Standard Shotgun Pan Size

Shotgun pans are long, narrow, and fancy-shaped pans used for buffets, typically at banquets. They are called shotgun pans because they resemble the long and narrow shape of a shotgun house.

The name 'shotgun pan' may come from the fact that two pans fit in a single hotel pan side by side like a double-barrel shotgun

A shotgun pan is a full-size pan that measures 20-3/4" by 12-3/4". It is a food pan used for food storage, holding, and serving. It is a standard size pan that fits into openings in steam tables or chafing dishes.

The name "shotgun pan" may come from the fact that two pans can fit side by side in a single hotel pan, resembling a double-barrelled shotgun. This arrangement is useful for separating different foods in a buffet or catering setting.

Hotel pans, also known as steam table pans, counter pans, or service pans, are commonly used in the catering and restaurant industries. They are usually made of stainless steel and come in various depths, such as 2 1/2, 4, 6, and 8 inches deep. The different sizes are named based on their relationship to the full-size hotel pan, which is the standard size.

The origin of the name "hotel pan" is believed to be related to the historical practice of hotel operators serving meals to guests at designated times, requiring the use of large pans for serving. This practice is still observed on cruise ships, where guests have early or late seating for dinner. The name "hotel pan" has persisted even outside the hotel industry, as these pans are now commonly used in restaurants and catering services.

Shotgun pans are long and narrow, resembling a shotgun house in pan form

A "shotgun pan" is a term used to refer to a type of food pan that is long and narrow in shape, resembling a shotgun house, which is a type of residential architecture commonly found in the Southern United States. Shotgun pans are typically used in food service and catering contexts, often for buffets or banquets. They are sometimes called "long half pans" and are designed to fit into a bain-marie or hot well.

The name "shotgun pan" is derived from the resemblance of the pan's shape to that of a shotgun house. Shotgun houses are characterized by their long and narrow structure, typically with no interior walls, allowing a clear line of sight from the front doorway to the backdoor. This architecture is said to be so narrow that one could fire a shotgun through the front door, and the pellets would fly out the back without hitting any walls. Hence, the name "shotgun" to describe both the house and the pan.

Shotgun pans are designed to fit into specific food service equipment, such as a bain-marie or hot well, and are often used for holding and serving food in a buffet or banquet setting. They are typically made of stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion. The exact dimensions of shotgun pans can vary, but they are generally longer than they are wide, reflecting the unique shape that gives them their name.

These pans are commonly used in the food service industry, particularly in catering and buffet-style settings. Their long and narrow shape can add a unique visual element to food presentations and is well-suited for holding and serving various foods. Shotgun pans are often used alongside other sizes and shapes of pans to create a diverse and functional food display.

Some people refer to them as 'elongated pans'

A "shotgun pan" is a term used to describe a pan with a specific size and shape that is used in the process of making lead shot for shotgun shells. Lead shot is created by pouring molten lead through a perforated pan, which then showers through the perforations and begins to cool. The size of the perforations in the pan determines the size of the shot.

Some people refer to these pans as "elongated" due to their long and slender shape. The term "elongated" is used to describe something that is stretched out or extended to be longer than usual. In the case of a shotgun pan, its elongated shape allows for a larger surface area, which is beneficial for certain cooking tasks.

The advantages of using a larger pan include the ability to cook more food at once without overcrowding. This is especially useful when feeding large groups or meal prepping. Additionally, a larger pan has greater heat retention due to the increased amount of material available to hold heat. For example, a 12-inch pan can be used to fry 4 eggs or 3 chicken breasts comfortably.

On the other hand, smaller pans offer the benefit of more evenly distributed heat and the ability to reach higher temperatures due to collateral heat exposure from the pan's sloped sides. This makes them ideal for single servings or smaller portions.

It is worth noting that the term "elongated" can also be used to describe other kitchen tools and utensils with a similar shape, such as handles or griddles.

They are also called 'long half pans'

A shotgun pan, also known as a steam table pan, hotel pan, counter pan, or service pan, comes in a variety of sizes. The half-size long pan, also known as the "long half pan", measures 6" x 20". Two long half pans can fit into the same space as one full-size pan. They are commonly used for side dishes or salad toppings.

The long half pan is a good option for those who want to use bigger brushes, as the standard half pan can be quite small and may ruin your brushes if you're not careful. The long half pan is also a good choice if you're looking for a pan that's easy to travel with or if you prefer a smaller-sized palette.

• Winco 1/2 Size (Long) Anti-Jam Steam Table/Hotel Pan, 25 Gauge, 6" Deep
• Winco SPJH-4HL S/S 22 Gauge Half-Long x 4" Deep Food Pan

In addition to the long half pan, there are also other sizes available, such as the full-size pan, two-thirds size pan, third size pan, quarter size pan, sixth size pan, and ninth size pan. These pans are used in a variety of foodservice operations, including restaurants and catering businesses, and can be used to keep food warm in different settings.

They are used to contain food items, often for cold-well items in cafeterias

A shotgun pan is a food pan used in food service and catering. They are used to contain food items, often for cold-well items in cafeterias.

Shotgun pans are made of heavy-gauge stainless steel, which gives them exceptional durability and ensures they can withstand rigorous foodservice environments. They are designed to fit standard food pan templates and are stackable for convenient storage.

These pans feature double-reinforced corners and impact-resistant edges, allowing them to maintain their shape even with frequent use. They also have spoonable bottoms for maximum serving yield and easy cleaning.

One of the key features of shotgun pans is their ability to retain cold temperatures. They are designed to fit into Coldmaster pans, eliminating the need for ice and keeping food items chilled. This makes them ideal for cold food storage and serving in cafeterias, buffets, and catering events.

The dimensions of a typical shotgun pan are 20-3/4" in length and 12-3/4" in width. They are designed to be versatile and compatible with a range of food storage and presentation needs.

Frequently asked questions