Gastronorm – Something you need to know…

If you work in the commercial catering, restaurant, or hospitality industry, you have likely come across the term Gastronorm (often abbreviated as GN). But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important for your culinary operations?

Gastronorm is a globally recognized size standard for kitchenware trays, pans, and containers in the food service industry. Originating in Switzerland in the 1960s, the aim was to standardize the various sizes of pans and trays so that equipment from different manufacturers—such as ovens, refrigerators, chafing dishes, and display counters—could work together seamlessly. Today, the GN standard (officially formalized under the European standard EN 631) is used worldwide, with the exception of the United States, which largely relies on its own domestic system.

The genius of the Gastronorm system lies in its modularity. The benchmark specification is the 1/1 GN (Full GN), which measures 530 x 325 mm. All other sizes are either multiples or fractions of this base size.sunnexproducts+1

Here is a clear breakdown of standard GN sizes and their typical uses in a commercial kitchen:

(Note: The capacity of each pan depends on its depth. Standard depths usually include 65mm, 100mm, 150mm, and 200mm.)

While the size is standardized, GN pans come in various materials to suit different kitchen needs:​

1. Stainless Steel: The most popular choice for cooking, re-heating, and hot food holding. For example, Sunnex offers Sturdy 304 Series Stainless Steel Gastronorm Pans that feature anti-jamming designs, right-angled edges, and excellent rust resistance.

2. Polycarbonate (PC): Transparent and durable. Perfect for cold food storage as you can easily identify the contents inside. It is microwave-safe but not suitable for oven cooking.​

3. Melamine: With a ceramic-like aesthetic, melamine is not for cooking but is ideal for high-end buffet displays and chilling.

Looking to upgrade your catering equipment? Explore our full range of professional Gastronorm Pans to find the perfect sizes, depths, and materials for your restaurant or hotel. If you need more technical advice, check out our detailed guide on How to Choose a GN Pan.

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