A 1/1 Gastronorm (GN) pan is the foundational size used across commercial kitchens worldwide. From hotels and restaurants to catering operations and buffet equipment, the GN sizing system ensures compatibility among pans, shelves, steam tables, chillers, and combi ovens. This article explains the standard dimensions of a 1/1 gn pan, the variations in depth available, how each depth is used, and how to choose the right size for specific applications. As a manufacturer of durable and professional GN pans, UKW provides a full range of European-style 1/1 GN pans designed for long-term use in demanding kitchen environments.
A 1/1 GN pan conforms to the global Gastronorm standard, meaning its length and width remain constant regardless of depth. A GN pan labeled “1/1” always measures:
530 mm × 325 mm (length × width)
What varies is the depth, which determines the volume it can hold. The deeper the pan, the more liters of food it accommodates. European-style GN pans from UKW follow these exact standard measurements to ensure compatibility with all GN-compatible equipment.
A 1/1 GN pan is manufactured in multiple depths to serve different needs in commercial kitchens. Below is a reference list showing common depth specifications and their corresponding volumes.
| Size (1/1 GN) | Thickness (mm) | Dimensions (mm) | Approx. Volume (L) | Qty/CTN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mm depth | 0.6 | 530 × 325 × 20 | 2 L | 6 |
| 40 mm depth | 0.6 | 530 × 325 × 40 | 5 L | 6 |
| 65 mm depth | 0.6 | 530 × 325 × 65 | 8 L | 6 |
| 100 mm depth | 0.6 | 530 × 325 × 100 | 14 L | 6 |
| 150 mm depth | 0.7 | 530 × 325 × 150 | 19 L | 6 |
| 200 mm depth | 0.7 | 530 × 325 × 200 | 26 L | 6 |
These depth variations allow chefs to choose the correct size for preparation, storage, display, heating, or chilling tasks. UKW provides all these depths in European-style stainless steel construction for kitchens that require consistency, durability, and uniform pan compatibility.
A single 1/1 pan size offers incredible flexibility because the depth determines its ideal application. Kitchens can combine several depths throughout daily service depending on workflow and storage needs.
These shallow pans are frequently used for serving and display, particularly in heated buffet counters or chilled salad bars. The shallow design enables faster heat transfer and keeps food arranged neatly. They are also ideal for pastries, garnishes, or thin layers of cooked items that require even exposure.
These sizes balance capacity and accessibility. They are widely used for ingredients during preparation, hot holding in steam tables, or cooling freshly cooked dishes. Their depth prevents excessive stacking while still holding a substantial amount of food.
Deep GN pans serve larger-volume needs such as stews, soups, marinated meats, bulk rice, pasta, or chilled storage. Their large capacity makes them useful for transport, long-duration holding, or oven roasting in GN-compatible systems.
Choosing the correct depth depends on what the kitchen needs in terms of storage, temperature control, and workflow. Several factors influence the ideal selection.
Dense or liquid foods require deeper pans, while delicate items or foods displayed in a buffet benefit from shallow pans.
A high-volume kitchen requires larger depths for bulk storage and preparation. Smaller operations may prefer medium-depth pans for versatility.
Steam tables, combi ovens, blast chillers, and refrigerated counters all support GN pans differently. Choosing a depth that fits each piece of equipment ensures smooth service.
Deep pans hold more food, but they also become heavier. Kitchens should choose depths that staff can handle comfortably during daily routines.
Shallow pans help maintain consistency in presentation, portioning, and replenishment cycles. For buffet lines, this contributes to better food quality and reduced waste.
Many kitchens use a combination of shallow and deep pans to cover preparation, storage, and service needs. UKW provides uniform sizing across depths so pans stack easily and integrate efficiently.
Yes. All UKW European-style GN pans are produced in the standard 530 × 325 size to ensure full compatibility with GN steam tables, ovens, chillers, trolleys, and refrigerated counters.
Customers can request different thickness options depending on durability requirements. UKW offers both 0.6 mm and 0.7 mm thickness for 1/1 GN pans, supporting heavy-duty use where needed.
It depends on the food type and service environment. Shallow pans are best for display, medium depths for prep and cooking, and deep pans for large quantities. UKW provides all available depths to give chefs maximum flexibility.
Yes. Matching lids are available to maintain hygiene, heat retention, and spill protection during transport or storage.
UKW pans are made from European-grade stainless steel capable of withstanding oven use, steam table heat, and rapid temperature changes.
Yes. All 1/1 GN pans are designed to stack securely without sticking, making storage and transport easier.
A 1/1 Gastronorm pan maintains a universal base size of 530 × 325 mm, but comes in a wide range of depths—from 20 mm to 200 mm—to support different kitchen tasks. Shallow pans excel in display and quick-service environments, medium-depth pans serve versatile prep and cooking needs, and deep pans accommodate large-batch production. UKW’s European-style 1/1 GN pans provide consistent quality, precision thickness, and durable construction, ensuring compatibility with all GN equipment and efficiency in professional kitchens.
By understanding the full depth range and the use cases of each category, chefs and operators can select the ideal combination of GN pans that enhance organization, workflow, and food-service performance across their operations.