Introduction
Commercial gastronorm pans (GN pans) are the backbone of professional kitchens worldwide. Whether you're outfitting a hotel buffet, restaurant kitchen, or catering operation, choosing the right GN containers can significantly impact your food service efficiency and food safety compliance. This comprehensive buyer's guide covers everything from understanding gastronorm standards to finding reliable wholesale suppliers for bulk purchasing.
With over 20 years of experience manufacturing commercial kitchen equipment, Daosheng has supplied thousands of restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses with high-quality stainless steel GN pans that meet EN 631 European standards. This guide combines industry expertise with practical purchasing advice to help you make informed decisions.
Understanding Gastronorm (GN) Pan Sizes and Standards
What Are Gastronorm Pans?
Gastronorm pans, also known as hotel pans, steam table pans, or buffet pans, are standardized food containers designed for commercial kitchens. The gastronorm sizing system was developed in Switzerland and adopted as the EN 631 European standard, ensuring compatibility across different kitchen equipment including:
- Commercial ovens and combi ovens
- Blast chillers and freezers
- Bain marie and steam tables
- Buffet displays and chafing dishes
- Food transport trolleys and service carts
- Refrigerated prep stations
Standard GN Pan Sizes Chart
| GN Size | Dimensions(mm) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| GN 1/1 (Full Size) | 530 x 325 | Large batch cooking, buffet mains, roasting |
| GN 1/2 | 325 x 265 | Side dishes, salads, smaller portions |
| GN 1/3 | 325 x 176 | Appetizers, condiments, mise en place |
| GN 1/4 | 265 x 162 | Sauces, garnishes, small prep items |
| GN 1/6 | 176 x 162 | Condiments, toppings, prep stations |
| GN 1/9 | 176 x 108 | Individual portions, condiment bars |
| GN 2/1 | 650 x 530 | Extra-large capacity ovens, banquet catering |
The full-size gastronorm pan measures 530mm x 325mm (approximately 20.9" x 12.8"). All other sizes are fractional portions of this standard:
GN Pan Depth Options
Commercial gastronorm containers come in standardized depths ranging from 20mm to 200mm:
20mm - 40mm (shallow): Ideal for delicate items, pastries, and presentation
65mm - 100mm (medium): Most versatile for cooking, storing, and serving
150mm - 200mm (deep): Perfect for soups, stews, large volume storage
Daosheng manufactures GN pans in depths from 40mm to 200mm with material thickness options of 0.6mm, 0.7mm, and 0.8mm to suit different budget and durability requirements.
Why Gastronorm Standards Matter
Universal Compatibility: EN 631 standard gastronorm pans fit any GN-compatible equipment worldwide
Space Optimization: Standardized sizing maximizes refrigerator, oven, and storage space
Operational Efficiency: Mix and match different GN sizes in the same equipment
Food Safety Compliance: Consistent dimensions facilitate proper temperature control
Inventory Management: Easier to stock, replace, and purchase compatible lids and accessories
Both fall under the 304 stainless steel category, which is the industry standard for commercial food service equipment and food-grade containers.
Advantages:
Excellent corrosion resistance for commercial kitchen use
FDA and NSF food-safe certified
Good durability for daily professional use
More cost-effective for large bulk orders
Suitable for temperatures from -100°C to +400°C
Best For:
Fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels
Buffet and banquet operations where presentation matters
Environments with heavy use of acidic ingredients (tomatoes, citrus, vinegar)
Kitchens using aggressive sanitizing chemicals
Daosheng's Material Quality Standards
At Daosheng, our commercial gastronorm pans are manufactured from high-quality 18/10 stainless steel meeting international food-contact safety standards:
✓ Anti-rust and wear-resistant with polished mirror surface finish
✓ Non-toxic and odorless - safe for all food types
✓ Temperature resilient - suitable for blast chilling, cooking, and reheating
✓ Dishwasher safe - maintains integrity through thousands of wash cycles
✓ Deformation resistant - reinforced construction withstands heavy-duty use
Material Thickness Considerations
Beyond the steel grade, material thickness (gauge) significantly impacts durability:
| Thickness | Gauge | Applications | Daosheng Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.6 mm | 23 gauge | Light-duty, cold storage, temporary use | ✓ Available |
| 0.7 mm | 22 gauge | Standard duty, general food service | ✓ Available |
| 0.8 mm | 21 gauge | Heavy-duty, high-volume cooking | ✓ Available |
| 1.0 mm + | 19–20 gauge | Extra heavy-duty, industrial kitchens | Custom order |
Pro Tip: For commercial steam table pans and buffet applications, we recommend minimum 0.7mm thickness. For hotel pan cooking in combi ovens or blast chillers, 0.8mm provides optimal durability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What's the difference between GN pans and hotel pans?
A:They're the same product with different regional names. "Gastronorm" (GN) is used in Europe and internationally, while "hotel pans" or "steam table pans" are common terms in North America. All refer to standardized commercial food containers meeting EN 631 specifications.
Q2: What's the best GN pan depth for buffet service?
For buffet chafing dishes and steam tables, 65mm (2.5") depth is most popular as it provides adequate food capacity while maintaining proper heat distribution. Deeper pans (100mm) work better for soups and stews requiring longer holding times.
Q3: Are perforated GN pans available?
Yes, Daosheng manufactures perforated gastronorm pans ideal for steaming vegetables, draining pasta, or any application requiring liquid drainage. Perforation patterns and hole sizes can be customized for specific uses.
Q4: How long does a quality GN pan last in commercial use?
With proper care, professional-grade 0.8mm stainless steel GN pans from Daosheng typically last 3-5 years in high-volume commercial kitchens. Lifespan depends on frequency of use, food types (acidic foods accelerate wear), and handling practices.
Q5: Do you ship internationally?
Yes, Daosheng ships gastronorm pans globally via sea freight, air cargo, or express courier. We handle export documentation, customs clearance support, and work with reliable logistics partners.
