Gastronorm 1/2 Pans
Gastronorm 1/2 pans measure 325x265mm, exactly half a full-size 1/1 pan, and are a popular choice where a bain marie or servery counter needs two separate compartments rather than one large one. Cafes and hotel breakfast bars often run 1/2 pans side by side for offering two dishes or fillings without either running out too quickly during peak service. As with all GN pans, choose stainless steel for hot holding and polycarbonate for chilled or ambient storage.
Key specifications
A Gastronorm 1/2 pan measures 325 × 265mm — exactly half a 1/1 — so two sit within a single 1/1 bay to run two dishes side by side. Choose by depth and material: the standard 20/40/65/100/150/200mm range applies, with 65-100mm covering most servery and hot-holding work and 150-200mm for deeper batches. Stainless steel suits hot holding and oven use, while polycarbonate keeps chilled and ambient items visible on display. Because the GN footprint is standardised, 1/2 pans interchange freely across bain maries, gastronorm fridges and counters from any compliant supplier, and a matching lid keeps food covered in transit or storage. Look for smooth, reinforced corners that clean easily and resist warping. Used across cafés, hotel breakfast bars, pubs and restaurants.
Gastronorm 1/2 Pans — FAQs
Why pick 1/2 over a full 1/1 pan?
It lets you offer two separate items in the same bain marie bay, useful for smaller-batch dishes or when running two options side by side without wasting capacity on either.
What depths are typical for 1/2 pans?
The same standard range applies — 20/40/65/100/150/200mm — so you can match shallow depths to sauces or deeper options to stews and bulk prep.