How Much Beef Can Fill a Full Pan

Food Pan Sizes

Full size food pans are the standard in the foodservice industry, measuring approximately 20 3/4" x 12 3/4". All other sizes of food pans are simply a variation on those dimensions. For example, a 1/2 size pan measures 12 3/4" x 10 3/8" and a 2/3 size pan measures 13 3/4" x 12 3/4". Continue reading for a more comprehensive breakdown of sizes and capacities.

Gastronorm Pan Sizing

Similar to the non-metric sizing that is largely used by the United States, gastronorm sizing was invented to provide an industry standard for pans and other kitchen equipment. The term, also known as gastronomical-normal, originated in Switzerland and is now widely used across most European countries. The main intention of the sizes was to promote flexibility in every kitchen and allow individual containers to be used with or transferred to a variety of appliances. Gastronorm sizes are comparable to American sizes and can generally be interchanged. Here's a list of the standard gastronorm (GN) sizes:

Food Pan Depths and Capacities

Depths

Food pans come in a variety of depths and are often purchased primarily based on personal preference.

Capacities

Across the industry, food pans feature similar capacities based on size and depth. Here's a chart that describes the approximate volume sizing for food pans.

Pan sizes, depths, capacities, and total number of 4 oz. portions are approximate. Variations may occur between manufacturers. Please consider this when ordering.

Food Pan Layouts

Check out this layout guide for examples of how to mix-n-match your food pans:

Pan Size	Gastronorm Size	Pan Length	Pan Width	Pan Depth	Pan Capacity (Quarts)	Total 4 oz. Portions
Full Size	GN 1/1	20 3/4"	12 3/4"	2 1/2" 4" 6" 8"	9 qt. 15 qt. 22 qt. 31.5 qt.	72 120 176 252
2/3 Size	GN 2/3	13 3/4"	12 3/4"	2 1/2" 4" 6"	6 qt. 10 qt. 14.25 qt.	48 80 114
1/2 Size	GN 1/2	12 3/4"	10 3/8"	2 1/2" 4" 6" 8"	4 qt. 7 qt. 10 qt. 15 qt.	32 56 80 120
1/2 Size Long	GN 2/4	20 3/4"	6 7/16"	2 1/2" 4" 6" 8"	4 qt. 7 qt. 10 qt. 15 qt.	32 56 80 120
1/3 Size	GN 1/3	12 3/4"	6 7/8"	2 1/2" 4" 6"	2.63 qt. 4.5 qt. 6.5 qt.	21 36 52
1/4 Size	GN 1/4	10 3/8"	6 3/8"	2 1/2" 4" 6"	1.63 qt. 3 qt. 4.75 qt.	13 24 38
1/6 Size	GN 1/6	6 7/8"	6 1/4"	2 1/2" 4" 6"	1.25 qt. 2 qt. 3 qt.	10 16 24
1/8 Size	N/A	6 5/16"	5 3/16"	2 1/2" 4" 6"	.7 qt. 1.1 qt. 1.5 qt.	5.6 8.8 12
1/9 Size	GN 1/9	6 3/4"	4 1/4"	2 1/2" 4"	.63 qt. 1.25 qt.	5 10

Materials

Food pans come in a variety of materials - the most popular are stainless steel and plastic. Many operators find that a combined stock of stainless steel and plastic pans allows them to separate equipment inventories for each station, and lets employees organize production according to hot or cold temperature needs.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel food pans offer the ability to go from freezer to oven to steam or refrigerated tables, making them ideal for operations as varied as fine dining restaurants or central kitchens employing cook-chill systems. Since stainless steel is a hard metal, it resists scratches and dents from metal utensils and is relatively easy to clean.

Stainless Steel Gauges

Gauges indicate pans' heft, and while 22-gauge is a standard weight for hotel pans in the foodservice industry, lighter and heavier weights are available. The lower the gauge, the thicker the steel, so lower-gauge pans are often a good choice for busier kitchens, while operators with less volume may prefer more economical high-gauge pans. While thicker metal is often preferable because of its durability, there are always pros and cons to account for.

Download Conversion Chart

Pros and cons of thicker metal	Pros and cons of thinner metal
Sturdier Provides more even heating Longer lasting More resistant against denting and warping More expensive Takes longer to heat up	Less expensive Lighter weight Damages more easily Doesn't heat contents as easily

Optional Features Available on Some Pans

Like we mentioned earlier, not all pans are created equal. Slight variations are available from one pan to the next in order to more precisely meet the unique needs of the growing foodservice market. Here are the most common variations available:

Anti-Jam

Save crucial storage space by stacking pans; with the anti-jam stacking lug feature, it prevents pans from sticking together when stored. This allows you to optimize space and eliminate wasted time trying to get pans unstuck.

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Corner Style

Corner designs vary across hotel pans. The more bends in your stainless steel hotel pan the more durable your pan becomes. We offer an indented reinforced corner design for extra durability, in addition to an easy pour corner design. The easy pour corner design provides the same durability, with the added feature of being able to easily pour out unwanted liquids.

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Non-Stick Surfaces

Pans that feature this surface have the the finest available triple bond layer of SteelCoating and a black interior. The non-stick interior make food easy to cook, serve, and display in the same pan.

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Perforated

Perforated food pans are great for drainage and preventing your food from becoming soggy.

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Decorative Features

These food pans will keep your food hot while maintaining a sophisticated presentation in your establishment.

Stainless Steel Food Pan Brands

Choice

Choice delivers budget-conscious 24 gauge 18/8 stainless steel food pans in your commercial establishment that still offer excellent quality. These pans have anti-jam stacking lugs to ensure the pans don't stick together in storage.

Vigor

Vigor offers durable 22 gauge, 300 series USA-made stainless steel food pans, designed to resist dents and dings in the busiest of kitchens. These pans are anti-jam and feature flattened edges to help prevent steam from escaping the pan well, making these pans energy and cost efficient.

Vollrath

Vollrath offers a variety of hotel pans ranging between 22 gauge and 20 gauge, 300 series USA-made stainless steel for extra strength. These food pans provide superior performance and a cost-saving design, making them perfect for high-volume foodservice establishments. See below for the different product lines they offer.

• Super Pan V®: This line features 22 gauge pans with easy pour corners that are up to 300% stronger than your traditional pan, as well as flattened edges that are 38% more high-heat efficient and are anti-jam. This line of pans also comes with Jacob's Pride lifetime warranty.

• Super Pan 3®: This line features 22 gauge pans that are EN631-compliant Gastronorm pans and designed for worldwide use. These pans feature anti-jam lugs, unique ramped sides, and reinforced pour corners for durability and ease of use.

• Super Pan: This line features the original 20 gauge Super Pan II pans, as well as 22 gauge super pans with handles!

• Super Pan Shapes: This line features 22 gauge pans that are ideal for use in creating upscale looks in chafers, buffet lines, and display cases.

• Super Pan Transport: This line features heavy duty 20 gauge pans that have a stepped shoulder design with matching covers that create a tight seal to prevent seepage during transport.

Plastic

Translucent Polypropylene Food Pans

Translucent (polypropylene) food pans offer an economical option for cold food storage, while providing a BPA free food contact surface. They feature a high chemical resistance and can withstand temperatures from -40 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Regular Temperature (Polycarbonate) Food Pans

Regular temperature (polycarbonate) food pans offer a shatter-proof option that resists food acids and oils to maintain a crystal clarity. They can withstand temperatures from -40 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit and are designed primarily for cold foods. These pans come in a variety of colors, ranging from clear to black.

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Cold Pans

Cold pans are designed to keep contents chilled at or below HACCP guidelines at 41 degrees Fahrenheit, without the use of messy ice. Simply freeze each durable, ABS plastic pan for eight hours (or overnight) before filling with your pre-chilled products. The eutectic fluid inside the pan will freeze, and therefore keep the contents cold for up to eight hours.

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High Temperature (High Temp Polysulfone) Food Pans

High temperature (high temp polysulfone) food pans offer the same great resistance to food acids and oils as standard shatter-proof polycarbonate food pans, but give you the added versatility to go from the refrigerator or freezer to the microwave or steam table, with no need to swap pans. They can withstand temperatures from -40 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and feature an easily identifiable amber coloring. These pans come in amber and black.

Melamine Food Pans

Melamine food pans offer an upscale, attractive alternative to stainless steel food pans and can be used in wet heat applications like chafers, just like stainless steel pans. They can stand up to heavy use and are a durable, practical, and inexpensive addition to any presentation.

China Food Pans

China food pans offer an upscale, sophisticated appearance, without sacrificing their superior heat and cold retention. These pans are specifically designed to distribute heat uniformly and help prevent scorching during use and often feature bold glazes that bond to the china body to prevent chipping, crazing, or cracking.

Cast Aluminum Food Pans

Cast aluminum food pans bring you all the same benefits that other cast aluminum pans and products do. Cast aluminum is a great conductor of heat and cold and retains its temperature better than many other materials. It also features a stronger construction than melamine, while still providing a unique visual aesthetic to your buffet presentation. With an array of colors and sizes, you'll be able to find the right pans for your operation.

Lids

Lids are essential for storing and transporting your food pans, while also keeping your food hot and safe from contaminants! Below you will find lids compatible for both stainless steel and plastic food pans.

	Covers	Stainless Steel	Plastic
	Dome Covers These covers offer an elegant presentation for front-of-the-house buffet and chafer service with their sophisticated, domed design.	Shop	No
	Flexible Plastic Covers Thanks to their flexible design, these covers snap on and off to keep contaminants out of your food during storage. Additionally, they feature a strong seal to prevent spillage during transport.	Shop	No
	Flip Top Lids Flip top lids flip upward to allow easy access to contents without removing the lid.	No	Shop
	GripLids With their virtually unbreakable polycarbonate design, each GripLid features a molded-in polyurethane gasket that provides superior grip to pan. These lids are perfect for covering food pans in any commercial kitchen where spills and cross-contamination pose a hazard.	No	Shop
	Handled Covers The easy-to-grasp handle on these covers makes lifting lids off of pans fast and efficient for easy access.	Shop	Shop
	Hinged Covers & Roll Top Covers Because these lids remain attached to your pans at all times during service, they help maintain food temperatures, while still providing easy access to food.	Shop	No
	Slotted Covers & Notched Covers With a convenient slotted design, these covers allow for sanitary storage of serving utensils inside food pan while the lid is on.	Shop	Shop
	Soft Food Pan Covers Soft pan covers keep food fresh and maintain superior leak resistance. They are perfect for transporting food to off-site locations, and can be used in temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.	No	Shop

	Adapter Bars When placed between pans of either the same size, or varying sizes, adapter bars help eliminate gaps to prevent steam loss and reduce energy consumption.
	Adapter Plates Similar to adapter bars, adapter plates also help eliminate gaps to prevent steam loss and reduce energy consumption. Additionally, thanks to their sleek appearance, adapter plates enhance the food presentation.
	False Bottoms and Drain Trays Stainless steel steam table pan false bottoms and plastic drain trays allow liquids to drain to maintain optimum freshness.
	Perforated Stainless Steel Steam Table Food Pans and Plastic Colander Pans Perforated stainless steel steam table food pans and plastic colander pans easily slip into food pans to drain liquids and grease away from hot foods, improving food quality. You can also use them in steamers to crisp fresh foods. Simply lift these out of the food pan for safe and quick disposal of liquids as needed.
	Disposable Pan Liners Disposable pan liners come in several sizes and can be especially useful for kitchens that need to reuse pans quickly.

Certifications to Look For

NSF Listed

In the food service industry, NSF International's primary function is to create sanitation safety standards for testing products. NSF also uses these testing standards to approve anything from large restaurant equipment to small manual prep tools for safe use in food service operations. In most instances, restaurants will be required to have NSF Listed equipment and supplies to pass health inspections.

We add an NSF Listed certification for every product that meets these industry standards. Look for this symbol when you shop!

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Jacob's Pride

Jacob's Pride is a certification used for select Vollrath items, signifying that it is covered by a lifetime warranty.

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Source: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/guide/556/food-pan-buying-guide.html

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