If you've ever had the luxury of working in a busy kitchen specifically in catering you'll understand the spectacle of odd containers, runaway trays, and that one moment when you find yourself desperate because the roast potatoes are sliding into the gravy because there isn't the right divider. Sounds familiar? That's exactly where the gastronorm pan saves the day.
As a person who's seen firsthand how proper equipment can break or make service, I can firmly say: investing in the correct sizes of gastronorm trays can transform your kitchen from disorganized to streamlined.
Let's break down how these boring little vessels have a huge impact on optimizing workflow, reducing stress, and enhancing consistency within any professional kitchen.
What Are Gastronorm Pans (And Why Should You Care)?
Professional kitchens use gastronorm pans, also called gastro trays or GN pans, which are industry-standard containers. They follow the EN 631 size system, which is a European standard. The idea is simple but brilliant: all pans fit perfectly into professional appliances like prep counters, bains-maries, ovens, refrigerators, and chafing dishes.
Wh is that important? Because it means more multitasking, less juggling, and fewer "oh no, it doesn't fit!" moments during busy times.
Gastronorms provide consistency that keeps everything operating smoothly, whether you're storing, preparing, cooking, or serving.
A Quick Guide to Gastronorm Sizes (And How They Work Together)
Because gastronorm sizes are modular, you can combine smaller pans to make the same amount of space as a larger one. Imagine Tetris with curry instead.
This is a cheat sheet:
- Full size GN 1/1 (530 x 325 mm)
- GN 1/2: Half size (325 x 265 mm)
- GN 1/3: One-third size (325 x 176 mm)
- GN 1/4: Quarter size (265 x 162 mm)
- One-sixth size, GN 1/6 (176 x 162 mm)
- GN 1/9: One-ninth size (108 x 176 mm)
- Double-sized GN 2/1 (650 x 530 mm)
- GN 2/3: Two-thirds size (354 x 325 mm)
- GN 2/4: Two-quarters size (530 x 162 mm)
Suppose that a full-size GN 1/1 tray is compatible with your hot holding unit. Another option is to use two GN 1/2 pans next to each other, or even three GN 1/3 pans with room for sauces in GN 1/9. That kind of flexibility is what makes gastronorm tray sets a must-have.
Depth Is Important Too
Depth is important; it's not just about length and width. You may select from the following options, depending on your menu and portioning:
- 20 mm (excellent for garnishes)
- 40 mm (shallow objects and pastries)
- 65 mm (standard)
- (most mains) 100 mm
- 150 mm and 200 mm (for storage or bulk preparation)
By choosing the proper depth, you can avoid serving soup on a lasagna tray and save space!
Stainless Steel vs Plastic Gastronorms: Which Is Right for You?
Gastronorms come in a few different materials. Choosing the right one depends on how and where you use them.
1. Stainless Steel Gastronorm Trays
These are the standard for the majority of kitchens because they are durable, adaptable, and presentable. Stainless steel is easy to clean (yes, gastronorm washing can be simple with the correct equipment), doesn't rust, and retains heat well. It works well in bain-maries, ovens, and even freezers.
Searching for trustworthy choices? Discover the high-performance and long-lasting stainless steel gastronorm pans from Catering Base.
2. Gastronorm Trays Made of Plastic
These are perfect for self-service salad bars, prep counters, and cold storage because they are lightweight and frequently transparent. Typically composed of polycarbonate or polypropylene, plastic gastronorm trays work well for cold food but should not be placed in the oven.
3. Metal Gastro Trays & Gastro Tins
Metal gastro trays or gastro tins are your best friends if you're working with high temperatures and require even heat distribution (such as roasting). They are sturdy and designed to survive intense cooking sessions.
Everyday Use Cases for Gastronorm Containers
Here are just a few ways gastronorm containers can work their magic:
-
Buffet Service: To keep food hot and well-organised, use chafing dish heaters in conjunction with catering-style stainless steel trays.
-
Cold Displays: Dessert coolers, salad bars, and deli counters all benefit greatly from the use of plastic gastronorm trays.
-
Storage & Prep: Sort ingredients by type or quantity using varying sizes. No more chicken-onion crossovers!
-
Cooking: Use corresponding lids for transportation or hot holding after roasting meats in metal gastro trays.
-
Baking: Yes, you can bake in a lot of the stainless steel trays that chefs use on a daily basis, particularly for gratins, lasagna, and moussaka.
Cleaning & Maintenance: The Forgotten Hero of Kitchen Efficiency
Cleaning is just as important as cooking in a well-organised kitchen.
- Gastronorms made of stainless steel: soak in hot water with a mild detergent. For more difficult parts, use a non-abrasive pad. Suitable for the dishwasher? Of course.
- Plastic Gastronorm Trays: Rinse right away to prevent discolouration. To prolong dishwasher life, stay away from high heat.
- Always completely dry to avoid bacterial growth or water stains.
Expert advice: Indicate the size and purpose of each tray. Inventory and Monday mornings will be much simpler as a result.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let's avoid some common mistakes:
- Incompatible size mixing: Have you ever attempted to fit a GN 1/3 into a 1/2 slot? Not working. Make use of a size chart.
- Overfilling deep trays: The GN 1/1 x 200 mm can hold a lot, but when full, it's a beast to carry.
- Using plastic in ovens: It seems obvious, but it still happens. Stick to stainless steel gastronorm trays for baking or roasting.
- No lids = spills: I promise you that if you're shipping food, you should buy coordinating lids or covers.
Why Catering Base Should Be Your Go-To
Are you looking to add reliable, high-quality GN trays to your kitchen? Professionals throughout the UK rely on Catering Base's carefully chosen assortment of gastronorm pans, stainless steel trays, and gastronorm containers.
They have everything you need, including complete gastronorm tray sets for a banquet hall and sensible gastronorm trays that work with combi ovens. They also offer quick delivery and excellent customer service.
Final Thoughts: Streamline, Simplify, Succeed
Although chaos is inevitable in a kitchen, it can be avoided with the correct equipment. Fitting trays into slots is only one aspect of selecting the appropriate gastronorm pan sizes, materials, and configurations. The goal is to create systems that support you rather than hinder you.
Let the modest GN tray set the standard, regardless of your level of experience in catering or your first service queue. I promise that your team and future self will appreciate it.
Need help choosing the right gastronorms?
Explore our handpicked range of gastronorm pans and trays at Catering Base and streamline your kitchen today!