Finding The Perfect Neutral Size Pan And Container

There is a standard size for kitchenware trays, pans and containers in the food industry called Gastronorm (GN). The standard size is 530 x 325mm (Full Gastronorm) and it is based on fractional sizing, making different-sized GN containers interchangeable. For example, a GN 1/1 tray can be substituted with two GN 1/2 containers. The sizes were created by the European Standards Committee to standardize container sizes in the catering industry and are used worldwide except in the United States, which has its own domestic system.

Gastronorm (GN) sizes

Gastronorm (GN) is a European standard for kitchenware tray and container sizes that is commonly used worldwide in the catering and food industry. The standard was first introduced in Switzerland in 1964 and became an official European standard in 1993. The basic format is called "GN 1/1" and measures 530×325 mm, with other sizes being multiples or submultiples of this basic module size.

There are nine different Gastronorm sizes based on the outer dimensions of the container, and they are available in a variety of depths and materials. The most common depths are 20 mm, 40 mm, 65 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm, and 200 mm. The materials used for the containers are typically either stainless steel or plastic, but they can also be made of polycarbonate, melamine, polypropylene, or porcelain.

The benefit of using Gastronorm containers is that they are modular by design. For example, a 1/1 GN-sized well can be filled with one 1/1 GN pan, two 1/2 GN pans, or a combination of smaller pans. This flexibility allows for efficient storage, transport, processing, and serving.

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

Sheet pan sizes

A full-size sheet pan is 26" x 18" (660mm x 460mm) and is too large for most home ovens. These are typically used in commercial kitchens and bakeries. A half-size sheet pan is 18" x 13" (460mm x 330mm) and is the most common size used by home bakers. A quarter-size sheet pan is 13" x 9" (230mm x 330mm) and is often used for flat cakes or brownies. An eighth-size sheet pan is approximately 6.5" x 9" and is useful for small jobs like toasting nuts or baking a few cookies. A two-thirds (three-quarters) sheet pan is 21" x 15" (530mm x 380mm) and is useful for large batches of cookies.

It is worth noting that the terms "sheet pan" and "hotel pan" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to different standardisation systems. "Hotel pans" refer to the American hotel pan system, which uses non-metric measurements that are incompatible with the Gastronorm (GN) system used in Europe.

Food pan materials

Food pans come in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common materials used for food pans and their properties:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a popular choice for food pans due to its durability and attractive appearance. It is created by adding chromium and nickel to steel, making it highly anti-corrosive. Stainless steel is also dishwasher, oven, and broiler safe. However, it is a poor conductor of heat, so it is often bonded with highly conductive metals such as copper or aluminum to improve its heat distribution. Stainless steel pans are ideal for cooking, keeping food warm, and chilling. They are commonly used in buffets to keep food warm or as a bain-marie.

Polycarbonate and Polypropylene

Polycarbonate and polypropylene food pans are often used for storing and displaying refrigerated foods, such as in a buffet setting. These materials offer a flexible, strong, and sometimes transparent design, making it easier to identify the contents. They are not suitable for cooking or heating food.

Melamine

Melamine is a strong, lightweight, and hard thermosetting plastic. It is durable and available in different colours, making it ideal for displaying and storing food. However, melamine containers are not suitable for use in the oven.

Porcelain

Porcelain food pans are suitable for both hot and cold food preparation, storage, and presentation. They are strong and can be used in the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Porcelain pans are a good alternative to stainless steel and are often used in buffets or as an alternative to traditional pans.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a good conductor of heat, making it a popular choice for cookware. It is inexpensive and lightweight, but natural aluminium can react with acidic foods, imparting a metallic taste and dull grey tint. To address this issue, aluminium pans are often lined with a non-stick coating, clad with stainless steel, or anodized to improve their durability and non-reactivity.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is a poor conductor of heat, meaning it takes longer to heat up and cool down. However, this makes it ideal for Dutch ovens, fry pans, griddles, and grill pans as it retains and distributes heat evenly. Cast iron pans are durable and can resist warping, denting, and chipping. They usually do not have a non-stick coating, but users can create their own by seasoning the pan with natural oil. Enamel-coated cast iron is also available, which is easier to maintain but more expensive.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is another option for food pans. It is durable and relatively inexpensive but can be prone to rust if not seasoned properly. Carbon steel pans can achieve higher temperatures than other pans and hold heat well, making them ideal for high-heat cooking techniques. They are a popular choice for crusty Pommes Anna, searing steaks, blackening fish, and stir-frying. Carbon steel is also widely used as the core metal for enameled cookware, such as tea kettles, roasting pans, and lobster pots.

Food pan lids

Materials

Sizes

Styles and Features

Food pan accessories

Lids and Covers

Drain lids and lids with cut-outs for utensils are common accessories for food pans, especially in the catering industry. These lids come in various sizes, such as GN 1/1, GN 1/2, GN 1/3, GN 2/1, and more, ensuring compatibility with different pan sizes.

Insulated Food Pan Carriers

Insulated food pan carriers are crucial for keeping food at safe serving temperatures during transportation. These carriers come with accessories like latch kits, hinges, power cords, dollies, heaters, and casters, ensuring efficient and secure food delivery.

Steam Table Pan Accessories

For a complete steam table setup, accessories like adapter bars, false bottoms, pan liners, water spillage pans, and pan bands are essential. These accessories help maintain food quality, prevent contamination, and ensure efficient steam heat distribution.

Bain-Maries and Vegetable Insets

Bain-Maries and vegetable insets are great for keeping soups, stews, and sauces warm and ready for serving. They are ideal for catering services and buffets to maintain food at the perfect serving temperature.

Decorative Steam Table Food Pans

Decorative steam table food pans in various shapes, such as oval, casserole dish, and wild pan shapes, can elevate the appearance of your food presentation. These pans are perfect for catered events, adding a unique style to your buffet line or food display.

Food Storage Containers and Lids

Food storage containers and lids are essential accessories for food pans. Plastic food pan lids and bulk food storage containers help keep food fresh and protected. Additionally, spice storage containers, vegetable crisper bins, and ingredient canisters are great for organizing and storing various food items.

These food pan accessories provide versatility, functionality, and safety to your food service operations, ensuring efficient food storage, transportation, and presentation.

Frequently asked questions