Guide to choosing and maintaining your gastronorm pan: Essentials for catering professionals

The different materials of gastronorm pans

Stainless steel gastronorm pans

These models offer exceptional durability. Resistant to shocks, corrosion, and temperature variations, they are ideal for long-term cooking and food storage. Easy to maintain, they can be washed by hand or machine and stack easily, optimizing workspace.

Polypropylene gastronorm pans

Translucent or slightly opaque, these pans allow for quick identification of contents. Although made of plastic, they are resistant to shocks, temperature variations, and chemicals. Their smooth, non-porous walls make cleaning easy, whether by hand or dishwasher.

Plexiglass gastronorm pans

Available mainly in white or black, these lightweight and durable pans are perfect for dish presentation. Their smooth and slightly shiny walls enhance the appearance of products, making them suitable for use in dining service.

The criteria for choosing gastronorm pans

Intended use

It is crucial to determine the intended use of the gastronorm pans: storage, cooking, presentation, or transport. This will influence the choice of material and size. It is also essential to determine the quantities and types of food that will be transported or prepared. The pans must meet the specific needs of your establishment to optimize organization and stock management.

Standard sizes of gastronorm pans

Compliant with the European standard EN 631, gastronorm pans come in several standardized sizes:

• GN 1/1 (530 x 325 mm): Standard size for large quantities
• GN 1/2 (325 x 265 mm): Ideal for medium portions
• GN 1/3, GN 1/4, GN 1/6: Smaller sizes for increased flexibility

Available depths

Gastronorm pans are offered in various depths to suit all needs:

• Standard depth 150 mm: Perfect for common preparations, offering a balance between storage capacity and ease of access to ingredients.
• Greater depths 200 mm, 250 mm: Ideal for large quantities of ingredients or for preparations requiring greater height.
• Shallow depths: 65 mm, 100 mm: Meet specific needs for lightweight ingredients or space optimization.

Maintenance of gastronorm pans

Hygiene in the kitchen is paramount in the HORECA sector. Regular and proper maintenance of gastronorm pans is essential to:

• Ensure food safety
• Prolong their lifespan
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen

Some maintenance tips:

1. Follow specific washing instructions for each material.
2. Use an appropriate washing temperature to effectively eliminate bacteria.
3. Avoid overloading the pans to ensure thorough cleaning and prevent premature deterioration.
4. Immediately recycle any damaged pan to ensure food safety.

Choosing the right gastronorm pan requires considering the material, size, intended use, compatibility with your existing equipment, ease of maintenance, and compliance with hygiene standards. By carefully evaluating these criteria, you will select the pans best suited to your specific needs, thus optimizing your food preparation and storage processes.