
How to Choose the Right GN Pan for Your Business
If you run a food business in Australia—whether it’s a bustling restaurant, a cozy café, or a busy salad or hot bar—you know the importance of having the right tools in your kitchen. One of the most versatile and essential items? The Gastronorm (GN) Pan.
These standardized containers simplify food preparation, storage, and service. At KW Commercial Kitchen, we provide one of the largest ranges of GN pans in Australia, catering to every need and budget.
Understanding GN Pan Sizes
Gastronorm pans come in various sizes, each tailored to different uses. The modular design ensures they fit seamlessly into ovens, bain-maries, refrigerators, and food displays.
- GN 1/1 (Full Size): 530 x 325 mm – the base size for most kitchens.
- GN 1/2 (Half Size): 325 x 265 mm – great for dividing space efficiently.
- GN 1/3 (One-Third): 325 x 176 mm – perfect for smaller portions or sides.
- GN 1/4 (Quarter Size): 265 x 162 mm – commonly used for toppings or garnishes.
- GN 1/6 (Sixth Size): 176 x 162 mm – excellent for sauces and condiments.
- GN 1/9 (Ninth Size): 108 x 176 mm – ideal for small quantities.
Why Depth Matters
GN pans are not just about length and width; their depth significantly impacts their usability. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right depth for your needs:
- 20 mm: Great for thin salads, garnishes, or light food displays.
- 40 mm: Ideal for desserts, shallow salads, or prepped ingredients.
- 65 mm: Perfect for heartier salads, meats, or pasta.
- 100 mm: Suitable for soups, curries, and larger quantities.
- 150 mm – 200 mm: Best for holding bulk dishes in hot bars or large catering events.
Which Material Is Right for Your Kitchen?
The material of your GN pan affects its durability, heat resistance, and versatility. Choose wisely:
- Stainless Steel: Best for high-temperature cooking and buffets. Stainless steel is durable, conducts heat well, and transitions easily from oven to display.
- Polycarbonate: Lightweight and ideal for salad bars or storage. These pans are microwave-safe and come with tight-fitting lids.
- Melamine: A cost-effective option for chilled food displays. While visually appealing, melamine is unsuitable for high temperatures.
Applications in Australian Kitchens
GN pans are the backbone of Australian salad bars, hot bars, and food displays. Here’s how they’re commonly used:
- Salad Bars: Shallow pans (20-65 mm) are perfect for presenting fresh salads, fruits, and toppings.
- Hot Bars: Deep pans (100-200 mm) hold soups, curries, and casseroles in bain-maries or heated displays.
- Food Displays: Mix and match GN sizes to create visually appealing, space-efficient layouts.
Why Choose KW Commercial Kitchen?
As one of Australia’s leading suppliers of commercial kitchen equipment, KW Commercial Kitchen offers:
- A wide range of GN pans, from budget-friendly options to premium stainless steel.
- Fast delivery across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and beyond.
- Expert advice to help you choose the perfect pans for your needs.
Ready to elevate your kitchen? Shop GN pans online now.