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Gastronorm Covers & Lids | Polycarbonate GN Tray Covers UK: Catering Base

Ever caught yourself rummaging through the fridge during peak hour, opening random lids just to see what they contain? Or worse, finding out that your storage tray does not even fit the shelf it is on? These simple kitchen frustrations set you back, waste time, and damage your productivity.

That's precisely why gastronorm trays and containers were made.

At Catering Base, we provide a hand-picked selection of clear polycarbonate gastronorm containers and lids that are built tough and designed to streamline kitchen life. They're stackable, regulation-sized, and ready for the heat (or cold) in any commercial kitchen. Whether you're prepping meals, stocking the walk-in, or getting a salad station set up, these containers will keep things easy, clean, and efficient.

Let's dissect why they are important, how to choose the correct one, and which ones will best fit your kitchen.

What Are Gastronorm Trays and Why Are They Important?

Let's begin with an introduction. A gastronorm tray is a vessel that adheres to an industry standard size system applied in commercial kitchens worldwide. Such a system makes it easier for chefs and members of the kitchen staff to remain organised, particularly during service.

Rather than use arbitrary containers that don't interlock, gastronorm containers allow you to stack, store, prep, and serve neatly and in a standard way. They nest perfectly into fridges, prep areas, food warmers, and bain maries.

And yes, that means various materials such as stainless steel gastronorm pans, polycarbonate trays, and polypropylene lids. The great thing? Regardless of which one you use, they all share the same size system, so they're compatible.

Why Use Polycarbonate Gastronorm Containers?

There's a reason polycarbonate is a favorite among hectic kitchens. Such containers are constructed out of durable, shatterproof plastic that withstands cold and warm conditions equally well.

Here's why polycarbonate gastronorm trays are an intelligent choice:

  • Crystal clear so you can view contents without having to open
  • Almost unbreakable, even if dropped
  • Lightweight but remain extremely durable
  • Dishwasher safe and simple to clean
  • Stain and odour resistant

They're perfect for cold storage, salad bars, prepped ingredients, or grab-and-go stations.

Want a full-size container?

✅ Take a look at the Vogue U227 Polycarbonate 1/1 Gastronorm Container 200mm . Great for bulk food storage and fits conveniently into standard GN slots.

Require a chic lid for a quarter-size tray?

✅ Have a look at the Thunder Group PLPA7140CBK Black Polycarbonate GN 1/4 Container Cover sleek, professional, and food-protecting.

Let's Talk About Gastronorm Sizes

Now here's the slightly technical bit but in a good way.

Gastronorm sizes have a uniform format. The most widely used is GN 1/1, which is the standard size. Then you can order half-size (GN 1/2), one-third (GN 1/3), one-quarter (GN 1/4), and so on. Each size is arranged to fit in the place of one GN 1/1 tray like pieces of a puzzle.

Here’s a quick reference:

Gastronorm Size 

Approx Dimensions (mm)

Common Use

1/1

530 x 325

Bulk storage, main dishes

1/2

325 x 265

Side dishes, prep items

1/3

325 x176

Sauces, toppings

1/4

265 x 162

Small portions, salad bars

1/6

176 x 162

Garnishes, chopped veg

1/9

108 x 176

Small bits like olives or herbs

 

Need a corresponding lid?

✅ Take the Vogue U244 1/1 Gastronorm Lid Clear for your standard-sized containers. Closes securely and maintains freshness.

✅ For a smaller size, use the Vogue U248 1/6 Gastronorm Lid Clear — perfect for sauces or dips.

Top-Selling Polycarbonate Gastronorm Trays and Lids

We have selected a few of our bestsellers that our customers adore:

Deep and spacious. Perfect for storing lots of pre-prepared food.

A secure-fitting lid for small containers. Stops spills and maintains contents fresh.

Strength and transparency. Allows you to store, stack, and identify what's inside quickly.

A hardy alternative to polycarbonate. A bit more flexible and just as reliable.

Perfect for front-of-house or food display areas. Durable and fashionable.

These containers and lids are built to take the everyday wear and tear of commercial use. And sure, they're compatible with other GN-standard pans and trays too.

Material

Best For

Pros

Cons

Polycarbonate

Cold storage, salad bars

Clear, durable, lightweight

Not for oven use

Stainless Steel

Hot food, oven use

Heat-safe, durable, stackable

Heavier, opaque

Polypropylene

Cold or ambient storage

Budget-friendly, light

Not always transparent

 

Polycarbonate finds the ideal middle ground between visibility and durability. That's the reason why most chefs choose to use it for prepping, storing, and serving cold or ready-to-eat foods.

✅ If you're also interested in stainless steel alternatives, visit our Stainless Steel Gastronorm trays Collection

Why Buy Gastronorm Trays from Catering Base?

We're not merely another webshop. At Catering Base, we pay attention to the particular demands of UK food experts. That includes carefully selecting our goods and only offering kitchen gear that's designed to withstand the pressure.

Here's what you can expect:

  • Reliable brands such as Vogue, Thunder Group, and Chefset
  • Complete compatibility with commercial kitchen equipment
  • High-quality materials rigorously tested for practical kitchens
  • Competitive prices with fast UK delivery
  • Professional advice if you're not sure what size to choose
  • No ambiguity. No compromise. Just good, straight-talking catering equipment that does the job.

Ready to Streamline Your Kitchen Storage?

Starting from scratch or renewing your equipment? Our collection of polycarbonate gastronorm containers, lids, and trays is here to assist.

From complete GN 1/1 containers to minute GN 1/6 lids, everything is designed to fit together perfectly and make life easier.

✅ Buy now and maintain your kitchen organized, clean, and prepared for whatever is ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a gastronorm container?

It's for food storage, preparation, or service in commercial kitchens. Gastronorm containers are designed around a standardized system so they are compatible with fridges, warmers, prep stations, etc.

What is 1/1 gastronorm size?

The standard full tray size is GN 1/1. It's about 530mm x 325mm. Other sizes are fractions of this base.

Are polycarbonate gastronorm containers heatproof?

They are suitable for warm holding and cold storage but not for the oven. In hot usage, we recommend stainless steel GN pans.

Are lids with other brands interchangeable?

Yes, as long as they are GN size standards. A 1/1 lid can be used with any 1/1 tray, regardless of the brand.

Is there a difference between polycarbonate and polypropylene lids?

Polycarbonate covers are lighter in color, stronger, and more resistant to breakage. Polypropylene covers are cheaper and flexible but not usually transparent.

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