Commercial Food Storage & GN Containers Guide for the UAE

Good storage keeps a professional kitchen organised, food-safe and fast. This guide explains the gastronorm (GN) system, storage materials, and how to build a storage setup that scales.

What is gastronorm (GN)?

Gastronorm is the international standard sizing system (GN 1/1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/6, etc.) so pans, shelving, holding equipment and fridges all interchange. Building around GN means every pan fits every station — the backbone of an efficient kitchen.

• GN 1/1 — the full-size pan (530 × 325 mm); the base unit.
• GN 1/2, 1/3, 1/6 — fractions for garnish, sauces and prep.
• Depths — 20 mm to 200 mm for everything from trays to deep storage.

Choosing storage materials

• Stainless steel GN pans — hot holding, durability, oven-to-table.
• Polycarbonate food boxes — clear, stackable cold and dry storage; see contents at a glance.
• Storage crates & bins — bulk dry goods, transport and receiving.
• Shelving & trolleys — organise the walk-in and move stock safely.

Bait Al Diafa stocks the full GN and storage range across the UAE. Browse storage & transport → or see storage suppliers in Dubai.

Frequently asked questions

What GN sizes does my kitchen need?

Most kitchens build around GN 1/1 (full-size) plus 1/2, 1/3 and 1/6 fractions for garnish and sauces, in a mix of depths. Standardising on GN means pans, shelving and holding equipment all interchange. Bait Al Diafa stocks the full GN range in the UAE.

Stainless steel or polycarbonate food storage — which is better?

Stainless steel GN pans suit hot holding and heavy-duty use; clear polycarbonate boxes suit cold and dry storage where you want to see contents. Most UAE kitchens use both — we carry commercial grades of each.

Where can I buy GN pans and food storage in bulk in the UAE?

Bait Al Diafa supplies GN pans, storage containers, crates and shelving in bulk across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah with wholesale AED pricing and fast delivery.