Full-Size Pans: Dimensions And Uses

A full-size pan, also known as a hotel pan, is a vital piece of equipment in any commercial kitchen. It is a rectangular stainless steel pan used for cooking, storing, and serving food. Measuring approximately 12 inches by 20 inches, it is often used for cooking large batches and serving popular items, especially entrees such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad greens. Full-size pans are typically used in steam tables, with a slightly wider lip to hold them in place. They are designed to be versatile and durable, going from refrigerator to prep line to holding cabinet, and finally to the serving line.

Full-size food pans are used for cooking large batches and serving popular items

Full-size food pans are a vital piece of equipment in any commercial kitchen. Measuring approximately 12 inches by 20 inches, they are the standard size used by manufacturers when designing steam tables and prep tables. This means that full-size pans fit directly into the well of a steam table, maximising space efficiency.

Full-size food pans are used for cooking large batches of food and serving popular items, especially entrées such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad. Their large volume makes them a popular choice for restaurants, which often opt for full-size pans over smaller alternatives. The versatility of full-size pans is further enhanced by their ability to go from refrigerator to prep line, to holding cabinet, and finally to the serving line.

Full-size food pans are typically made from stainless steel, which resists corrosion and can withstand high temperatures. Stainless steel pans are also easy to clean and resistant to scratches and dents. However, alternative materials such as polycarbonate plastic, melamine, polypropylene plastic, and cast aluminium are available.

When choosing a full-size food pan, it is important to consider the depth of the pan, which can vary from 2 inches to 8 inches. The gauge of the stainless steel is another key factor; a lower gauge indicates a thicker steel, which provides more even heating and is more resistant to denting and warping. However, higher gauges are more cost-effective and lighter in weight.

They are also used to keep food warm in different food service settings

Full-size pans, also known as hotel pans, are a standard in the foodservice industry, measuring approximately 20 3/4" x 12 3/4". They are used in various food service settings to keep food warm and are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen. Here are some ways in which full-size pans can be used to maintain food warmth in different food service contexts:

In Ovens or Warming Drawers

Full-size pans can be placed in ovens or warming drawers at very low temperatures, typically between 160 °F and 250 °F. This method helps keep food warm without overcooking it. However, it is important to monitor the food's temperature to ensure it stays above 140 °F to prevent bacterial growth.

As Part of Steam Tables or Chafing Dishes

Full-size pans are often used in steam tables, where they fit directly into the well of the table, to hold and serve food. Chafing dishes, made from insulating metal, are another way to maintain a steady temperature for dishes like lasagna or sautéed vegetables. Chafing dishes can also be used for catering services, providing an elegant way to keep food warm during events.

In Transport Carriers or Insulated Containers

Commercial food warmers, such as the Insulated Food Transport Carriers made by Cambro, are designed to keep food warm during transport. These carriers are available in electric and non-electric models and can maintain temperatures above 150 °F for several hours. This is ideal for caterers who need to transport food from one location to another while keeping it hot.

In Slow Cookers or Rice Cookers

Slow cookers and rice cookers can be used to keep food warm for extended periods. By leaving these appliances on a low heat setting, the food can be maintained at the right temperature without overcooking. Commercial-grade slow cookers and rice cookers are ideal for busy restaurant kitchens that need to keep food warm in large quantities.

With Heat Lamps

Heat lamps are commonly used in restaurants to keep plated meals warm until servers arrive to deliver them to customers. However, this method is best for short periods, as food can dry out if left under the heat lamp for too long.

Full-size pans are made to fit into steam tables and food prep tables

Full-size pans are a vital piece of equipment in any commercial kitchen. Measuring 12 inches by 20 inches, they are designed to fit into steam tables and food prep tables, with a slightly wider lip to hold them in place. These tables are set up like a grid, allowing for numerous configurations of full-size and smaller pans. Full-size pans are often used for cooking large batches and serving popular items, especially entrées such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad. They are also ideal for keeping food warm in different foodservice settings.

Full-size pans are commonly made from stainless steel, which is durable, resistant to corrosion, and suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. Stainless steel pans are also easy to clean and resistant to scratches and dents from metal utensils. The gauge of a stainless-steel pan indicates its heft, with lower gauges indicating thicker steel. Lower-gauge pans are a good choice for busier kitchens as they provide more even heating and are more resistant to denting and warping. However, they are more expensive and take longer to heat up. High-gauge pans, on the other hand, are more economical and lightweight, making them a popular choice for caterers who need to transport pans.

In addition to stainless steel, full-size pans can also be made from other materials such as polycarbonate plastic, melamine, polypropylene plastic, and cast aluminum. Plastic models can be used for both hot and cold foods, depending on the design. They are durable, economical, and come in various colours, making it easy to identify the contents of the pan or colour-code your storage area. Cast aluminum pans, meanwhile, are similar to stainless steel pans but feature a non-stick coating for easy cleaning and serving.

Full-size pans are available in different depths, including 2 inches, 4 inches, and 6 inches. The depth of the pan is important as it determines the number of servings it can hold. For example, a 2-inch-deep full-size pan will hold fewer servings than a 4-inch-deep pan. When choosing a full-size pan, it is essential to consider the intended use, the desired capacity, and the compatibility with steam tables and prep tables.

Full-size pans are 12 inches by 20 inches

Full-size pans are the standard in the foodservice industry, and all other pan sizes are a variation of their dimensions. For example, a half-size pan measures 12 inches by 10 inches, so two half pans can fit in the same space as one full-size pan. Half pans are commonly used for side dishes, salad toppings, and smaller entrees. A two-thirds pan will fill two-thirds of a full-size cut-out, and a third pan will fill one-third, as the names suggest.

Full-size pans are typically made of stainless steel, which is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches and dents. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and are suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. The gauge of a stainless steel pan indicates its heft, with lower gauges indicating thicker steel. Lower-gauge pans are a good choice for busier kitchens as they provide more even heating and are more resistant to denting and warping. However, they can be more expensive and take longer to heat up.

In addition to stainless steel, full-size pans can also be made of other materials such as polycarbonate plastic, melamine, polypropylene plastic, and cast aluminum. Plastic models can be used for both hot and cold foods, depending on the design. Cast aluminum pans are similar to stainless steel pans but usually have a non-stick coating for easy cleaning and serving.

They are available in a variety of materials and styles

Food pans, also known as hotel pans, steam table pans, counter pans, or service pans, are available in a variety of materials and styles. The two main materials used for food pans are cast aluminium and stainless steel.

Stainless steel pans are ideal for busy food service outlets. They can be placed in a refrigerator, oven, or steamer, making them a good choice for multi-purpose dishes. The heft of a stainless steel pan is indicated by its gauge, with 22-gauge being the standard weight for hotel pans. Lower-gauge pans have thicker steel, making them more resistant to denting and warping, while higher-gauge pans are more economical and lightweight. Stainless steel pans are also known for their durability and ability to resist scratches.

Cast aluminium pans are similar to stainless steel pans but usually feature a non-stick coating, making them easier to clean and serve from. They are also practically indestructible.

Plastic food pans are an efficient and economical option for steam tables. They are durable and can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for use in microwaves. Polycarbonate plastic is a rigid thermoplastic polymer that can handle commercial usage and is great for food storage and display due to its translucent colour. However, it is not resistant to scratches. Polyethylene plastic, on the other hand, is a thermoplastic homo-polymer known for its impact strength and flexibility. It is safe to use in busy kitchens as it is crush-and-crack resistant. Polypropylene plastic is strong yet lightweight, making it ideal for commercial use, and it is also known for its high chemical resistance.

Other materials used for food pans include melamine, which offers an attractive alternative to stainless steel, and china, which provides an upscale, sophisticated appearance without sacrificing heat and cold retention. China pans are designed to distribute heat uniformly and help prevent scorching.

Frequently asked questions