Salad Station Pan Sizes

Salad stations are a great way to increase the appeal of your menu and attract health-conscious guests. When choosing a salad station, size and budget are important considerations. You want a station that fits your space without crowding and is easy to clean.

Food pans are a crucial component of salad stations, and they come in various sizes. The most common standard food pan sizes include full pans, two-thirds pans, half pans, third pans, quarter pans, sixth pans, and ninth pans. Sixth pans, measuring 6 inches by 6 2/3 inches, are often used on salad prep tables to hold soups, dressings, and toppings.

When determining the size of the salad station and the number of food pans needed, consider the options you want to offer your guests. If you want to provide an unlimited combination of ingredients, opt for more food pans. Additionally, consider choosing a station with additional storage shelves or drawers, especially if you need to replenish ingredients frequently.

For example, the KITMA 73 Inches 3 Door Mega Top Prep Table offers a wide range of ingredient options with 30 deep pans and adjustable shelves for extra storage. On the other hand, the True TSSU-48 18 M-B 2 Door Sandwich Prep Table is a smaller option with an 8-inch cutting board and 18 food pans, making it suitable for limited floor space.

Pans for salad stations come in various sizes, from full-size to ninth-size

When it comes to pans for salad stations, there is a diverse range of sizes available to fit different needs and preferences. These pans are designed to fit seamlessly into steam tables or prep stations, enhancing the efficiency of food preparation in restaurants or catering events. Here is an overview of the various pan sizes, along with their dimensions and common uses:

• Full-size pans: Measuring approximately 12 inches by 20 inches, these pans are perfect for cooking large batches and serving popular items. They are commonly used for entrées such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad greens.
• Two-thirds-size pans: With dimensions of about 12 inches by 13⅓ inches, these pans occupy two-thirds of a full-size cutout. This leaves room for a third-size pan or a combination of smaller pans.
• Half-size pans: Half-size pans measure around 12 inches by 10 inches and can be used in pairs to fill the same space as a full-size pan. They are commonly utilized for side dishes, salad toppings, and smaller entrées on food bars.
• Third-size pans: These pans, measuring about 12 inches by 6⅔ inches, can fit three to a full-size cutout. They are ideal for serving side dishes on hot food bars.
• Quarter-size pans: Quarter-size pans have dimensions of 6 inches by 10 inches, and four of them can fit in the same space as a full-size pan. They are a popular choice for holding side dishes and salad toppings.
• Sixth-size pans: Measuring 6 inches by 6⅔ inches, sixth-size pans are commonly used on salad and sandwich prep tables. They are perfect for holding soups, dressings, and toppings for salads.
• Ninth-size pans: Ninth-size pans are the smallest available option, measuring 4 inches by 6⅔ inches. They are ideal for holding small quantities of seasonings, spices, garnishes, toppings, and condiments.

When selecting pans for a salad station, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of your establishment. The number of food pans a salad station can accommodate is an important factor, as it determines the variety of ingredients you can offer to your guests. Additionally, the size of the pans should align with the dimensions of your salad station to ensure a perfect fit.

The number of pans a salad station can hold depends on its size

The KoolMore 71” Refrigerated Countertop salad station is a good choice for those with limited space. It can accommodate 1/3 food pans with a capacity of 6.1 quarts and also support smaller 1/6 pans. Another option for those looking to offer a wide range of ingredients without taking up too much floor space is the KITMA 73 Inches 3 Door Mega Top Prep Table, which provides up to 30 deep pans.

When selecting a salad station, it is essential to consider not only the size of the station but also the number and size of food pans required for your specific needs. Food pans come in various standard sizes, including full-size, two-thirds, half, third, quarter, sixth, and ninth pans. The size of the pans will determine how many can fit in your salad station, so choosing the right combination is crucial to maximizing your ingredient options.

Additionally, the depth of the pans is an important factor. Shallower pans, such as those with a depth of 4 to 6 inches, are commonly used for side dishes, salad toppings, and smaller entrées. Deeper pans, measuring around 8 to 10 inches, are suitable for cooking large batches and serving popular items.

The most common pan sizes are full, two-thirds, half, third, quarter, and sixth

• A full-size pan is typically used for cooking large batches and serving popular items such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad greens.
• A two-thirds pan measures roughly 12 inches by 13 and a third inches. It can be combined with a third-size pan or smaller pans to fill a full-size cutout.
• A half pan is commonly used for side dishes, salad toppings, and smaller entrées. Two half pans can fit into the same space as a full-size pan.
• A third pan is often used for serving side dishes on hot food bars. Three third pans can fit into a full-size cutout.
• A quarter pan is popular for holding side dishes and salad toppings. Four quarter pans can fit into the same space as a full-size pan.
• A sixth pan is commonly used for holding soups, dressings, and toppings for salads. It is the most frequently used size on salad and sandwich prep tables. Six sixth pans are needed to fill a full-size pan.

These pan sizes are designed to fit into steam tables or prep stations, ensuring quick and easy food preparation in restaurants and catering events. The precise dimensions of each pan may vary slightly between different manufacturers, but the standard sizes provide a helpful guide for chefs and caterers.

The salad station's size and your budget are key considerations

When choosing a salad station, size and budget are key considerations. You want a station that fits your space without crowding your restaurant and suits your budget.

Salad stations come in various sizes, from compact countertop stations to larger stations with more features. When determining the right size, measure the intended space and choose a station that fits without interfering with other equipment. Consider not just the length but also the depth when the doors are open.

The number of food pans a salad station can accommodate is an important factor. More food pans mean more options for your guests. If you plan to offer a wide variety of ingredients, look for stations that can hold over ten food pans.

Additionally, the size of the food pans themselves can vary. Standard sizes include full pans (12" x 20"), two-thirds pans (12" x 131⁄3"), half pans (12" x 10"), third pans (12" x 62⁄3"), quarter pans (6" x 10"), sixth pans (6" x 62⁄3"), and ninth pans (4" x 62⁄3"). Sixth pans are commonly used on salad prep tables as they are ideal for holding smaller quantities of toppings, dressings, and sauces.

When considering your budget, keep in mind that the cost of a salad station can vary depending on its size, features, and quality. Stainless steel stations, for example, tend to be more expensive but are durable and easy to clean. Other factors that can impact the price include the number of shelves, refrigeration, and additional features such as transparent lids or digital temperature displays.

It's also worth noting that while a larger salad station may seem ideal for offering more options, it's important to strike a balance between variety and practicality. A station that is too large may be cumbersome to move and clean, especially if your space is limited. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully consider your available space and decide on a salad station size that aligns with your budget and operational needs.

Some salad stations have swivel casters, making them easier to move and clean

When choosing a salad station, size and budget are the most important factors. You want a station that fits into your restaurant without crowding the space or breaking the bank. The number of food pans a salad station can accommodate is also essential, as is its ease of cleaning. Some salad stations have swivel casters, making them easier to move and clean.

Swivel casters are designed to make moving and cleaning your salad station a breeze. They are typically found on the largest stations, but they can also be purchased and installed separately if needed. The ability to easily move your salad station is especially useful during cleaning, and it is recommended to opt for a station with swivel casters if possible.

The KoolMore 71” Refrigerated Countertop, for example, is a portable and easy-to-clean option for a mid-sized restaurant. It can accommodate 1/3 food pans with a capacity of 6.1 quarts and smaller 1/6 pans. The body of this station is made of stainless steel, ensuring durability. While it is a good option in terms of size and ease of cleaning, it lacks after-sales service or a warranty.

The KITMA 73 Inches 3 Door Mega Top Prep Table is another good choice if you want to offer a wide range of ingredients without taking up too much floor space. It comes with 30 deep pans, perfect for holding all the ingredients your guests need to create their ideal salad. This station also offers efficient storage with three adjustable epoxy-coated shelves. While it is made of high-quality stainless steel and has many food pans and storage shelves, it is relatively expensive compared to similar stations.

The Maxx Cold X-Series Sandwich and Salad Prep Station is another option that comes with four 3" swivel casters (two with brakes), making it easy to move and manoeuvre. It has a capacity of 12 cubic feet and can accommodate full-size sheet pans. The unit is also easy to clean, with a durable stainless steel exterior and a powder-coated aluminium interior.

When choosing a salad station, it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements. The size of the station, the number of food pans, ease of cleaning, and the presence of swivel casters are all factors that will impact your decision.

Frequently asked questions