What is a Gastronorm Pan?
A gastronorm, sometimes termed gastro-norm or GN, is a European standard size used in relations to pans and trays utilised in the catering and foodservice industry. They come in a range of sizes and depths to meet all demands, are available in a choice of materials depending on the intended use and can be arranged in a vast amount of configurations.
What is a GN pan used for?
Gastronorm pans are used for a great number of functions. From food prep, storage, cooking, blast chilling and display, gastronorms are a universally essential piece of equipment that is key to all aspects of commercial catering. The huge plethora of sizes and configurations make them one of the most versatile and flexible additions to a foodservice business.
What are gastronorm trays and pans made from?
Typically gastronorm pans are made from stainless steel however polycarbonate plastic options are also available.
Stainless steel is a widely used material in the professional catering industry as it gives the durability and strength to not only withstand regular, repeated use in tough, hard-wearing environments but the ability to be hygienically cleaned time and again to observe strict food safety standards. Some foods or liquids may react with other materials however stainless steel is universally renowned as a catering stalwart thanks to its ability to perform in any circumstance.
While stainless steel gastronorms can be used in any scenario, plastic gastronorms are primarily used for food preparation, food transport, display and storage purposes.
Corresponding gastronorm lids are also available to complete every sized GN tray.
Gastronorm pan sizes
All gastronorm pans are sized based on fractions, the standard base size being a 1/1 GN and all other variants being different compositions of this.
For example:
One 1/1 GN = Two 1/2 GN
and:
One 1/2 GN = Two 1/4 GN
Therefore using the same process:
Four 1/4 GN = One 1/1 GN
This can be further elaborated by saying that:
Two 1/4 GN + One 1/2 GN = 1/1 GN
Now factor in all the different GN pan sizes available and the potential combinations are massive.
Standard gastronorm sizes in the UK are:
| Gastronorm Size | Dimensions (mm) |
| 1/1 | 325 x 530 |
| 1/2 | 325 x 265 |
| 1/4 | 162 x 265 |
| 1/3 | 325 x 176 |
| 1/6 | 162 x 176 |
| 1/9 | 108 x 176 |
| 2/3 | 325 x 352 |
| 2/4 | 162 x 530 |
| 2/1 | 650 x 530 |
Depth is also a variable factor when choosing gastronorm trays, depicting the measurement from the base to the lip at the top of the pan.
Commercial refrigeration and catering equipment where gastronorm pan depth is a potential barrier to use will specify the maximum depth that can used in conjunction with the unit.
Gastronorm combinations and configurations
This example image clearly shows how different combinations of gastronorm pans can be combined to provide a great number of varying results.
What commercial refrigeration and catering equipment uses gastronorm pans?
Many pieces of commercial refrigeration especially those intended for use within professional kitchens are designed with gastronorm use in mind. These include many storage fridges, storage freezers, blast chillers and freezers, preparation counters and topping units.
Where GN pans are used in conjunction with cabinet refrigeration, quantities of food can be inserted, retrieved and dealt with as a whole rather than individually, perfect during busy food services where multiple covers are being prepared. This organisation during storage may also aid with stock rotation and ensuring that all foods are used within the stipulated time.
Gastronorms used for display including hot, cold and ambient buffet displays or in topping units deliver a convenient way for chefs to organise regularly used ingredients, keeping them close to hand to improve time management during food prep and service.
Commercial ovens, bain maries are also designed to be compatible with GN pans and trays allowing each significant stage of the preparation, cooking and storing process to be carried out seamlessly.
The nature of stainless steel gastronorm pans and plastic gastronorm containers means that food can be prepared into them, put into the oven, from there blast chilled and finally stored if required all without needing to transfer containers. This reduces food handling, allows larger quantities to be prepared, cooked, cooled and stored in one task without numerous toing and froing between equipment, reduces the amount of equipment that needs cleaning after use and also maximises time efficiency in busy kitchens.
All equipment that is gastronorm compatible will specify the gastronorm size that it accepts.
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