Weekender Bag: Full-Size Steam Pan Carrier

A full-size steam pan is a vital piece of equipment in the food service industry, used for cooking large batches of food and serving popular items such as fried chicken, burgers, and salads. Measuring approximately 12 inches by 20 inches, full-size steam pans are a standard in the foodservice industry and are used by restaurants and caterers as part of their prep and serving lines.

When it comes to the Weekender, a popular choice for those who need durability and want to avoid food staining, it is made of polypropylene plastic. With its sturdy construction, the Weekender can likely accommodate a full-size steam pan. However, it's important to note that the exact dimensions of the Weekender are not publicly available, so it's challenging to provide a definitive answer.

Full-size food pans are standard in the foodservice industry

Full-size food pans are available in a range of depths, from 1 inch to 8 inches, and in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, polycarbonate plastic, melamine, polypropylene plastic, and cast aluminum. Stainless steel is a popular choice due to its durability and ability to withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion. The gauge of the stainless steel indicates the pan's heft, with lower gauges indicating thicker and heavier steel that is more resistant to denting and warping but may be more expensive and take longer to heat up. Higher gauges indicate thinner and lighter steel that is more cost-effective and heats up quicker but may be more prone to damage.

Full-size food pans are also available with different features, such as perforations for steaming or draining liquids, non-stick coatings for delicate foods, and decorative designs for enhanced food presentation. Lids are another important accessory, with options including solid lids, slotted lids, flexible lids, and domed lids, each serving a specific purpose in food storage, transportation, and serving.

The versatility and durability of full-size food pans make them a staple in the foodservice industry, and their standard size and compatibility with equipment make them a popular choice for commercial kitchens.

Food pans are versatile and efficient

One of the key advantages of food pans is their ability to withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion. This makes them suitable for use in ovens, steam tables, and cold storage. Their stackable design and compatible lids make them easy to organise and maximise space efficiency. Whether storing ingredients, prepping food, or presenting dishes, food pans are a must-have for any foodservice establishment.

The standard food pan size is approximately 12 inches by 20 inches, often referred to as a full-size pan. This size is commonly used for cooking large batches and serving popular items. However, food pans also come in various other sizes, such as two-thirds, half, third, quarter, sixth, and ninth pans, which can be combined in different configurations to separate foods.

In addition to size, food pan depth is an important consideration. Common depths include 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches, with variations available in smaller increments. The choice of depth depends on the number of servings required and the specific application.

Food pans are typically made from stainless steel, which offers durability and even heating. They can also be made from other materials such as polycarbonate plastic, melamine, polypropylene plastic, and cast aluminium, each offering unique features and benefits. For example, plastic food pans are available in different models, such as regular, cold, and high-heat, to accommodate different temperature requirements.

Food pans also come with various accessories, such as lids, adaptor bars, false bottoms, disposable pan liners, and steam table pan templates, to enhance their functionality and versatility.

Overall, food pans are a versatile and efficient tool in any kitchen, offering a range of sizes, materials, and accessories to suit different cooking and storage needs.

Steam table pan sizes and capacities

Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, counter pans, or service pans, are used in restaurants, catering businesses, and various other foodservice operations. They are designed to fit into steam tables and food prep tables, but they are also versatile and can be used to keep food warm in different settings.

Steam table pans are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles. The standard full-size food pan measures approximately 12 inches by 20 inches and is often used for cooking large batches and serving popular items, especially entrées such as fried chicken, burgers, and salad greens. This size is the standard in the foodservice industry, and all other pan sizes are simply variations of these dimensions. For example, a half-size pan measures 12 inches by 10 inches, so two half pans can fill the same space as one full-size pan.

The two-thirds size pan measures 12 inches by 13-1/3 inches and will fill two-thirds of a full-size cutout, leaving room for a third-size pan or a combination of smaller pans. The third-size pan measures 12 inches by 6-2/3 inches, and three of these pans can fit into a full-size cutout. The quarter-size pan measures 6 inches by 10 inches, and four of these pans can fill the same space as a full-size pan. The sixth-size pan measures 6 inches by 6-2/3 inches, and it takes six to fill the space of a full-size pan. The ninth-size pan measures 4 inches by 6-2/3 inches and is the smallest of the available steam table pan sizes.

In addition to the width and length dimensions, steam table pans also vary in depth. Common depths include 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, and 8 inches, but they are also available in 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch increments. The capacity of a steam table pan depends primarily on its depth, with deeper pans holding more food.

Steam table pans are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum and can be purchased with various features such as lids, anti-jamming capabilities, and perforations for draining liquids.

Food pan materials

Food pans are available in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview of some common food pan materials:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a common choice for food pans due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures. It is often used in commercial kitchens as it can go directly from the freezer to the oven or steam table. Stainless steel food pans are easy to clean and resistant to scratches and dents. They come in different gauges, with lower gauges indicating thicker steel and higher durability, while higher gauges are more economical and lightweight. Stainless steel pans are not good conductors of heat and require more elbow grease to clean.

Plastic

Plastic food pans are available in regular, cold, and high-heat models. They are often clear or coloured, making it easy to identify their contents. Plastic food pans are lightweight and economical. Polypropylene food pans offer high chemical resistance and can withstand temperatures from -40 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Polycarbonate food pans are shatter-proof and resistant to food acids and oils, with a temperature range of -40 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. High-heat food pans can handle temperatures from -40 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and are usually amber-coloured for easy identification. Cold food pans can safely hold food below 41 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 8 hours.

Display Food Pans

While stainless steel and plastic are the most common materials, other materials are used for aesthetic purposes. Melamine food pans offer an attractive alternative to stainless steel and can be used in wet heat applications. Cast aluminum food pans are excellent conductors of heat and retain their temperature well, while also offering a unique visual aesthetic. China food pans provide an upscale appearance without sacrificing heat and cold retention. They distribute heat uniformly and help prevent scorching.

Other Materials

Other materials used for food pans include copper, aluminum, carbon steel, cast iron, ceramic, and nonstick coatings. Copper is an excellent heat conductor and is highly responsive, making it a favourite among professional chefs. However, it requires a non-reactive lining to prevent reactions with food. Aluminum is the second-best heat conductor and is lightweight and responsive, but it can react with acidic foods. Carbon steel is durable and versatile but requires proper seasoning to prevent rust. Cast iron retains and distributes heat evenly and is extremely durable, but it is heavy and takes longer to heat up. Ceramic cookware offers non-stick properties and is made from clay and glazed at high temperatures. Nonstick coatings, such as Teflon or PTFE, provide easy cleanup but may contain potentially harmful chemicals and need to be replaced frequently.

Food pan covers

Materials

Food pan lids are commonly made from polycarbonate plastic, melamine, polypropylene plastic (BPA-free), and cast aluminium. Plastic lids can be used for both hot and cold foods, depending on their design. Polypropylene lids, for example, can withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for hot and cold food storage. High-heat food pan lids are typically amber-coloured for easy identification and can withstand temperatures up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Styles and Features

Food pan lids come in various styles, each serving a specific purpose:

• Flip-top lids allow easy access to the contents of the pan without removing the lid entirely.
• Seal cover lids are flexible and provide a tight seal for safe and secure transport.
• Slotted lids have notches that allow spoons to remain inside the pan at all times.
• Solid lids come with or without handles and completely cover the pan.
• Hinged lids have a hinge in the middle, allowing food to be served without completely removing the cover.
• Cook-chill lids have a snug fit that facilitates rapid and uniform chilling and rethermalization.
• Dome lids provide extra space for stacking food high within the pan.
• Roll-top lids allow easy access to food without removing the cover.
• Transport lids offer a secure seal to prevent spills during transport.
• Steam table pan bands keep lids, polyfilm, and aluminium foil secure.

Standard Sizes

Food pan lids come in standard sizes to fit the corresponding food pans. The most common sizes include full-size, half-size, third-size, quarter-size, and sixth-size. These lids are designed to fit snugly on their respective food pans, ensuring safe and efficient food storage, transportation, and serving.

Frequently asked questions