1. Understanding the Gastronorm Pan

A gastronorm pan, often called a GN Container, is a standardized food tray used throughout the catering and hospitality industries for storing, cooking, and serving food efficiently. The key to its popularity lies in the GN sizing system, which allows seamless compatibility with various kitchen equipment like bain-maries, Chafing Dishes, refrigerated counters, and combi ovens. This standardization ensures that pans of different depths and dimensions can fit perfectly into the same equipment layout.

UKW’s GN containers are crafted from high-quality stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance and thermal performance. stainless steel gn pans can withstand extreme temperature ranges—from freezing cold storage to high-temperature steam cooking—without warping or degrading. This makes them an indispensable tool in commercial kitchens where both hygiene and durability are critical. Compared with plastic or aluminum alternatives, stainless steel maintains its appearance even after frequent washing, retaining a professional presentation for open-kitchen or buffet setups.

Beyond their professional look, gastronorm pans enable organizational efficiency. Each size corresponds to a fraction of the standard GN 1/1 base size (530 × 325 mm). For example, a GN 1/2 pan is half the size of the full standard, while GN 1/3 or GN 1/4 pans offer additional configuration flexibility. This modularity allows chefs to combine multiple pans within one counter or chafing unit, maximizing space while accommodating a diverse menu selection.

2. Preparing Food with Gastronorm Pans

Using a gastronorm pan starts with proper preparation, which ensures that the material’s properties are fully utilized. Before first use, it is advisable to wash the pan thoroughly with warm water and mild detergent to remove any manufacturing residues. When handling food that requires marination or pre-portioning, stainless steel gn containers from UKW provide a neutral surface that does not absorb flavors, odors, or colors, guaranteeing ingredient purity.

For cold preparation, such as salads, desserts, or seafood, the GN pan’s thermal conductivity ensures uniform cooling when placed in refrigerated counters or ice wells. By keeping ingredients evenly chilled, food safety standards can be maintained without excessive condensation. UKW offers GN containers in different depths—ranging from 20 mm shallow trays for garnishes to 150 mm deep pans for large batch storage—allowing users to select the optimal configuration for their menu type.

When used for cooking applications, such as in steam ovens or bain-maries, the stainless steel GN pan delivers consistent heat transfer. This enables even cooking without hot spots. To enhance non-stick performance, a light coat of cooking oil or baking liner can be used, especially for baked or roasted dishes. The strong structural rigidity of UKW GN containers prevents deformation under high-temperature steam or oven heat, ensuring long-term shape retention even after hundreds of cycles.

During food processing, GN containers can also act as temporary workstations. Chefs can mix, marinate, or toss ingredients directly in the pan before transferring them to cooking equipment. The smooth, rounded corners of UKW GN pans make cleaning simple and prevent food residue buildup—an essential detail for hygiene compliance in commercial kitchens.

3. Cooking and Holding Food

Gastronorm pans are designed to integrate perfectly into hot holding equipment, keeping food warm during service. When used in a bain-marie, the stainless steel body of the UKW GN container evenly distributes heat from the surrounding water bath, preventing localized overheating. This maintains both temperature stability and moisture retention in the served dishes.

For steam cooking, GN containers with perforations are particularly effective. The small holes allow steam to circulate freely, ensuring gentle cooking for vegetables, seafood, and dumplings. In contrast, solid pans are preferred for stews, sauces, or any dish containing liquid. By selecting the correct pan type—solid or perforated—kitchen operators can precisely control moisture and cooking outcomes. UKW provides both designs in various depths, allowing flexibility between dry and moist cooking methods.

In combi-oven systems, gastronorm pans are highly valued for their multi-functionality. They can be moved directly from the preparation counter to the oven, then to the service line, reducing handling time and minimizing contamination risks. The stainless steel construction allows pans to withstand temperatures up to 300 °C, and the uniform surface guarantees reliable heat distribution for roasting meats or baking pastries.

When food is ready to serve, the same GN pan can transition to the hot display counter or buffet line. Thanks to the standardized sizing, it fits perfectly into chafing dishes and warming trays. Using UKW GN lids or roll-top covers helps retain heat while maintaining an elegant presentation. Additionally, inserting smaller fraction pans inside larger ones allows chefs to separate side dishes or sauces without additional serving equipment, further improving operational convenience.

4. Storing and Transporting Food

One of the greatest advantages of gastronorm pans is their versatility in storage and transport. Stainless steel pans can be stacked neatly without warping, saving space in refrigerators or storage racks. For cold chain operations, they can move directly from the preparation area to the refrigerator or freezer, ensuring minimal temperature fluctuation and compliance with HACCP food safety standards.

When used for storage, airtight lids or covers are essential to maintain freshness. UKW provides matching stainless steel or polycarbonate lids that tightly seal the container, preventing contamination and preserving moisture content. This is particularly useful for pre-cooked meals, sauces, or desserts that need to be stored overnight. Labeling can be applied on the flat lid surface for clear identification and easy inventory control.

For transporting food, GN containers are compatible with insulated boxes and food carriers. Their robust edges and consistent sizing allow for efficient stacking, reducing movement during delivery. Caterers appreciate the convenience of transferring full pans directly to event sites without repackaging, minimizing food handling time. Moreover, stainless steel’s resistance to impact and corrosion ensures that the pans maintain their appearance and hygiene even after repeated transportation cycles.

In large-scale kitchen environments, GN containers simplify the workflow between stations—from preparation to cooking, storage, and service—without the need to switch containers. This streamlining not only saves labor but also reduces cleaning requirements. UKW’s containers are designed with smooth, polished interiors that resist sticking, allowing quick washing in commercial dishwashers or by hand.

5. Best Practices and Maintenance

To achieve optimal performance and longevity, proper maintenance of gastronorm pans is essential. Although stainless steel is highly resistant to rust, it can still be affected by harsh chemicals or prolonged exposure to salty water. Therefore, after each use, the pan should be cleaned with mild detergent and warm water, then thoroughly dried. Avoid abrasive scouring pads that may scratch the polished surface; instead, use soft cloths or non-metallic sponges.

For operations involving high-acid foods like tomatoes or citrus sauces, it is advisable to rinse the pan immediately after use to prevent discoloration. UKW’s stainless steel GN containers are constructed from food-grade 18/8 or 18/10 steel, providing excellent protection against corrosion and maintaining a bright, mirror-like finish even under heavy use.

Regular inspection of lids and edges is also recommended. If a lid becomes bent or deformed, it can reduce sealing performance, so replacement should be considered. When stacking GN pans, ensure that the surfaces are completely dry to prevent trapped moisture that could cause stains over time. To extend product lifespan, store the containers in a well-ventilated cabinet rather than enclosed humid environments.

Another maintenance tip involves temperature management. Avoid moving the pan directly from a freezer into a hot oven, as sudden thermal shock can cause warping. Instead, allow a short tempering period to stabilize the material. With correct handling, a high-quality GN container from UKW can maintain structural integrity and visual appeal for many years, making it a long-term investment for any professional kitchen.

Conclusion

A gastronorm pan is far more than a simple food tray—it is a universal system that integrates preparation, cooking, storage, and serving into one standardized workflow. Whether used in hotels, restaurants, catering services, or institutional kitchens, it delivers both efficiency and consistency.

UKW’s stainless steel GN containers represent this standard at its best: durable, hygienic, and precisely manufactured to fit any professional kitchen setup. By choosing UKW, users benefit from decades of experience in kitchenware design and manufacturing, ensuring every pan performs flawlessly under demanding conditions.

For chefs and caterers aiming to streamline their kitchen operations, mastering how to use a gastronorm pan is a vital step toward higher productivity and food safety—and with UKW’s reliable GN solutions, that process becomes easier, cleaner, and more professional.