Who Uses Steam Table Pans?
Steam table pans, sometimes referred to as hotel pans, are an industry standard for serving and warming food. These pans come in several sizes and configurations, from full-size all the way down to ninth-size, and are used in a steam table (or hot food table). A steam table can be used as a buffet station for self-service, or in a back-of-house cook line for convenient plating of meals. Steam pans can be made of a variety of materials, but the most popular are stainless steel and plastic. We’ve compiled the most useful information for finding and buying the right steam pans and other food pans for your commercial kitchen. Plus, check out the helpful hotel pan chart below!
Read also: Steam Table Buying Guide
In This Steam Table Pan Buying Guide:
- Stainless Steel Food Pans
From gauge to configurations, we’ll guide you through making the right choice. - What to Know About Stainless Steel Gauge
Understand the importance of gauge in stainless steel pans and select the perfect thickness for your needs. - Stainless Steel Steam Table Pan Configurations
Explore various configurations and features that can enhance your culinary operations. - Plastic Food Pans
Dive into the versatility of plastic food pans, ideal for both hot and cold dishes. - Hotel Pan Sizes
Uncover the significance of steam table pan sizes and the convenience of Gastronorm sizing. - What is Gastronorm Sizing?
Learn about the widely adopted Gastronorm sizing system used in European countries. - Steam Table Pan Accessories
Enhance functionality with practical accessories that complement your steam table pans. - Top Steam Table Pan Vendors
Discover reputable manufacturers known for producing quality food pans for commercial kitchens.
Types of Food Pans
Explore the different materials used in food pan construction, including some less common options like melamine and aluminum.
Stainless Steel Food Pans
Stainless steel pans are designed to serve and warm food on a steam table. They are often warmed in a well that’s filled with water but can also be used in dry well tables without water. These pans can come with several features and configurations depending on your needs.Stainless Steel Gauge
Stainless steel pans can be made in different thicknesses or gauges. Gauge is the thickness of a steam pan and can range between 20 to 25 gauge. With gauge, the lower the number, the thicker the steel. The thickness should be chosen based on what you want to use the pan for.The standard gauge for foodservice is 22 gauge, but thinner and thicker gauges are available.
Choose a thicker gauge (20-22) for:
- Heavy-duty use
- Long life of product
- Less denting, warping, and dinging
- Daily use in a commercial kitchen
Choose a thinner gauge (23-25) for:
- Lower volume kitchens
- Economical price point
- Less frequent use
- Lighter weight
Stainless Steel Steam Table Pan Features & Configurations
Some stainless steel steam pans can come with special features and configurations to better fit the needs of your commercial kitchen. These features can include things like anti-jamming sides for stacking, or perforated bottoms for steaming. Read more about features below.Anti-Jamming:
Anti-jam sides are included in steam table pans to allow for easy stacking and storage. Often when you need to store a steam pan, you need to stack them together. However, typical stainless steel pans will stick when stacked together. This feature allows you to stack pans without damaging the sides and corners.
Rolled/Flat Edges:
A rolled or flat edge can come on a food pan to lock in heat when using in a steam table. This edge type is useful in saving energy costs and increasing food quality by maintaining temperature.
Value Series Spillage Pan – Flat Edge – Aluminum Construction
$49.59 /Each
Features Include:
1mm aluminum construction
205/8″Wx127/8″Dx61/4″H
61/4″ deep, fitting 21/2″, 4″, and 6″ deep steam table pans
Flat edges make them easy to insert and remove
Perforated:
Perforated steam pans are useful for keeping food dry and away from water while heating in a steam table. This is ideal for things like steaming vegetables or heating and holding pasta.
Allied Buying Corp CAST-1204-PF Perforated Steam Table Pan Half Size
$19.29/Each
Features Include:
Base Height: Low Height
Depth: 10.375 Inches
Height: 4 Inches
Pour Corners:
Steam table pans with pour corners allow for easy cleaning and pouring. It also provides additional reinforcement against dings and dents in your pan. Pour, or coved, corners will help extend the life and use of your steam pan.
Value Series Spillage Pan – Flat Edge – Aluminum Construction
$49.59 /Each
Features Include:
1mm aluminum construction
205/8″Wx127/8″Dx61/4″H
61/4″ deep, fitting 21/2″, 4″, and 6″ deep steam table pans
Flat edges make them easy to insert and remove
Plastic Food Pans
If you’re looking for something economical and efficient in a steam table or cold food table, consider plastic food pans. Plastic food pans are useful in storage and serving due to their wide temperature range. These pans are often made of materials like polycarbonate, polypropylene, or high heat plastic. There are two main types of plastic food pans: hot food pans and cold food pans. This classification determines the use and temperature range of a food pan.Plastic Food Pan Construction Materials
ABS Plastic:
ABS plastic (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a thermoplastic polymer. While it is not the most common material for food pans, some types are FDA compliant and are useful for refrigeration.
High Heat Plastic:
High heat plastic is a durable plastic material that can be heated to high temperatures. This plastic has a high melting point, so it can be heated in microwaves and used to serve in steam tables. Choose a high heat plastic if you’re looking for a durable and economical food pan.
Polycarbonate:
Polycarbonate is a translucent thermoplastic polymer that is tough and strong for commercial use. This food safe plastic is ideal for use in cold food storage and refrigerated buffet displays. Pick polycarbonate for easy identification of food storage due to the translucent color.
Polypropylene:
Polypropylene is a tough and rigid thermoplastic that is lightweight for commercial use. PP (polypropylene) is non-toxic and is more rigid and has a higher melting point than polycarbonate. Use a polypropylene container for its strength and durability against chemicals and staining.
Material Type Temperature Range Use For Steam Table Pans
| Material | Type | Temperature Range | Use For |
| ABS Plastic | Cold | 32°F to 180°F | Keep food at ServSafe temperature of 40°F – hold condiments, buffet service |
| High Heat Plastic | Hot | -40°F to 425°F | Serve in hot steam tables, cook in microwaves, store in refrigerator |
| High Heat Plastic | Hot | -40°F to 375°F | Serve in hot steam tables, cook in microwaves, store in refrigerator |
| High Heat Plastic | Hot | -40°F to 300°F | Serve in hot steam tables, cook in microwaves, store in refrigerator |
| Polycarbonate | Cold | -40°F to 210°F | Serve in cold tables, store in refrigerators |
| Polypropylene | Cold | -40°F to 160°F | Serve in buffet displays, store ingredients in refrigerator, food prep |
Other Types of Food Pans
While stainless steel and plastic are the most common materials in food pans, there are some other less common food pan types. Materials like melamine and aluminum are sometimes used in food pan construction. These pans have some different properties and use compared to plastic and stainless–steel pans.
Melamine Food Pans
Melamine food pans are ideal for display in buffets and family-style dining. Melamine dinnerware and pans are resistant to staining, chipping, and cracking – making it perfect to use as display ware.
| Benefits of Melamine | Cons of Melamine |
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Aluminum Food Pans
Aluminum pans share many similarities with stainless steel, including the fact that they are often used for hot food service. These pans will typically be coated with nonstick coating for easy serving and cleaning.
| Benefits of Aluminum | Cons of Aluminum |
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Hotel Pan Sizes and Layout
Steam pan sizes are crucial to building your ideal setup in a steam table. Pan sizes are listed as fractions as well as Gastronorm sizing. These size types were developed as an industry standard, allowing you to buy pans from a variety of manufacturers and know that they’ll all fit in your steam table.What is Fraction Sizing?
Fraction sizing is used in the United States as a range of sized pans from full size (largest) to 1/9 size (smallest). The sizes indicate how many of the pan you can fit in the space of one full-size pan, or 20-¾” by 12-¾”. This standard sizing allows users to serve different foods in a variety of space layouts. Smaller sizes are useful for serving ingredients or sides without needing to waste product or space in a steam table.Fraction Size Chart
Fraction sizing is used in the United States as a range of sized pans from full size (largest) to 1/9 size (smallest). The sizes indicate how many of the pan you can fit in the space of one full-size pan, or 20-¾” by 12-¾”. This standard sizing allows users to serve different foods in a variety of space layouts. Smaller sizes are useful for serving ingredients or sides without needing to waste product or space in a steam table.| Ninth | Sixth | Fourth | Third | Half Long | Half | Two-Thirds | Full |
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| 6-7/8” X 4¼” | 6-7/8” X 6¼” | 6-3/8” X 10-3/8” | 6-7/8” X 12¾” | 20¾” X 6-7/16” | 10-3/8” X 12¾” | 13-7/8” X 12¾” | 20¾” X 12¾” |
What is Gastronorm Sizing?
Gastronorm sizes are standard sizes of food pans that are widely used in European countries. This size range is commonly adopted in the catering industry or in the international market. These sizes are measured in millimeters to accommodate the metric system.
The Best Steam Pan Accessories
Every food pan could use a little extra functionality. From lids and liners to colanders and drain shelves, there are all sorts of steam pan accessories for your needs. If you’re looking to extend the use of your steam table pan, check out these popular food pan accessories.
| Accessory | Use For | |
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Flat Lid |
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Seal or “lock-tight” lid |
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Colander |
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Drain Shelf |
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Pan Liners |
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Adapter Bar |
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Top Vendors for Steam Table Pans
The foodservice industry has come to rely on a group of vendors to provide the best in food pans and steam pans. These manufacturers produce quality, reliable food pans that you can use in your commercial kitchen.
Vollrath: Known in the industry as innovators of the steam pan, Vollrath offers a variety of food pans and accessories. Their Super Pan V Stainless Steel Steam Pans are made with durable pour corners and are offered with a lifetime warranty.
Cambro: Cambro offers hot and cold plastic food pans that stand up to commercial use. Their Camwear pans are designed to be virtually unbreakable and allow you to store, transport, and serve in one pan. Cambro makes polycarbonate and polypropylene pans and lids for hot and cold use.
Carlisle: Known for their high heat and Coldmaster pans, Carlisle offers plastic food pans in a variety of sizes and uses. Whether you need polycarbonate, stainless, or ABS plastic, Carlisle has it all.
Value Series: Value Series food pans combine quality with cost savings in your kitchen. Find plastic and stainless food pans that meet the demanding environment of your commercial kitchen.
Explore our handpicked selection of steam table pans and accessories to equip your kitchen for success.
Frequently Asked Questions on Steam Table Pan Sizes and More
Q1: What are the standard sizes for steam table pans?
A1: Steam table pans come in various sizes, with Gastronorm sizing being an industry standard. Common sizes range from full-size to 1/9 size, each designed for specific applications in commercial kitchens.
Q2: Are plastic food pans suitable for hot and cold dishes?
A2: Yes, plastic food pans are versatile and can handle a wide range of temperatures. High heat plastic pans, for example, can be used in hot steam tables, microwaves, and refrigerators.
Q3: What are the benefits of using stainless steel steam table pans?
A3: Stainless steel pans are durable and ideal for keeping food warm. They are commonly used in steam tables, both with and without water, making them a popular choice in commercial kitchens.
Q4: Where can I find the best steam table pans and accessories?
A4: We recommend reputable vendors like Vollrath, Cambro, Carlisle, and Value Series for high-quality steam table pans and accessories.
Q5: How do I choose the right gauge for stainless steel steam table pans?
A5: The gauge of a stainless steel pan determines its thickness. Thicker gauges (20-22) are suitable for heavy-duty use, while thinner gauges (23-25) work well in lower volume kitchens.
Q6: Can I use melamine food pans in hot food tables?
A6: No, melamine food pans are not suitable for hot food tables. They are best used for display in buffets and family-style dining.
Related Resources:
- Catering Presentations: Catering Displays and Ideas for Displays & More
- Commercial Steam Table Buying Guide
- Guide to Cambro’s Signature Food Pan Carrier Innovations
- Vollrath Food Pans: The Super Pan V vs. Super Pan 3
- Plastic Food Storage Containers Buying Guide
- All About Chafing Dishes
- 20 Essential Food Prep Supplies You Need
- Top 5 Most Versatile Smallwares for Food Prep
- Supply List for School Kitchens and Cafeterias
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