Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Right Gastronorm Pan
Selecting the correct gastronorm pan is essential for maximising efficiency in a commercial kitchen. This guide covers standard sizing, depth options and material choices, helping you select the right containers and lids for your ovens, fridges, prep stations and display units.
Understanding Gastronorm Sizes
Gastronorm is a standardised sizing system used across commercial catering equipment. Because ovens, refrigerators, prep counters, bain maries and hot holding units are designed around this system, choosing the correct size ensures you make full use of available space.
Using compatible sizes means:
• Maximum capacity efficiency • Interchangeable containers between appliances • Easier storage and organisation • Reduced wasted space
Standard Gastronorm Depths
Gastronorm pans are available in a range of depths to suit different uses:
• 10mm
• 20mm
• 40mm
• 65mm
• 100mm
• 150mm
• 200mm
Shallower pans are ideal for display and prep, while deeper pans are better suited to bulk storage or cooking larger quantities.
Standard Gastronorm Dimensions
Below are the most common size formats:
• 1/9 – 108 x 176mm
• 1/6 – 176 x 162mm
• 1/4 – 265 x 163mm
• 1/3 – 325 x 176mm
• 1/2 – 325 x 265mm
• 1/1 – 530 x 325mm (Full size)
• 2/1 – 650 x 530mm (Double size)
• 2/3 – 354 x 325mm
• 2/4 – 530 x 162mm
The 1/1 size is the full gastronorm reference size, with all other sizes proportioned to fit together within that footprint.
Choosing the Right Material
The material you choose will depend on how the pan is being used, the temperature range required and the type of food being prepared or displayed.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most common material for gastronorm pans due to its strength and versatility.
Benefits include:
• Excellent durability
• Good heat retention for hot foods
• Suitable for oven cooking
• Compatible with blast chilling
• Professional appearance for front of house or buffet service
Stainless steel pans are commonly used in bain maries, chafing dishes, heated display units, combi ovens and refrigeration.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate gastronorm pans are ideal for cold storage and food preparation.
They are:
• Lightweight
• Clear for easy product visibility
• Suitable for refrigerators and salad bars
• Resistant to impact
They are not suitable for high heat applications but are perfect for chilled food storage and display.
Ceramic
Ceramic gastronorm pans offer a more premium presentation, making them well suited to buffet service and display counters. They provide excellent heat retention and an attractive finish for front of house use.
Silicone
Silicone gastronorm pans, often referred to as “flexipan” style trays, are highly versatile.
They can be used for:
• Cooking
• Chilling
• Freezing
• Oven use
• Microwave use
• Serving
Their flexibility makes removal of delicate items easier and reduces product waste.
Final Considerations
When choosing your gastronorm pans, consider:
• The appliance they will be used in
• Required depth and capacity
• Temperature range
• Whether they will be used for cooking, storage or display
• Lid compatibility
If you are unsure which size or material is right for your kitchen, our team is happy to help.
Call us on 01885 498350 for advice or assistance.
Shop Gastronorm Pans HERE
