If you’ve ever worked in a professional kitchen, buffet restaurant, or catering service, chances are you’ve seen stainless steel trays neatly lined up inside bain-maries, chafing dishes, or salad bars. These aren’t random containers—they follow a standardized sizing system known as Gastronorm, or simply GN.
But what do those numbers mean—like GN 1/1, GN 1/2, or GN 1/3? How big are they really? And how do you choose the right one for your kitchen setup?
This guide breaks it all down in a simple way. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, hotel chef, or food equipment distributor, understanding GN container sizes can make your workflow smoother and your equipment purchases smarter.
What Is a GN Container?
A GN container (short for Gastronorm container) is a standardized food storage and serving pan used in the foodservice industry. It’s an international standard (EN 631) used in restaurants, hotels, catering businesses, and even home kitchens.
These containers come in different sizes and depths, but they all share a common width and length ratio that allows them to fit into compatible equipment—such as steam tables, buffet displays, refrigerated counters, and oven trays—without wasting space.
Most GN containers are made of stainless steel, but they can also be found in polycarbonate or polypropylene versions for cold storage or salad bars.
Heavybao Stainless Steel GN Containers
Why GN Sizes Matter?
The beauty of the GN system is its compatibility. Once you understand the sizes, you can mix and match containers confidently.
For example, a full-size GN 1/1 pan perfectly fits into a chafing dish designed for GN 1/1. Two GN 1/2 pans will fit in the same space, side by side. Three GN 1/3 pans will also fit perfectly.
This standardization saves you time and money—it means your trays, lids, and kitchen equipment from different brands can work together. That’s why commercial kitchen equipment suppliers like Heavybao and others always design their buffetware and kitchenware based on GN standards.
The Standard GN Container Sizes Explained
Let’s break down the common GN container sizes and what each one means in practical terms.
| GN Size | Dimensions (mm) | Common Use |
| GN 1/1 | 530 × 325 | Full-size pan; used in ovens, buffet tables, steamers |
| GN 1/2 | 325 × 265 | Half-size; ideal for side dishes or smaller portions |
| GN 1/3 | 325 × 176 | Common for sauces, salads, or desserts |
| GN 2/3 | 354 × 325 | Slightly larger than half-size; used for roasts or main dishes |
| GN 1/4 | 265 × 162 | Great for toppings, sauces, condiments |
| GN 1/6 | 176 × 162 | Ideal for salad bars and small items |
| GN 1/9 | 108 × 176 | Perfect for dressings, garnishes, small servings |
Each GN size can come in different depths—typically 20mm, 40mm, 65mm, 100mm, 150mm, or 200mm.
Understanding Depth and Capacity
Depth isn’t just a number—it directly affects how much food you can store or cook in a pan.
For example:
● GN 1/1 20mm → around 3 liters
● GN 1/1 65mm → around 9 liters
● GN 1/1 150mm → around 21 liters
When choosing the right depth, think about what you’ll use the pan for:
● 20–40mm: Best for shallow dishes like gratins, baked fish, or display items.
● 65–100mm: Perfect for most cooking, steaming, or holding cooked foods.
● 150–200mm: Great for soups, stews, or deep storage.
Most professional kitchens keep several depths on hand for flexibility.
Common Materials: Stainless Steel vs Plastic GN Pans
The material of your GN container matters as much as its size. Here are the main types you’ll find:
Stainless Steel GN Pans
● Extremely durable and resistant to corrosion.
● Suitable for both hot and cold applications.
● Can go straight from freezer to oven to dishwasher.
● Commonly found in professional setups.
Heavybao stainless steel GN pans are a great example—they’re made from high-grade 201 or 304 stainless steel, offering strong resistance to rust and easy cleaning.
Polycarbonate GN Pans
● Transparent—ideal for quick identification of food.
● Used mostly for cold storage, salad bars, or refrigerated counters.
● Lightweight and resistant to cracking.
Polypropylene GN Pans
● Economical option for cold storage.
● Slightly softer than polycarbonate.
● Great for prep areas and ingredient organization.
In most restaurants, you’ll find stainless steel GN containers for cooking and hot holding, and plastic GN containers for cold prep or storage.
Practical Applications in Foodservice
Let’s see how GN containers fit into different parts of the food industry:
Restaurants and Hotels: Chefs use GN pans in ovens, steamers, and bain-maries for cooking and keeping food warm. The standardized sizing allows for efficient food rotation and temperature control.
Catering and Buffet Service: GN pans are used in chafing dishes and buffet displays. For example, a hotel breakfast setup might include GN 1/1 pans for scrambled eggs, GN 1/2 for bacon and sausages, and GN 1/3 for vegetables.
Refrigerated Counters and Salad Bars: Plastic GN containers are ideal for storing ingredients in cold counters. A salad bar might use several GN 1/6 and 1/9 pans for toppings, dressings, and fruits.
Bakery and Pastry Shops: Bakers often use GN 1/1 or 2/3 trays for baking pastries, storing dough, or cooling finished goods.
Food Delivery and Meal Prep: Some caterers use GN containers for food transport boxes because they fit perfectly in insulated carriers or trolleys.
How to Choose the Right GN Container?
Here are a few simple tips to help you pick the right GN containers for your needs:
Check Equipment Compatibility: Make sure your oven, warmer, or chafing dish is designed for GN-sized containers.
Decide on Material: Stainless steel for cooking and heat, plastic for cold prep and storage.
Choose the Right Depth: Consider portion size, cooking volume, and stacking requirements.
Use Lids for Better Hygiene: Many GN containers have flat, perforated, or domed lids. Perforated ones are perfect for steaming, while domed lids are great for display.
Look for Stackable and Easy-to-Clean Designs: Heavybao GN containers, for instance, are stackable and feature smooth edges that make cleaning easier and safer.
Customization and Branding Options
Many manufacturers now offer custom logo printing or engraving on GN containers. This helps with branding or organization in larger kitchens.
Heavybao provides customized GN containers upon request—customers can choose the material, depth, and even laser-engraved logos. This is a great option for hotel chains, catering services, or distributors looking for private-label kitchenware.
Stainless Steel GN Containers Manufacturer & Supplier
Conclusion
Understanding GN container sizes—like GN 1/1, GN 1/2, and GN 1/3—is essential for anyone working in foodservice. With standardized dimensions, versatile materials, and different depths, GN containers make it easy to prepare, serve, and store food in any professional environment.
If you’re looking for durable and customizable GN containers, Heavybao is a trusted supplier offering a complete range of stainless steel GN pans, buffetware, and catering equipment. Contact us at seven@bestlidyaliyun.com for more detailed information.
