Gastronorm Pan Sizes Explained: A Complete Guide to GN Pans

What Is a Gastronorm Pan?

A gastronorm pan, or GN pan for short, is a standardised type of container used to prepare, store, cook and display food in the catering and food service industry. What makes them different from any other container is their unique, universal measuring system, so any GN pan is compatible with equipment anywhere in the world.

Types of Gastronorm Pans

There are three main types of GN pans. Each material is designed with a different job in mind, including:

• Stainless steel GN pans for cooking and holding hot foods.
• Polycarbonate and polypropylene GN pans most commonly used to store food.
• Melamine and porcelain GN pans to display food.

Each pan has a temperature rating that’ll tell you if they’re made for hot or cold foods in mind.

How the GN Sizing System Works

Gastronorm pan sizes start with a GN 1/1, known as a full-size pan. It measures at 530mm long by 325mm wide.

The fraction describes how much bench or equipment space the pan takes up compared to GN 1/1. For example, two GN ½ pans can fit into the same opening as one GN 1/1 pan. Or, you could fill the same space with three GN ⅓ pans or six GN ⅙ pans.

However, the fraction only covers the pan’s footprint. They can have different depths and capacities to hold different amounts. There are also larger pans, like a larger GN 2/1 pan, which measures at 650mm by 530mm, covering twice the amount of space as a GN 1/1. Usually, they’re found in larger commercial kitchens.

Understanding GN Pan Depths Explained

Once you know the footprint you need, you can choose the depth, although not every pan is available in every depth. The most common GN pan depths are:

• 20mm
• 40mm
• 65mm
• 100mm
• 150mm
• 200mm

Shallow GN pans

Pan sizes between 20mm and 40mm deep are quite shallow, handy for holding smaller quantities, garnishes or spreading ingredients in a thin layer. You’ll also see them commonly used to display food to customers, or to keep foods better exposed under a heat lamp.

Mid-depth GN pans

A pan with a 65mm to 100mm depth is what you’d choose for everyday prep and service jobs. They give you useful capacity without making food at the bottom hard to reach. Prep counters and bain maries usually use these GN pan sizes.

Deep GN pans

150mm to 200mm deep pans are made for larger quantities, like for bulk soup, sauces or ingredient storage. As the depth can affect how food holds during service, any food in a deep pan should be stirred regularly to evenly distribute heat.

Common GN Pan Sizes and Their Uses

Let’s break down what gastronorm pans are used for the most based on their size:

Choosing the Right GN Pans for Your Kitchen

To choose the right GN pan sizes, start with the equipment the pans need to fit, then work backwards from how they’ll be used. Also consider:

• If your bain marie, fridge or food display is GN-compatible
• Which GN sizes and maximum depths fit each appliance
• The material for the temperature and task
• If it’s helpful to mix pan sizes
• Ordering matching lids, drain shelves and other accessories at the same time
• Keeping spare pans ready for quick changeovers during rushes

Remember, not every pan will work just because the footprint fits. A display pan may not work for cooking, while deep pans may not give food enough space or airflow. Always check both the pan and appliance specifics before ordering.

Shop Gastronorm Food Pans at AGC Equipment

Now you know what a gastronorm pan is and how they work, you can order with confidence. Browse AGC Equipment’s range of gastronorm food pans to find the right sizes, depths and material for your kitchen.