Gastronorm
A Gastronorm pan (often shortened to “GN pan”) is a standardised stainless steel or polycarbonate food container built to the EN 631 European sizing system, used across commercial kitchens, buffets, bain maries and cold wells so that pans, lids, trolleys and cabinets from different manufacturers all fit together. Pubs, cafes, hotels and busy catering kitchens rely on the GN system because it turns food storage, prep and service into one interchangeable format rather than a mismatch of one-off containers. The key buying consideration is matching pan size and depth to your bain marie well, fridge runners or oven rack before ordering, since a wrong depth simply won’t drop in.
Key specifications
The Gastronorm system works because every pan, lid and accessory is built to the EN 631 standard, so the choice comes down to fraction, depth and material. Fractions run from the full-size 1/1 at 530 × 325mm down to the 1/9, and up to the oversized 2/1 at 650 × 530mm, with 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 and 1/6 dividing a 1/1 bay into equal parts. Depths run 20/40/65/100/150/200mm: 65-100mm covers most hot holding and prep, 150-200mm suits bulk, and 20-40mm suits sauces and garnish. Stainless steel 18/8 handles hot holding and oven use; polycarbonate and polypropylene stay lighter and clearer for cold storage and display. Pair pans with matching lids for stacking and food safety, and add accessories — adaptor bars, handles, liners — to suit service. Match size and depth to your bain marie, fridge or oven before ordering, since a wrong depth simply will not drop in. Used across pubs, cafés, hotels, care homes and banqueting kitchens.
Gastronorm — FAQs
What does GN 1/1 mean?
GN 1/1 is the full-size reference pan at 530x325mm, the base unit that all other Gastronorm fractions (1/2, 1/3, 1/6 etc.) are cut down from, so it’s the size to check your equipment against first.
Stainless steel or polycarbonate?
Stainless steel (18/8 grade) suits hot holding, oven use and heavy daily service; polycarbonate is lighter, see-through and ideal for cold prep, fridge storage and buffet display where staff need to see contents at a glance.
Do I need pans, lids, or both?
Most kitchens buy pans and lids together for stacking and food safety, but if you already hold stock, our Gastronorm Lids and Gastronorm Pans categories let you top up either separately.