Gastronorm Pan Sizes & Depths Explained: How to Choose the Right GN Pan

If you work in a restaurant, cafe, catering business, hotel, bakery or commercial kitchen, you have probably seen Gastronorm pans, often called GN pans or GN trays.

They look simple, but choosing the right GN pan can be surprisingly confusing. You need to consider the GN size, depth, material, food type, storage requirements and whether the pan needs to work with other commercial kitchen equipment.

Should you choose a 1/1 GN pan or a smaller 1/2 GN pan? Is a shallow pan better than a deep one? Can stainless steel GN pans be used for cooking and storage? And how do you know which pan will fit your existing equipment?

This guide explains the Gastronorm system in simple terms and shows you how to choose the right GN pan for food preparation, cooking, storage, transport, buffet service and commercial kitchen organisation.

What Is a Gastronorm Pan?

A Gastronorm pan, commonly known as a GN pan, is a standardised food container used in professional food-service environments.

The Gastronorm system uses standard dimensions so compatible kitchen equipment can accommodate different pan sizes. This makes it easier to move food between preparation, cooking, storage, refrigeration, transport and service areas.

GN pans are commonly used in:

• Restaurants
• Cafes
• Hotels
• Catering businesses
• Commercial kitchens
• Buffet services
• Food preparation areas
• Bakery and food production operations
• Institutional kitchens

HeyHey Australia offers a range of Gastronorm trays in different sizes and depths, including stainless steel options designed for food preparation, cooking, storage and service.

Why Are GN Pans Important in Commercial Kitchens?

The biggest advantage of the Gastronorm system is standardisation.

Instead of having completely different containers for every piece of equipment, compatible GN equipment can be designed around recognised pan dimensions.

This can make a kitchen easier to organise and can help simplify the movement of ingredients and prepared food.

For example, the same compatible GN format may be used across preparation areas, refrigeration, storage racks, food transport equipment and buffet equipment.

HeyHey's SOGA Gastronorm pans, trolleys and trays collection includes equipment designed around this type of commercial kitchen workflow.

Understanding GN Pan Sizes

GN pans are available in different standardised fractions. The full-size format is generally referred to as 1/1 GN, while smaller formats include 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 and other sizes.

Dimensions can vary slightly by manufacturer and product construction, so always check the manufacturer's specifications before purchasing a pan for specific equipment.

What Does 1/1 GN Mean?

1/1 GN refers to the full-size Gastronorm format. Its standard footprint is approximately 530 × 325 mm.

It is one of the most useful GN formats for commercial kitchens because it provides a relatively large food capacity while maintaining the standard GN footprint.

A 1/1 GN pan can be useful for:

• Large food batches
• Main buffet dishes
• Prepared vegetables
• Cooked pasta
• Meat and poultry preparations
• Bulk ingredients
• Food storage
• Catering operations

HeyHey Australia stocks SOGA 1/1 GN stainless steel pans in different depths, allowing kitchens to select the capacity that suits their workflow.

What Is the Difference Between 1/1, 1/2 and 1/3 GN Pans?

1/1 GN Pan

The 1/1 GN pan provides the largest common standard footprint. It is useful when you need to hold larger quantities of food or ingredients.

1/2 GN Pan

A 1/2 GN pan has a smaller footprint and can be useful when you want to divide different dishes across the same service or storage area.

It is commonly useful for side dishes, vegetables, sauces and medium-sized batches.

1/3 GN Pan

The 1/3 GN format is narrower and can be useful when several ingredients need to be positioned together.

It is particularly practical for toppings, sauces, ingredients and smaller quantities.

Smaller GN Formats

Formats such as 1/4, 1/6 and 1/9 GN are useful for smaller ingredients, garnishes, condiments and toppings.

They can be particularly useful in preparation stations where multiple ingredients need to remain accessible.

Why GN Pan Depth Matters

Choosing a GN size is only half of the decision. You also need to choose the right depth.

The same GN footprint can be available in multiple depths. This allows you to choose between greater capacity and easier access.

HeyHey Australia's Gastronorm range includes different depths, such as 65 mm, 100 mm and deeper formats. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Shallow GN Pans

Shallow GN pans are useful when food needs to be easy to access or when you are working with relatively small quantities.

They can be useful for:

• Ingredients
• Prepared foods
• Shallow food displays
• Buffet service
• Food preparation

Medium-Depth GN Pans

Medium-depth pans provide a useful balance between capacity and accessibility.

They can work well for everyday restaurant and catering operations where the pan needs to hold a reasonable quantity without becoming unnecessarily deep.

Deep GN Pans

Deep GN pans are useful when you need greater capacity without increasing the footprint of the pan.

They can be particularly useful for larger quantities of prepared food, ingredients and storage applications.

Before choosing a deep GN pan, however, check that its depth is compatible with the equipment where you intend to use it.

How to Choose the Right GN Pan Depth

Ask yourself four simple questions:

1. How much food do I normally need to hold?
2. Does the food need to be easy to access during service?
3. Where will the pan be stored or used?
4. What maximum depth does my equipment accept?

If staff frequently need to reach into the pan, an extremely deep container may not always be the most convenient choice even if it provides greater capacity.

For storage or high-volume preparation, a deeper pan may make better use of available vertical space.

Stainless Steel vs Clear GN Pans

Material is another important consideration when choosing a GN pan.

Stainless Steel GN Pans

Stainless steel is a popular choice for commercial kitchens because it is durable, reusable and suitable for a wide range of food-service applications.

HeyHey's stainless steel Gastronorm collection includes different GN formats and depths for commercial food preparation, storage and service.

Stainless steel GN pans are useful when durability and repeated use are important.

Clear GN Pans

Clear GN pans can be useful when staff need to identify contents quickly without opening or removing the container.

This can be helpful for ingredient storage, preparation stations and situations where visibility is important.

HeyHey also offers a clear Gastronorm food tray range in different GN formats and depths.

Can GN Pans Be Used for Cooking?

Some GN pans are designed for cooking applications, while others may be intended primarily for storage or service.

Never assume that every GN pan is suitable for every cooking method.

Before using a pan in an oven or other heating equipment, check the manufacturer's specifications for temperature limits, material and intended application.

HeyHey's stainless steel Gastronorm range includes products designed for cooking as well as food storage and buffet applications. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Can GN Pans Be Used for Food Storage?

Yes, compatible GN pans can be useful for food storage, particularly in commercial kitchens where standardised containers help organise ingredients and prepared foods.

Depending on the specific product, GN pans may be used in refrigeration or freezer environments. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for the particular pan before using it in a refrigerator or freezer.

A standardised GN system can also make it easier to organise food between preparation, storage and service areas.

GN Pans for Catering and Buffet Service

GN pans are particularly useful for catering and buffet operations because standardised sizes allow food to be portioned and organised according to the requirements of the service.

For example:

• 1/1 GN can be used for larger main dishes.
• 1/2 GN can divide side dishes or smaller batches.
• 1/3 GN can organise sauces and ingredients.
• Smaller GN formats can hold toppings and condiments.

If you operate a catering business, our commercial kitchen setup checklist can help you think about GN equipment alongside your wider kitchen requirements.

GN Pans and Gastronorm Trolleys

GN pans become even more useful when they are part of a larger Gastronorm workflow.

For example, prepared food can be placed into compatible GN pans, stored on a Gastronorm trolley and then moved between preparation, storage and service areas.

Our Gastronorm trolley buying guide explains trolley capacity, pan compatibility, construction and the factors restaurants should consider when selecting a trolley.

HeyHey's Gastronorm trolley collection also includes options designed for commercial food-service environments.

GN Pans vs Traditional Food Containers

Traditional food containers can work well for many applications, but GN pans offer one major advantage in professional environments: standardisation.

How GN Pans Improve Kitchen Organisation

A commercial kitchen becomes easier to manage when ingredients and prepared foods have a predictable place.

GN pans can support this by giving staff standard container sizes that can be assigned to particular tasks.

For example, you could use:

• 1/1 GN pans for larger prepared foods
• 1/2 GN pans for common side dishes
• 1/3 GN pans for sauces and ingredients
• 1/6 GN pans for toppings and garnishes

This can make it easier to identify what belongs at each workstation and how much storage space is required.

For more general equipment organisation and maintenance advice, see our guide on maintaining kitchen equipment for long-term use.

How Many GN Pans Does a Commercial Kitchen Need?

There is no universal number.

The right quantity depends on your menu, production volume, storage capacity and service style.

A small cafe may need a relatively limited selection, while a large catering operation may require many pans across multiple preparation and service stations.

A practical starting point is to list the foods you prepare most frequently and identify which GN format and depth would work best for each one.

GN Pan Buying Checklist

Before ordering a GN pan, check the following:

• GN size
• Pan depth
• Material
• External dimensions
• Equipment compatibility
• Food application
• Storage requirements
• Cleaning requirements
• Stacking capability
• Temperature requirements

Most importantly, check the actual measurements of your existing equipment rather than relying only on the GN fraction shown in the product name.

Common GN Pan Buying Mistakes

1. Choosing the Largest Pan Automatically

A larger pan is not always more practical. If the container is too large for your workflow, food can become difficult to access and the pan may be unnecessarily heavy when full.

2. Ignoring Pan Depth

Two pans can have the same GN footprint but completely different capacities because their depths are different.

3. Forgetting Equipment Compatibility

Always check the maximum pan size and depth supported by your refrigerator, trolley, warmer, oven, rack or other equipment.

4. Buying Too Many Different Sizes

A wide selection provides flexibility, but too many formats can make storage and organisation more complicated.

Start with the sizes that match your most common kitchen tasks.

5. Buying Based Only on Price

Commercial kitchen containers are repeatedly handled, cleaned and moved. Consider material, construction, reinforced edges, stacking design and intended use alongside price.

How to Build a Practical GN Pan Collection

If you are starting from scratch, you do not necessarily need every GN size immediately.

A practical approach is to begin with a few versatile sizes and expand based on your actual kitchen workflow.

For a Small Cafe

Start with a combination of 1/1, 1/2 and 1/3 GN pans in the depths most appropriate for your menu.

For a Restaurant

Add smaller formats such as 1/4 and 1/6 GN when you need to organise sauces, toppings, garnishes and ingredients.

For Catering

Consider having multiple pans of your most frequently used sizes so you can prepare, store and transport food efficiently during larger events.

For Buffet Service

Choose GN formats that match your serving equipment and select depths according to the quantity of food and how frequently it needs to be replenished.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gastronorm Pans

1. What is a Gastronorm pan?

A Gastronorm pan, also called a GN pan, is a standardised food container used in commercial kitchens, restaurants, cafes, catering operations, hotels and food-service environments.

2. What does 1/1 GN mean?

1/1 GN is the full-size Gastronorm format. Its standard footprint is approximately 530 × 325 mm. It is commonly used for larger food batches, preparation, storage and food service.

3. What is the difference between a 1/1 and 1/2 GN pan?

A 1/1 GN pan has a larger footprint of approximately 530 × 325 mm, while a 1/2 GN pan is approximately 325 × 265 mm. A 1/2 pan can be useful when smaller quantities or multiple food items need to be organised separately.

4. What is the difference between a 1/2 and 1/3 GN pan?

A 1/2 GN pan is approximately 325 × 265 mm, while a 1/3 GN pan is approximately 325 × 176 mm. The 1/3 format is useful for smaller quantities, sauces, toppings and ingredients.

5. What GN pan size is best for a restaurant?

There is no single size that works for every restaurant. A combination of 1/1, 1/2 and 1/3 GN pans can provide a useful starting point, while smaller sizes can be added for sauces, toppings and ingredients.

6. What GN pan depth should I choose?

Choose the depth based on the amount and type of food you need to hold, how frequently staff access the contents and the maximum depth supported by your equipment. Shallow pans provide easier access, while deeper pans provide greater capacity.

7. Are stainless steel GN pans suitable for commercial kitchens?

Yes. Stainless steel GN pans are widely used in commercial food-service environments because they are durable and suitable for repeated handling. Always check the specifications of the individual product for its intended applications.

8. Can GN pans be used in the oven?

Some GN pans are designed for cooking and oven use, while others may have different intended applications. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for the particular GN pan before placing it in an oven.

9. Can GN pans go in the fridge or freezer?

Some GN pans are suitable for refrigeration and freezer storage. Suitability depends on the material, construction and product specifications, so check the manufacturer's information before using a specific pan in a freezer.

10. Can GN pans be used in a chafing dish?

Some chafing dishes are designed to accept GN-compatible pans, but compatibility varies between products. Check the exact GN format and dimensions required by the chafing dish before purchasing a pan.

11. What material is best for GN pans?

Stainless steel is a popular choice for commercial kitchens because of its durability and versatility. Clear GN containers can also be useful where visibility of ingredients is important. The best material depends on the application and equipment.

12. What is the most common GN pan size?

1/1 GN is the standard full-size format, while 1/2 and 1/3 GN are useful smaller formats. The most appropriate size depends on the type and volume of food being prepared or served.

13. Are GN pan sizes standard?

The Gastronorm system is based on standardised dimensions, which allows compatible commercial kitchen equipment to be designed around GN formats. However, always check actual product dimensions because construction and specifications can vary.

14. How do I know which GN pan will fit my equipment?

Check the equipment manufacturer's specifications for the supported GN format and maximum depth. Then compare those measurements with the external dimensions of the GN pan you want to purchase.

15. How many GN pans do I need for a commercial kitchen?

The number depends on your menu, production volume, storage capacity and service style. Start with the GN sizes and depths that match your most common tasks, then add additional formats as your kitchen requirements grow.

Final Thoughts: Choose GN Pans Around Your Workflow

The right GN pan is not simply the largest, deepest or cheapest option. It is the one that fits your equipment and makes your kitchen workflow easier.

Start by understanding the GN sizes you use most frequently, then choose the appropriate depth and material for your application.

For commercial kitchens, the biggest benefit of the Gastronorm system is consistency. When your pans, trolleys, storage systems and compatible equipment work around standardised formats, food preparation and movement can become much easier to organise.

If you are building or upgrading a commercial kitchen, combine this guide with our commercial kitchen equipment buying guide and Gastronorm trolley buying guide to plan the wider equipment setup.

Explore Gastronorm Equipment at HeyHey Australia

• Shop Gastronorm Trays
  
• Shop SOGA Stainless Steel Gastronorm Pans
  
• Shop Clear Gastronorm Food Trays
  
• Shop Gastronorm Pans, Trolleys & Trays
  
• Shop Gastronorm Trolleys
  

Looking for commercial kitchen equipment? Explore HeyHey Australia's range of Gastronorm pans, trolleys, cookware and professional kitchen equipment to build a more organised and efficient food-service setup.