Catering full pans, also known as hotel pans, steam table pans, counter pans, or service pans, are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen. They are used for food storage, holding, and serving, and are designed to be versatile and durable. The standard size for a full pan is 12 inches by 20 inches, and they are often used for cooking large batches and serving popular items such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad greens. These pans are typically made of stainless steel, but can also be made of other materials such as plastic or aluminium. With their stackable design and compatible lids, full pans allow for easy organisation and maximise space efficiency, making them a must-have for any catering business.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Length | 20 inches |
Width | 12 inches |
Common uses | Cooking large batches, serving popular items, entrees |
Smaller pan equivalent | Two half pans, three third pans, four quarter pans, six sixth pans, or nine ninth pans |
What You'll Learn
- Full pans are 12 x 20 and are used for cooking large batches and serving popular items
- Two-thirds pans are 12 x 13 1/3 and fill two-thirds of a full-size cutout
- Half pans are 12 x 10 and two of them fill the same space as a full-size pan
- Third pans are 12 x 6 2/3 and three of them fit in a full-size cutout
- Quarter pans are 6 x 10 and are good for holding side dishes and salad toppings
Full pans are 12 x 20 and are used for cooking large batches and serving popular items
Full pans, measuring 12 x 20 inches, are a vital piece of equipment in any commercial kitchen. They are used for cooking large batches of food and serving popular items, especially entrées such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad. Full pans are also known as hotel pans, steam table pans, counter pans, or service pans. They are used in many different foodservice operations, from restaurants to catering businesses.
Full pans are often used to cook and serve large quantities of food. They are ideal for entrées and popular dishes due to their size. A full pan can be used to cook and serve a large batch of food, such as fried chicken or burgers. This makes them a popular choice for restaurants and caterers who need to prepare and serve food for a large number of people.
The standard size of a full pan is approximately 12 inches by 20 inches. This size is important because it is also used by equipment manufacturers when designing steam tables and prep tables. Steam tables are set up like a grid, and a full-size pan would take up one entire section, either vertically or horizontally. However, smaller pans can also be used in combination with adaptor bars to create different configurations.
Full pans are also versatile and durable. They can go from the refrigerator to the prep line, to the holding cabinet, and finally to the serving line. This makes them a favourite in many kitchens. Additionally, full pans are available in different depths, typically ranging from 2 1/2 to 6 inches, to accommodate different needs.
Full pans are a must-have for any commercial kitchen. They are perfect for cooking and serving large batches of food, especially popular items and entrées. With their standard size and versatility, full pans are a key component of any successful foodservice operation.
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Two-thirds pans are 12 x 13 1/3 and fill two-thirds of a full-size cutout
Catering pans are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen, providing an efficient way to store, transport, and serve food. They are designed to be stackable, maximising space efficiency, and are suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. The standard full-size food pan is approximately 12" x 20" and all other food pans are a variation on this size.
The two-thirds pans are available in a variety of depths, with the most common being 2", 4", 6", and 8". They can also be found in smaller increments of 1/2" or 1/4". The Vollrath brand offers a range of two-thirds pans in varying depths, from 1 1/2" to 8". These pans are made of stainless steel, which is a durable and easy-to-clean option for busy kitchens. Stainless steel pans are suitable for use in freezers, ovens, and steam or refrigerated tables, making them a versatile choice.
The two-thirds pans are also designed with features to enhance their functionality. For example, some pans have a non-stick coating, which is ideal for cooking delicate foods and makes cleaning easier. Additionally, some pans have reinforced corners that provide extra durability and impact resistance.
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Half pans are 12 x 10 and two of them fill the same space as a full-size pan
Catering full pans are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen, providing an efficient way to store, transport, and serve food. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and are suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage.
The standard full-size food pan measures approximately 12" x 20" and is often used for cooking large batches and serving popular items such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad greens. Now, let's focus on half pans.
Half pans are a versatile option for caterers and chefs. Measuring 12" x 10", they can be used for a variety of dishes and fit neatly into standard full-size pan spaces. This means that two half pans can be used in place of one full-size pan, offering flexibility and efficiency in food storage and transportation. Half pans are commonly used for side dishes, salad toppings, and smaller entrées on food bars. They are also ideal for holding marinating food and casseroles.
Half pans are available in various materials, including durable aluminum foil and stainless steel. They can be disposable or reusable, depending on the specific needs of the caterer or chef. Some half pans also come with lids, which is convenient for transportation and storage. The lids help keep food hot and can be made from foil or plastic.
When choosing between half pans and full pans, it's important to consider the type of event and the amount of food that needs to be stored or transported. For large events, a combination of full pans and half pans may be ideal, providing flexibility in the types and amounts of dishes that can be served. Half pans are also perfect for smaller events or for meal prep, as they can be easily stored in refrigerators or freezers.
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Third pans are 12 x 6 2/3 and three of them fit in a full-size cutout
Catering full pans, also known as full-size food pans, are a standard piece of equipment in the foodservice industry. They are used for cooking, storing, transporting, and serving food in commercial kitchens and catering businesses. These pans are designed to withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion, making them suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. The standard dimensions of a full-size food pan are approximately 20 3/4" x 12 3/4" (or rounded to 12 x 20 inches), with depths typically ranging from 2 to 6 inches.
Now, let's focus on the third pans. Third pans are a specific size of food pan commonly used in catering and commercial kitchens. They are designed to fit within a full-size cutout, which is the space occupied by a full-size food pan. A full-size cutout can accommodate three third pans, as the name suggests. The standard dimensions of a third pan are approximately 12 inches by 6 2/3 inches, and they are often available in various depths to suit different needs.
Third pans are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks in a commercial kitchen. They are commonly used for serving side dishes on hot food bars or for organizing ingredients and toppings on food prep tables. The smaller size of third pans makes them ideal for holding and serving smaller portions, and they can be easily combined with other pan sizes to maximize space efficiency.
When it comes to materials, third pans are typically made from stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel third pans are durable, easy to clean, and suitable for a wide range of temperatures, making them a popular choice for busy kitchens. Plastic third pans, on the other hand, are often clear or coloured, making it easy to identify their contents, and they are a more economical option.
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Quarter pans are 6 x 10 and are good for holding side dishes and salad toppings
Catering full pans, also known as food pans, are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen. They are used to store, transport, and serve food, and come in a variety of sizes to suit different needs. A standard full-size food pan measures approximately 12" x 20" and is often used for cooking large batches of food and serving popular items such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad greens.
Now, let's focus on the quarter pan, which is a fraction of the size of a full pan. Quarter pans measure 6 x 10 inches, and as the name suggests, it takes four of them to fill the same space as a full-size pan. These smaller pans are perfect for holding side dishes and salad toppings, as well as soups, dressings, and sandwich trimmings. They are a popular choice for buffets, catering events, and salad bars.
The versatility of quarter pans makes them a great addition to any commercial kitchen. They can be easily stacked and stored, and their smaller size means they can fit into various appliances. Made from durable materials such as stainless steel, these pans can withstand a wide range of temperatures and are designed to be oven-safe and corrosion-resistant. Some even feature a non-stick surface, making them ideal for cooking and serving a variety of foods.
The quarter pans are a great option for those in the catering business, offering both functionality and convenience. Their size makes them perfect for holding and serving smaller portions, and their durability ensures they can be used time and time again. Whether it's a buffet, a catering event, or a restaurant, quarter pans are a valuable tool for any foodservice establishment.
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Frequently asked questions
A full pan measures approximately 12 inches by 20 inches.
Full pans are used for cooking large batches and serving popular items, especially entrées such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad.
The depth of a full pan can vary. Common depths include 2 inches, 2 1/2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches.