Steam Pans: Pasta Portion Guide

Steam table pans are used to serve and warm food, and they come in a variety of sizes. The amount of pasta that can fit in a steam table pan depends on the size of the pan and the portion size. A standard full-size pan measures roughly 12 inches by 20 inches and is typically used for cooking large batches and serving entrées. The portion size for pasta can range from 1.5 ounces to 5 ounces per person, depending on whether it is a side dish or the main course. For example, if you are serving a group of 200 people, you would need approximately 20 pounds of pasta for a very small portion size of 1.5 ounces per person. On the other hand, if you are serving a group of 50 people and want to provide a larger portion size of 4-5 ounces per person, you would need approximately 15-20 pounds of pasta. Therefore, the amount of pasta that can fit in a steam table pan depends on the specific dimensions of the pan and the desired portion size.

Steam table pan sizes

Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, counter pans, or service pans, are used in various foodservice operations, including restaurants and catering businesses. They are designed to fit into steam tables and food prep tables to keep food warm. The pans are available in a range of sizes, materials, and styles to suit different industries and applications.

The standard sizes for steam table pans are as follows:

• Full-size pan: Measures approximately 12 inches by 20 inches. Commonly used for cooking large batches and serving popular items such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad greens.
• Two-thirds size pan: Measures approximately 12 inches by 13 and a third inches. Fills two-thirds of a full-size cutout, leaving room for a third-size pan or smaller pans.
• Half-size pan: Measures approximately 12 inches by 10 inches. Two half pans can fill the space of a full-size pan. Used for side dishes, salad toppings, and smaller entrées.
• Third-size pan: Measures approximately 12 inches by 6 and two-thirds inches. Three of these pans can fit into a full-size cutout. Suitable for serving side dishes.
• Quarter-size pan: Measures 6 inches by 10 inches. Four of these pans fill the same space as a full-size pan, and two fill the same space as a half-size pan. Commonly used for holding side dishes and salad toppings.
• Sixth-size pan: Measures 6 inches by 6 and two-thirds inches. Six of these pans fill the same space as a full-size pan, and three fill the same space as a half-size pan. Used for holding soups, dressings, and toppings for salads, sandwiches, frozen yogurt, or ice cream.
• Ninth-size pan: Measures 4 inches by 6 and two-thirds inches. The smallest available size. Used for holding small quantities of seasonings, spices, garnishes, toppings, and condiments.

In addition to the standard sizes, steam table pans are also available in gastronorm (GN) sizing, which originated in Switzerland and is widely used in Europe. The GN sizes are as follows:

• GN 2/1: 650 x 530 mm
• GN 1/1: 530 x 325 mm
• GN 2/4: 530 x 162 mm
• GN 2/3: 354 x 325 mm
• GN 1/2: 325 x 265 mm
• GN 1/3: 325 x 176 mm
• GN 1/4: 265 x 163 mm
• GN 1/6: 176 x 162 mm
• GN 1/9: 176 x 108 mm

The depth of steam table pans is another important consideration, as it determines the number of servings each pan can hold. Common depths include 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches, with additional options available in smaller increments.

Steam table pan capacities

Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, are used to serve and warm food. They come in a variety of sizes, from full-size to ninth-size, and are used in steam tables (hot food tables) for buffets or in back-of-house cook lines. The capacities of these pans vary depending on their size and depth. Here is a detailed breakdown of steam table pan capacities:

Full-Size Pan:

A full-size pan typically measures 12 inches by 20 inches and is used for cooking large batches and serving popular entrées. The capacity of a full-size pan depends on its depth. For example, a "100" pan is 2.5 inches deep, while a "200" pan is 4 inches deep. A deeper pan will naturally have a larger capacity.

Two-Thirds Pan:

A two-thirds pan measures roughly 12 inches by 13 1/3 inches and takes up two-thirds of the space of a full-size pan. This size is great for combining with smaller pans, such as a third-size or a combination of even smaller pans.

Half Pan:

A half pan is exactly half the size of a full-size pan, measuring 12 inches by 10 inches. Two half pans can fit into the space of a full-size pan. Half pans are commonly used for side dishes and smaller entrées.

Third Pan:

A third pan measures about 12 inches by 6 2/3 inches. Three of these pans can fit into the space of a full-size pan. This size is a popular choice for restaurants serving sides on hot food bars.

Quarter Pan:

A quarter pan measures 6 inches by 10 inches. Two quarter pans fill the same space as a half-size pan, and four would be equivalent to a full-size pan. Quarter pans are often used for holding side dishes and salad toppings.

Sixth Pan:

A sixth pan measures 6 inches by 6 2/3 inches. It takes three sixth pans to fill half a full-size pan and six to fill a full-size pan. This size is commonly used for holding soups, dressings, and toppings for salads, making it ideal for salad and sandwich prep tables.

Eighth Pan:

An eighth pan is slightly larger than a sixth pan and serves as a bridge between the sixth and ninth pans. It measures 5 3/16 inches by 6 5/16 inches and is a great option for saving space and providing flexibility in the kitchen.

Ninth Pan:

The ninth pan is the smallest available size, measuring 4 inches by 6 2/3 inches. Despite its compact size, it is essential for holding small quantities of seasonings, spices, garnishes, toppings, and condiments.

The capacities of these pans in cups can be found in reference tables provided by various sources. It's important to note that the capacities may vary slightly between manufacturers, and plastic pans tend to have a slightly lower volume than stainless steel pans. Additionally, the capacities provided are typically meant to represent 80% to 85% of the pan's brimful capacity, as pans are rarely filled to the very top.

Steam table pan materials

Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, are available in a variety of materials, although the most popular options are stainless steel and plastic. The standard gauge for foodservice is 22-gauge stainless steel, but thicker and thinner options are available. Thicker gauges (20-22 gauge) are ideal for daily use in a commercial kitchen, as they offer a longer product life and are less prone to denting, warping, and dinging. Thinner gauges (23-25 gauge) are more economical and better suited to lower-volume kitchens.

Stainless steel steam table pans are designed to serve and warm food on a steam table, and can be used in both wet and dry well tables. They often feature anti-jamming sides for easy stacking and storage, as well as rolled or flat edges to lock in heat and increase energy efficiency. Perforated steam pans are also available, which are ideal for keeping food dry and away from water during heating—perfect for steaming vegetables or heating pasta.

Plastic food pans are a versatile and economical option for both hot and cold dishes. They are often made from materials such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, or high-heat plastic. High-heat plastic, for example, can be heated in microwaves and used in steam tables, while polycarbonate is ideal for cold food storage and refrigerated displays. Polypropylene is a lightweight, non-toxic, and rigid option with a high melting point.

While less common, steam table pans are also made from other materials such as melamine and aluminium. Melamine pans are resistant to staining, chipping, and cracking, making them ideal for display in buffets and family-style dining, but they are not suitable for use in hot tables or refrigerated storage. Aluminium pans, on the other hand, are similar to stainless steel pans and are often used for hot food service. They typically feature a non-stick coating for easy serving and cleaning.

Steam table pan features

Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, are used for food storage, holding, and serving. They are a kitchen favourite due to their ability to go from refrigerator to prep line to holding cabinet and finally to the serving line. They are also used in chafers as a key part of catering. They are called "hotel pans" because they were originally used by hotel operators to serve large groups of diners at designated meal times.

Steam table pans come in a variety of sizes and styles, including solid, perforated, and non-stick. The most common size is the full-size pan, which measures roughly 12 inches by 20 inches and is often used for cooking large batches and serving popular items. Other sizes include two-thirds, half, third, quarter, sixth, and ninth pans, which can be combined in various configurations to fit into a full-size cutout.

The depth of a steam table pan is also an important feature, with standard depths being approximately 1 inch, 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches. The thickness of the pan is indicated by the gauge of the stainless steel used, with lower numbers indicating a thicker and higher-quality steel. For example, a 22-gauge steel pan is standard for most hotel steam pans, while a 20-gauge pan is heavier and more sturdy.

In addition to the pan itself, there are several accessories available that can enhance its functionality. These include adapter bars for fractional pan displays, steam table pan liners, water spillage pans, deli pans, sneeze guards, and overshelves. Lids and covers are also popular accessories, with various configurations such as domed lids and hinges.

Steam table pans can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, polycarbonate plastic, melamine, polypropylene plastic, and cast aluminum. Plastic models can be used for both hot and cold foods, and there are even models designed specifically for very cold foods. While the traditional shape is rectangular, there are also creatively shaped pans available that can fit into standard fixtures while adding variety to your presentation.

Food pan covers

Materials and Temperature Resistance

Styles and Features

• Flat Design: This space-efficient style is ideal for stacking and storing food pans in refrigerators or freezers.
• Flip-Top Style: This style allows for convenient access to the contents of the food pan without removing the lid.
• Built-in Handle: Lids with handles make it easier to remove them from the food pans.
• Seal Grip: Some lids feature inner and outer seals for superior spill and leak protection.

Standard Food Pan Sizes and Cover Options

When selecting food pan covers, it's important to consider the size of the food pans being used. Here are the standard food pan sizes and their corresponding cover options:

• Full Pan: Measuring 12 inches by 20 inches, full-size food pans are commonly used for cooking large batches and serving popular entrées. Full-size polycarbonate food pan lids are available with or without handles, and some have seal grips for added protection.
• Two-Thirds Pan: Measuring 12 inches by 131⁄3 inches, two-thirds pans can be paired with two-thirds size polycarbonate food pan lids.
• Half Pan: Half pans, measuring 12 inches by 10 inches, are often used for side dishes and salad toppings. Half-size polycarbonate food pan lids can be found with or without handles to suit your needs.
• Third Pan: A third pan, measuring 12 inches by 62⁄3 inches, is perfect for serving side dishes on hot food bars. You can find compatible one-third size polycarbonate food pan lids with or without handles.
• Quarter Pan: Measuring 6 inches by 10 inches, quarter pans are popular for holding side dishes and salad toppings. Quarter-size polycarbonate food pan lids are available to keep your dishes fresh and secure.
• Sixth Pan: Sixth pans, measuring 6 inches by 62⁄3 inches, are commonly used for soups, dressings, and salad toppings. You can find sixth-size polycarbonate food pan lids to maintain the freshness of your dishes.
• Ninth Pan: The smallest available size, ninth pans measure 4 inches by 62⁄3 inches and are ideal for holding small quantities of seasonings and condiments. Ninth-size polypropylene food pan covers are a great option for these pans.

Benefits of Using Food Pan Covers

Using compatible food pan covers offers several advantages:

• Safe Food Handling: Lids protect food from contaminants, ensuring safe food handling practices.
• Stacking and Storage: Flat-design lids allow for efficient stacking and storage of food pans in refrigerators or freezers.
• Spill and Leak Prevention: Lids with seal grips provide superior protection against spills and leaks during transportation or storage.
• Temperature Control: With temperature-resistant lids, you can maintain the desired temperature of your dishes, whether hot or cold.
• Organized Systems: Color-coded systems can be implemented using lids of different colors, helping to identify different types of food or ingredients.

Frequently asked questions