GN Pan Sizes Guide: Gastronorm Dimensions, Depths and Materials
Gastronorm (GN) is the European standard size system (EN 631) for kitchen containers. Because every GN pan is a fraction of one base size, pans fit the same ovens, bain-maries, refrigerated prep tables, chafing dishes and trolleys whatever their brand. This guide lists the standard sizes and depths and explains which material to choose. We keep GN pans and lids in stock in our Sharjah warehouse and deliver them across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Browse GN containers and lids, or send us your list of sizes and depths.
GN pan sizes (EN 631)
| Size | Dimensions (mm) | Fits in a 1/1 frame | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/1 | 650 × 530 | Double the 1/1 | Large combi ovens, roasting, bulk preparation |
| 1/1 | 530 × 325 | 1 | The base size: ovens, buffets, bain-maries, bulk storage |
| 2/3 | 354 × 325 | Pairs with one 1/3 | Mains on a buffet line, prep tables |
| 1/2 | 325 × 265 | 2 | Hot dishes, salads, sauces in volume |
| 1/3 | 325 × 176 | 3 | Salad and pizza prep tables, sides |
| 1/4 | 265 × 162 | 4 | Toppings, garnishes, sandwich stations |
| 1/6 | 176 × 162 | 6 | Prep-table toppings, condiments |
| 1/9 | 176 × 108 | 9 | Small garnishes, herbs, sauces |
Smaller pans combine to fill a 1/1 opening exactly: two 1/2, three 1/3, four 1/4, six 1/6, nine 1/9, or one 2/3 with one 1/3. Mixed layouts work too, as long as the fractions add up to one.
Standard depths
GN pans come in standard depths, most commonly 20, 40, 65, 100, 150 and 200 mm. As a rule of thumb:
- 20–40 mm: roasting, baking, grilling and shallow displays.
- 65 mm: the most common buffet and bain-marie depth.
- 100 mm: sauces, stews, rice and prep-table toppings in volume.
- 150–200 mm: soups, bulk storage and marinating.
Check the depth your equipment allows: refrigerated prep tables and some bain-maries take only shallower pans, and deep pans need more clearance under a lid.
Which material to choose
- Stainless steel: for ovens, bain-maries, chafing dishes and cold storage. Durable, easy to clean and heat-safe. The standard choice for hot food.
- Polycarbonate (clear): for cold storage and display. See-through, light and very hard-wearing, and suitable for freezer-to-dishwasher use, but not for ovens or direct heat.
- Polypropylene (opaque): for everyday cold storage and prep. Light, opaque and resistant to many chemicals; not for ovens.
- Perforated stainless: for steaming in combi ovens and for draining vegetables, pasta and seafood.
Always check the manufacturer's temperature rating before using plastic pans with hot food.
Lids and accessories
- Flat lids for storage and stacking.
- Notched lids that leave a gap for a ladle or spoon on the buffet.
- Hinged lids for frequently opened prep containers.
- Sealed lids with a silicone gasket for transport and marinating.
- Adaptor bars so smaller pans sit securely in a 1/1 opening.
- GN trolleys and racks for moving pans between kitchen and service. See pan racks.
Where GN pans are used
- Combi and convection ovens
- Bain-maries and holding equipment
- Refrigerated prep tables for salads and pizza
- Chafing dishes and food wells on buffets
- Insulated food carriers for catering
Frequently asked questions
What size is a full-size GN pan?
A GN 1/1 pan measures 530 × 325 mm. All other gastronorm sizes are fractions or multiples of it; a GN 2/1 is 650 × 530 mm.
How many 1/3 GN pans fit in a 1/1?
Three. Likewise two 1/2 pans, four 1/4, six 1/6 or nine 1/9 pans fill one 1/1 opening.
What is the most common GN pan depth?
65 mm is the most common for buffets and bain-maries; 100 mm and 150 mm are popular for bulk food and storage.
Can polycarbonate GN pans go in the oven?
No. Polycarbonate and polypropylene pans are for cold storage, display and prep. Use stainless steel for ovens and hot holding.
Where can I buy GN pans in the UAE?
Bait Al Diafa stocks GN pans and lids in stainless steel and polycarbonate in its Sharjah warehouse and delivers to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and all seven emirates. See GN containers.