Half-Pan Dimensions And Uses

A half-size pan, also known as a steam table pan, service pan, or counter pan, is a versatile tool used in commercial kitchens for storing, transporting, and serving food. It measures approximately 12 inches by 10 inches, which means that two half pans can fill the same space as a full-size pan, which measures roughly 12 inches by 20 inches. Half pans are commonly used for side dishes, salad toppings, and smaller entrees on food bars. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and are suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage.

Half-size pans are roughly 12 x 10

Half-size pans are commonly used in food service and are ideal for holding and serving side dishes, entrees, salads, and smaller items on food bars. They are also known as hotel pans, steam table pans, service pans, or counter pans.

The standard dimensions of a half-size pan make it compatible with steam tables and food prep tables. They can also be used in chafers for catering purposes. The ability to use half-size pans in various settings makes them a valuable tool in commercial kitchens and food service operations.

In addition to the standard half-size pan, there is also a half-size long pan, which measures 6 x 20 inches. This variation offers another option for food service professionals to utilise space efficiently.

Half-size pans are available in different materials, such as aluminium foil, stainless steel, polycarbonate plastic, melamine, polypropylene plastic, and cast aluminium. The choice of material depends on the intended use, with some materials better suited for hot or cold food storage and service.

They're used for side dishes, entrees, and salads

Half pans are a versatile option for caterers and restaurants, offering a range of uses. They are commonly used for side dishes, entrees, and salads, providing the perfect size for these food types. With dimensions of 12" x 10" (30.48 cm x 25.4 cm), half pans can be used in a variety of ways to enhance food presentation and efficiency in the kitchen.

For caterers, half pans are ideal for cooking, storing, and serving side dishes, entrees, and salads. Their size makes them perfect for casual catered events, as they can hold a good amount of food while also being easy to transport and store. The ability to stack these pans saves space and makes them a convenient option for caterers who need to transport food to off-site locations. Additionally, the disposable nature of some half pans means quick cleanup at catered events, which is a significant advantage when serving large groups of people.

In a restaurant setting, half pans are commonly used on food bars and prep tables. Their size makes them perfect for holding side dishes, salad toppings, and smaller entrees. For example, a restaurant might use half pans to hold salad greens, dressings, and toppings, allowing customers to build their own salads. The versatility of half pans means they can be used for hot or cold food and can go directly from the refrigerator to the prep line and then to the serving line. This feature is especially useful for busy restaurants that need to efficiently manage food preparation and serving.

The standard size of a half pan, 12" x 10", is also convenient for storage. These pans can be easily stacked and stored in refrigerators or on prep tables, maximizing space efficiency in the kitchen. Additionally, the compatibility of half pans with steam tables and chafers makes them a valuable tool for keeping food warm during service. The ability to pair half pans with lids and covers further enhances their versatility and makes them a popular choice for food storage and transportation.

Overall, half pans play a crucial role in the foodservice industry, particularly when it comes to side dishes, entrees, and salads. Their standard size, versatility, and ease of use make them a go-to option for caterers and restaurants alike, helping to streamline food preparation, storage, and serving.

They're available in a range of depths

Half pans are available in a variety of depths to accommodate different needs. The depth of a half pan can range from shallow to medium to deep, and even extra deep. The most common hotel pan depths are 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches, but they are also available in smaller increments of a quarter or half an inch.

For example, a standard half pan measures approximately 12 inches by 10 inches, but the depth can vary. A shallow half pan with a depth of 1 1/16 inches is suitable for holding small quantities of food items or liquids. On the other hand, a medium-depth half pan, with a depth of around 2 9/16 inches, can hold a larger volume of food and is ideal for cooking, storing, and serving a variety of dishes.

If you require even more capacity, a deep half pan with a depth of over 4 inches is available. These extra-deep half pans are commonly used in the food service industry and are perfect for holding large quantities of food.

The choice of depth depends on the intended use and the volume of food needed. Shallow pans are great for holding small items or liquids, while deeper pans provide more capacity and versatility.

They're often made from aluminium foil

Aluminium foil half pans are a convenient and versatile option for cooking, storing, and serving food. They are often chosen for their disposable and recyclable nature, making post-event cleanup quick and worry-free. These pans are typically sturdy and durable, able to withstand high temperatures and safe for use in ovens, steam tables, and freezers.

Aluminium foil half pans are commonly used for casual catered events, back-of-house operations, barbecues, and parties. They are suitable for a variety of dishes, including sides, entrees, appetizers, desserts, casseroles, roasts, and grilled foods. The pans' ability to retain temperature is ideal for keeping food hot until serving.

When choosing aluminium foil half pans, it is important to consider their gauge, which indicates the thickness of the foil. A higher gauge number corresponds to thinner foil, while a lower gauge indicates thicker and more durable foil that can handle heavier foods without bending or breaking. Some common gauge options include 35-gauge, 36-gauge, and 40-gauge.

The dimensions of aluminium foil half pans are typically around 12 1/2" to 12 3/4" in length, 10 1/4" to 10 3/8" in width, and 2 1/2" to 2 9/16" in depth. These pans can hold a generous amount of food, usually accommodating around 120 fl. oz. or 120 oz.

In addition to their functionality, aluminium foil half pans can also be used for creative DIY crafts, such as Christmas lanterns or toy houses. Overall, these pans offer convenience, versatility, and ease of cleanup for a range of cooking and serving needs.

They can be recycled

A half pan is a standard food pan size, measuring roughly 12 inches by 10 inches. This means that two half pans can fill the same space as a full-size pan, which is typically used in commercial kitchens for cooking large batches of food. Half pans are commonly used for side dishes, salad toppings, and smaller entrées.

When it comes to recycling half pans, or any other type of cookware, it's important to consider the material they are made of. Most cookware contains a mix of metal and plastic, with some also having special chemical coatings. The first step is to identify the type of metal in your cookware. It is likely to be nonferrous metal, such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. However, if it attracts a magnet, it is ferrous metal. This distinction is important because some recyclers only accept one type of metal.

If your half pans are made of cast iron, aluminum, stainless steel, or copper, they can be recycled as scrap metal. You can take them to a local scrap yard or recycling center that accepts these metals. Some companies, like TerraCycle, specialize in recycling hard-to-recycle materials and offer programs to properly dispose of and recycle old cookware.

For nonstick cookware with coatings such as Teflon (PTFE), the recycling process is more complex. The coating needs to be removed before the pan can be recycled. Only a few localities will remove these coatings, so it's best to contact your local recycling center to inquire about their capabilities and guidelines. Alternatively, you can check with the brand that you purchased the cookware from, as some companies accept returns and recycle damaged cookware through their warranty programs.

In addition to recycling, there are other ways to responsibly dispose of your half pans. You can consider upcycling them into garden tools, planters, or creative DIY projects. Donating them to organizations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army is also an option, as long as they are in usable condition. Sites like Craigslist and Freecycle are good platforms to find new owners for your pre-loved cookware.

Frequently asked questions