Bottle Coolers & Beer Fridges
Ice Cream Displays
Ice Cream Machines
Chest Freezers
Commercial Freezers
Commercial Fridges
Ice Cube Makers and Flakers
Wine Coolers
Bain Maries
Commercial Microwaves
Commercial Sinks
Commercial Ovens
Fryers and Chip Scuttles
Glass and Dishwashers
Pie Warmers & Hot Food Displays
Pizza Ovens
Water Boilers
Bar Supplies
Bowls & Display Baskets
Cash Registers
Chafing Dish Sets & Fuel
Menus & Boards
Table Numbers & Stands
Salt, Pepper & Spice Mills
Crockery
Cutlery
Glassware
Wine Glasses
Bins
Cleaning Chemicals
GreasePak
Janitorial Equipment
Laundry Equipment
Coffee Machines
Juice Dispensers
Juicers
Drink Blenders
Milkshake Blenders
Slush Machines
Water Boilers
Cookware
Gastronorm Containers
Ingredient Bins
Pastry & Baking
Utensils
Pizza Pans & Equipment
Food Storage
Food Transport & Delivery Bags
Folding Furniture
Garden and Outdoor Furniture
High Chairs
Chairs
Tables
33% OFF
Jarvis
Catering SpecialistJarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535
How can we help?
Choose an option below
Select an option to get started. We're here to help!
Product Questions
Specs, suitability, features & comparisons
Other Enquiries
Delivery, warranty, invoices & customer service
APS
Out of Stock
Gastronorm Container 1/4 | Stainless Steel GN Pan | 1.4L Capacity | APS FB658
£20.51
/ exc vat
£24.61/ inc vat
Out of Stock, but not for long
Notify Me
- Cast-Iron Effect
- Melamine Construction
- Standard 1/4 GN Sizing
- Highly Durable
Have a quick question about this product?
Ask instantly →
Product Overview
Thinking of giving your buffet or food display a bit of a rustic makeover? Meet the APS FB658 Gastronorm Container. This clever bit of kit gives you the gorgeous, hefty look of traditional cast iron, but it's actually crafted from incredibly lightweight and durable melamine. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of class to your food presentation without any of the literal heavy lifting associated with real cast iron or standard steel pans.
This pan is an absolute must-have for any business that takes its food presentation seriously. We’re talking event caterers, hotel breakfast buffets, busy delis, and gastropubs. Because it's a standard gastronorm 1/4 size container, it slots perfectly into your existing setup, whether that's a refrigerated counter or a tabletop display. It’s a simple swap that makes a massive visual impact, helping your fresh salads, antipasti, or pastries look even more appealing.
Ultimately, this isn't just another container; it’s a smart upgrade. You get a premium, artisan look that customers love, combined with the practical, hard-wearing, and dishwasher-safe performance that your team needs. It’s a modern, stylish alternative to the everyday 1/4 gastronorm container stainless steel, designed to make your food the star of the show and stand up to the rigours of a commercial environment.
Key Features and Benefits
- Cast-Iron Effect: Achieves a premium, rustic aesthetic for standout food presentation.
- Melamine Construction: Makes it incredibly lightweight and resistant to chipping or breaking.
- Standard 1/4 GN Sizing: Fits perfectly into standard buffet stations and prep counters.
- Highly Durable: Built to withstand the daily knocks of a busy kitchen.
- Dishwasher Safe: Guarantees quick, easy, and hygienic cleaning after service.
- Lightweight Design: Easy for staff to carry, refill, and transport safely.
- 1.4 Litre Capacity: A versatile size for serving everything from salads to sides.
- Non-Glazed Foot: Provides excellent stability and makes the pans easy to stack.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: APS
- SKU: FB658
- Material: Melamine
- Colour: Black
- Dimensions: 85(H) x 162(W) x 265(D) mm
- Gastronorm Size: 1/4 GN
- Weight: 0.53kg
- Capacity: 1.4 Litres | 49¼oz
Expert Review and Insights
The APS FB658 is a real gem for anyone in the buffet game. It solves the age-old problem of wanting beautiful, rustic displayware without the impracticality of real cast iron. It’s tough, looks the business, and is a breeze for staff to handle. It instantly lifts the perceived value of what you're serving, which is a massive win for any food display.
Hannah Cartwright – Buffet Equipment View Profile →
- Presentation Pro: The cast-iron look is incredibly convincing and elevates any food display.
- Heat Sensitive: Remember, it's for display only—not suitable for ovens or hot holding.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Copper Kettle, a popular café in York, was looking to refresh its salad bar. Their existing mix of ceramic bowls and standard steel pans were heavy, prone to chipping, and didn't match their rustic interior aesthetic.
"These APS pans were a revelation. They look just like cast iron, which fits our vibe perfectly, but they’re so light the team can swap them out in seconds. Our salad counter looks more premium and cohesive than ever before."
Robert Hughes – Owner, The Copper Kettle
The switch resulted in a complete stop to breakages and staff reported that refreshing the entire display is now 40% faster during busy lunch rushes.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Give the pan a quick wash with warm, soapy water before its first use.
- As a standard gastronorm 1/4 size container, it will slot right into existing compatible refrigeration units or display stands.
- Plan your display! The black cast-iron effect looks fantastic next to wood, slate, and white porcelain.
Keeping It Going
- This pan is 100% commercial dishwasher safe for a hassle-free cleanup.
- To maintain its finish, avoid using abrasive scourers or serrated knives directly on the surface.
- Important: This pan is for cold or ambient food presentation only. Do not use in ovens, microwaves, or bain-maries.
- The non-glazed foot allows for stable, neat stacking, saving you valuable storage space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is a 1/4 gastronorm container?
A: It's a standardised size of food pan, measuring 265 x 162mm. This ensures it fits universally in compatible buffet stations, trolleys, and refrigerators across the industry.
Q: Is this pan actually made of cast iron or stainless steel?
A: No, it's cleverly designed to look like cast iron but is made from durable, lightweight melamine. It offers the look without the weight and risk of rust.
Q: Can I use this in my hot cupboard or bain-marie?
A: No. This pan is designed specifically for cold or ambient food presentation and is not suitable for use with direct heat sources like ovens, microwaves, or bain-maries.
Q: Is it really dishwasher safe?
A: Yes, absolutely. It is designed to withstand the rigours of commercial dishwashing, making cleanup quick and easy.
Q: How does the weight compare to a stainless steel 1/4 GN pan?
A: It's significantly lighter. This makes it much easier and safer for staff to carry, especially when full, reducing strain and the risk of accidents.
Q: What does 'non-glazed foot' mean?
A: The base of the pan is slightly textured and unglazed, which helps prevent it from sliding on surfaces and allows for more stable and secure stacking with other pans.
Q: Is the material food-safe?
A: Yes, it is made from 100% food-grade melamine, making it perfectly safe for serving all types of food.
Q: Will it stain with things like tomato sauce or beetroot?
A: Melamine is highly resistant to staining from food acids and strong colours, especially when washed promptly after use.
The APS Advantage: German Engineering Meets Great Design
With APS, you're not just buying a piece of equipment; you're investing in decades of German expertise in creating products that are both beautiful and bulletproof. This 1.4L stainless steel GN pan alternative goes beyond its basic function. It's a tool designed to improve your business operations. The move from heavy, breakable ceramic or dent-prone steel to durable, lightweight melamine means lower replacement costs over time and fewer accidents. It also means your staff can work faster and more safely. For a customer, it transforms a standard food display into something more appealing and professional. This is the APS philosophy: creating smart, reliable, and stylish solutions that deliver tangible value to your kitchen and your bottom line every single day.
Explore more from APSWhy Melamine? The Smart Choice for Stylish Buffets
Ever wondered what makes this commercial 1/4 gastronorm pan so special? It's all down to its melamine construction. But what is melamine? In simple terms, it's a super-tough, nitrogen-rich organic compound that, when cured, becomes a durable thermosetting plastic. Think of it as the superhero of servingware. It can be moulded to look just like premium ceramic or rustic cast iron, but it brings the modern benefits of being lightweight and virtually unbreakable. It’s like getting a heavyweight champion's style in a featherweight's body—it won't chip, shatter, or weigh your staff down during a busy service. This makes it a far safer and more cost-effective choice for a fast-paced commercial environment compared to traditional materials.
Who Should Buy This?
Event Caterers
Create stylish and highly portable food displays for weddings and corporate functions without the weight.
Hotel Buffets
Upgrade the look of your breakfast service for cereals, fruits, and pastries effortlessly.
Farm Shops & Delis
Perfect for beautifully showcasing fresh salads, olives, and antipasti in chilled display counters.
Gastropubs
Ideal for presenting carvery accompaniments or premium bar snacks with an authentic, rustic charm.
Find equipment tailored to your type of business:
Shop for Cafes Shop for Hotels Shop for Restaurants View All Business Types
Why Choose EasyEquipment?
-
Trusted for 50+ Years
We've been kitting out UK kitchens for half a century—we know our onions.
-
Speedy & Free Delivery
Get your gear fast with free UK mainland delivery, often as soon as the next day.
-
Price Match Promise
Find it for less elsewhere? We'll match the price, no quibbles or fuss.
-
Real UK Support
Got a question? Our friendly, UK-based team is on the phone, ready to help you out.
Ready to Order?
Grab the APS FB658 Gastronorm Container today and give your food display the stylish, hard-wearing upgrade it deserves. Ordering is simple and delivery is fast.