Steam Table Pans Sizing Guide
See our food and steam table pan sizing chart below:
Steam table pans, also known as hotel pans, counter pans, or service pans are often used in many different foodservice operations, from restaurants, to catering businesses, and everything in between. Steam table pans are made to fit into steam tables and food prep tables, but they are very versatile; they also can be used to keep batches of food warm in different foodservice settings.
Steam table food pans are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles to accommodate a wide range of industries and applications. Standard size steam table pans are used when manufacturers design steam tables and prep tables.
The following is a list that explains the various names and sizes of the most popular steam table food pans:
Full size pan:
Measures 12” x 20”. Full-size food pans are often used for cooking large batches and serving popular items, such as chicken fingers, burgers, or salad greens. While restaurants commonly use all sizes of pans, restaurants tend to opt for full-size steam table or hotel pans do to their large volume.
Two-thirds size pan (2/3):
Measures 12” x 13-1⁄3”. A two-thirds size pan will fill two thirds of a full-size cutout and leave room for a third-size pan or a combination of smaller pans.
Half size pan or Half size long pan (1/2) :
The traditional Half size pan measures 12” x 10” and the Half size long pan measures 6” x 20”. With both the traditional half size pan and the long half size pan, two half pans can fill the same space as one full-size pan. Half pans are commonly used for side dishes, or salad toppings.
Third size pan (1/3):
Measures 12” x 6-2⁄3”. Three third pans can fit in a full-size cutout. The one third size pan is a great choice for serving side dishes.
Quarter size pan (1/4):
Measures 6” x 10”. Four on these pans will fill the same space as a full-size pan and two can fill the same space as a half-size pan. Quarter pans are popular for holding sides.
Sixth size pan (1/6):
Measures 6” x 6-2⁄3”. Six 1/6 pans fill the same space as a full-size pan and three will fill the same space as a half-size pan. Sixth pans are commonly used for sandwich add-ons and toppings for frozen yogurt or ice-cream.
Ninth size pan (1/9):
Measures 4” x 6-2⁄3”. Ninth pans are the smallest of the available steam table pan sizes. They are ideal to hold small quantities of seasonings, spices, garnishes, and condiments.
The sizes explained above refer to the measurements of width and length, each of these steam table pans can be found in an array of depths to accommodate your prep tables and/or steam table and often are purchased primarily based on personal preference. You can pair your pans with variety of accessories such as lids and covers. Sizing variations may occur between manufacturers.
Gastronorm food pan sizing guide:
Full Size (GN 1/1):
Dimensions: 530mm x 325mm (20.87" x 12.80")
Capacity: Typically holds around 20 liters (5.28 gallons)
Half Size (GN 1/2):
Dimensions: 325mm x 265mm (12.80" x 10.43")
Capacity: Approximately half the capacity of a full-size pan
Third Size (GN 1/3):
Dimensions: 325mm x 176mm (12.80" x 6.93")
Capacity: Roughly one-third the capacity of a full-size pan
Quarter Size (GN 1/4):
Dimensions: 265mm x 162mm (10.43" x 6.38")
Capacity: About one-fourth the capacity of a full-size pan
Sixth Size (GN 1/6):
Dimensions: 176mm x 162mm (6.93" x 6.38")
Capacity: Approximately one-sixth the capacity of a full-size pan
Ninth Size (GN 1/9):
Dimensions: 108mm x 176mm (4.25" x 6.93")
Capacity: Roughly one-ninth the capacity of a full-size pan
These sizes are widely used in professional kitchens and foodservice operations. It's important to note that while the Gastronorm system provides standardized dimensions, the depth of the pans can vary. Common depths include 20mm (0.79"), 40mm (1.57"), 65mm (2.56"), and 100mm (3.94"), among others.
