How to Choose the Right GN Pan Size for Your Commercial Kitchen

How to Choose the Right GN Pan Size for Your Commercial Kitchen

Choosing the right GN pan size can save space, improve kitchen workflow, and reduce food waste. But with so many Gastronorm (GN) sizes available, many kitchen owners and chefs ask: which GN pan size do I need?

This guide helps you choose GN pan sizes based on your equipment, food volume, and storage needs — so you buy the right size the first time.

What Are GN Pans? (And Why Size Matters)

GN pans (Gastronorm pans) follow an international standard (EN 631). They are designed to fit commercial kitchen equipment like:

  • Refrigerators

  • Combi ovens / steamers

  • Blast chillers

  • Bain-maries and buffet lines

The GN pan size determines compatibility. If you choose the wrong size, your pan may not fit your equipment — or you waste valuable fridge space.

GN Pan Sizes Chart (Full & Fractional)

All GN sizes are based on the GN 1/1 full size:



GN Size Width (mm) Length (mm)
GN 2/1 650 530
GN 1/1 530 325
GN 1/2 325 265
GN 1/3 325 176
GN 1/4 265 163
GN 1/6 176 162
GN 1/9 176 108

✅ Most common commercial sizes: GN 1/1, GN 1/2, GN 1/3, GN 1/4

How to Choose GN Pan Depth (20mm – 200mm)

Depth is as important as length and width. The GN pan depth controls how much food you can store or cook.



Depth (mm) Best For
20 – 40 mm Flat foods, quick chilling
65 mm Most popular — everyday prep & storage
100 – 150 mm Soups, sauces, bulk ingredients
200 mm High-volume storage (check equipment compatibility)

Tip: Start with 65mm and 100mm GN pans — they cover 80% of daily kitchen tasks.

Match GN Pan Size to Your Equipment

Before buying, always check what GN pan sizes your equipment accepts:

  • Commercial fridge / freezer → often GN 1/1, GN 1/2, or GN 2/1

  • Combi oven / steamer → usually GN 1/1 (some compact models use GN 1/2)

  • Bain-marie / buffet → GN 1/3 or GN 1/4 (ideal for individual dishes)

  • Blast chiller → shallow depth (20–40 mm) for faster cooling

👉 Not sure? Check your equipment manual or manufacturer label.

Stainless Steel vs Polycarbonate GN Pans

Material affects durability, visibility, and use case.



Material Best Use
Stainless steel (304 or 201) High-heat cooking, ovens, freezers, dishwashers
Polycarbonate (plastic) Cold storage, walk-in fridges, clear visibility
Perforated Draining, steaming, washing vegetables

Do You Need GN Pan Lids?

Lids help you:

  • Stack pans safely

  • Extend food shelf life

  • Prevent spills during transport

Make sure your lid matches the GN size and depth — a deep pan may not seal with a standard lid.

GN Pan Size Selection by Application (Quick Guide)



Use Case Recommended GN Size Depth
Prep storage (fridge) GN 1/2, GN 1/3 65–100 mm
Steam cooking GN 1/1, GN 1/2 40–65 mm
Buffet serving GN 1/3, GN 1/4 65–100 mm
Soups / sauces (bulk) GN 1/1 150–200 mm
Portion control GN 1/6, GN 1/9 65–100 mm

Common Mistakes When Choosing GN Pan Sizes

❌ Buying random sizes without checking equipment fit
❌ Ignoring depth (too shallow = refill often / too deep = doesn’t fit)
❌ Mixing materials without purpose (e.g. plastic in a hot oven)
❌ Forgetting lids for stacking and storage

Final Checklist: How to Choose the Right GN Pan Size

✅ What equipment will this pan be used in?
✅ What GN sizes does that equipment accept?
✅ What depth matches my food volume?
✅ Do I need stainless steel or polycarbonate?
✅ Will I need a lid?

Where to Buy GN Pans Online

Looking for durable GN pans in standard and fractional sizes?
We offer:

  • ✅ GN 1/1, GN 1/2, GN 1/3, GN 1/4, GN 1/6, GN 1/9

  • ✅ Depths: 20mm, 40mm, 65mm, 100mm, 150mm, 200mm

  • ✅ Stainless steel (304 food grade)

  • ✅ Polycarbonate (clear, shatter-resistant)

  • ✅ Lids & perforated options available

👉 [Browse GN Pans by Size →]
👉 [Shop Stainless Steel GN Pans →]
👉 [Shop Polycarbonate GN Pans →]

Need Help Choosing?

Not sure which GN pan size fits your equipment?
[Contact our team] — we’ll help you match the right size for your fridge, oven, or buffet line.