one for your needs. The number of servings in each steam table pan depends primarily on the depth of the pan. Common hotel pan depths include 2", 4", 6", and 8". They are also available in 1/2" or 1/4" increments.

For example, a 2 1/2-inch-deep hotel pan is commonly used in catering businesses, hotels, and restaurants that set up buffet-style dining. This is because they are shallower and can be emptied faster, preventing food from burning and sticking to the pan, which can leave an unappetizing residue. On the other hand, 4-inch and 6-inch-deep pans are better suited for high-volume service requirements, such as in soup kitchens, cafeterias, and military facilities. These deeper pans are preferable for certain foods that require more liquid or need to be drained, such as proteins, vegetables, fruits, and liquid-based dishes.

Therefore, it is clear that pans with different depths hold different amounts, and the appropriate depth depends on the specific application and volume of food required.

A third pan is good for serving side dishes

A third pan is a food pan used in commercial kitchens to store, transport, and serve food. It is a versatile and efficient tool that can be used in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. The standard size of a third pan is 12 inches by 62⁄3 inches, and three third pans can fit into a full-size cutout. This makes it a good choice for serving side dishes on hot food bars as it provides a good amount of food without taking up too much space.

Third pans are typically made of stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to scratches and dents. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and are easy to stack and store. The standard depth of a third pan is 2 inches, but they are also available in depths of 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches, as well as in smaller increments. The depth of the pan will affect the number of servings it can hold, with deeper pans holding more food.

In addition to stainless steel, third pans can also be made of plastic, melamine, or china. Plastic food pans are available in regular, cold, and high-heat models, and they are often clear or coloured, making it easy to identify the contents. Melamine food pans offer an attractive alternative to stainless steel and can be used in wet heat applications. China food pans have a sophisticated appearance and superior heat and cold retention capabilities.

Overall, a third pan is a good option for serving side dishes as it is versatile, efficient, and can hold a decent amount of food without taking up too much space.

A full-size pan is used for cooking large batches

A full-size pan, also known as a hotel pan, is a standard piece of equipment in the foodservice industry. It typically measures 20 3/4" by 12 3/4" (approximately 12 inches by 20 inches) and is used for cooking large batches of food, especially entrées such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad greens. Its versatility makes it ideal for storing, transporting, and serving food.

Full-size pans are designed to withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion, making them suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. They are also stackable, maximizing space efficiency in commercial kitchens. The standard depth of a full-size pan is 2 inches, but they are available in various depths, including 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches.

When choosing a full-size pan, it is important to consider the type of material. Stainless steel pans are common due to their durability and ability to go from freezer to oven to steam tables. They are easy to clean and resistant to scratches and dents. However, stainless steel pans can be heavier and take longer to heat up compared to other materials.

Another option is plastic food pans, which are available in regular, cold, and high-heat models. Plastic pans are often clear or coloured, making it easier to identify their contents. They can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but it's important to choose the right type for your specific needs.

Full-size pans are an essential tool for cooking large batches of food efficiently and effectively, making them a go-to choice for commercial kitchens and foodservice establishments.

A 2/3 pan leaves room for a third-size pan

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 withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion, making them suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. With their stackable design and compatible lids, food pans allow for easy organisation and maximise space efficiency.

A 2/3 pan measures roughly 12 inches by 13 1/3 inches. This size will fill two-thirds of a full-size cutout and leave room for a third-size pan or a combination of smaller pans. This makes it a versatile option for kitchens, as it allows for flexibility in pan arrangements and efficient use of space.

The specific capacity of a 2/3 pan in ounces will depend on its depth, as this is a critical factor in determining the number of servings in each steam table pan. The most common hotel pan depths are 2", 4", 6", and 8", but they are also available in smaller increments.

For example, a 2/3 size pan with a depth of 8" can hold up to 194 ounces of liquid. A 6" deep pan of the same size will hold approximately 145 ounces, while a 4" deep pan will hold around 97 ounces. These values represent the total brimful capacity of the pans.

In conclusion, a 2/3 pan is a standard food pan size that leaves room for a third-size pan in a full-size cutout. Its dimensions of 12" by 13 1/3" make it a versatile option for kitchens, and its capacity in ounces will depend on the specific depth of the pan.

A 1/2 pan is used for side dishes and salad toppings

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 withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion, making them suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. With their stackable design and compatible lids, food pans allow for easy organisation and maximise space efficiency.

Food pans come in a variety of sizes, each serving a different purpose. A full-size pan, measuring 20 3/4" x 12 3/4", is the standard in the foodservice industry. All other sizes are a variation of these dimensions. For example, a 1/2 size pan measures 12 3/4" x 10 3/8" and a 2/3 size pan measures 13 3/4" x 12 3/4".

A 1/2 pan is commonly used for side dishes, salad toppings, and smaller entrees on food bars. Their dimensions make them ideal for holding and serving smaller portions of food. They can also be used for food preparation, as they are easy to handle and have low sides, making them accessible for cooks of all heights.

In addition to the size of the food pan, depth is an important consideration. The number of servings in each steam table pan depends primarily on the depth of the pan. The most common hotel pan depths are 2", 4", 6", and 8". They are also available in 1/2" or 1/4" increments.

When choosing a food pan, it is important to consider the type of material. Stainless steel food pans are a popular choice as they can go from freezer to oven to steam or refrigerated tables. They are durable, resist scratches and dents, and are easy to clean. Plastic food pans, on the other hand, are available in regular, cold, and high-heat models, and can be clear or coloured, making it easy to identify the contents.

Frequently asked questions