What are gastronorm containers?

Gastronorm containers are a type of storage container used in food service and catering industry for holding, storing, and presenting food. The containers of this type are particularly designed to comply with the Gastronorm sizing system, which defines the exact size, shape, and volume of the products. Gastronorm containers are highly popular in the food industry as they are made of stainless steel and other strong materials and are easy to stack or nest together when not in use.

As the containers are all measured to the same standard, they fit into commercial ovens and combi-steamers efficiently and are ideal for any kitchen environment.

What is the Gastronorm Sizing System?

Developed in Switzerland in 1968, the Gastronorm sizing system is essentially a set of standards that determine the exact shape, size, and volume of the storage containers used in food service and catering businesses. According to this system, a GN container may also be referred to as a GN pan, tray, or dish and is measured in metric and imperial sizes. One of the main reasons for introducing this system was to provide industry-standard containers to help in controlling portion costs and ensure accuracy while prepping and serving food.

 

Some of the elements of the Gastronorm sizing system include:

• GN 1/1 – With dimensions of 530 mm x 325 mm x 65 mm and holding 33.3L of food, this is the biggest GN container.

• GN 1/2 – This container is 530 mm long, 325 mm wide, and has a depth of 65 mm and is considered a half-sized version of the GN 1/1 container.

• GN 2/3 – This container is similar to the GN 1/1 but has a volume of 22.3L.

• GN 1/3 – This container is the smallest one with dimensions of 325 mm by 165 mm and a depth of 65 mm, holding 8.5L of food.

Advantages of Using Gastronorm Containers

Gastronorm containers have several advantages, the primary one being their uniform size, which helps in reducing clutter and confusion in the kitchen. Some of the other benefits of using this type of storage containers include:

• Optimal Portion Size – The uniform sizes of the containers make it easier to prepare standard-sized portions for multiple servings. This ensures consistency every time a dish is cooked and served, which is critical for businesses, such as caterers and food service providers.

• Easy to Transport – As the containers are stackable, they are easier to transport, especially between storage and cambro containers or between large ovens and other kitchen products. This also reduces the possibility of breakage and waste.

• Easy to Clean – Gastronorm containers are made of stainless steel and other quality materials, which make them easy to clean and sanitise. Even the lids of the containers are designed to be well-fitting and easy to seal, making it easier to maintain the freshness of the food.

• Cost-effective – Quality GN containers are quite affordable and can be reused for a long time. This makes them cost-effective from both short-term and long-term perspectives.

Where to Buy GN Containers

GN containers can either be bought online or from a dedicated store.

If you're looking to buy gastronorm containers, EasyEquipment is one of the UK's leading suppliers of catering equipment and offers a wide range of GN containers, including GN pans, trays, boxes, and dishes. All containers are measured to the exact size as per the Gastronorm sizing system. EasyEquipment also offers a wide range of other catering equipment such as ovens, heating lamps, cutlery, glassware, etc.

All items purchased from EasyEquipment are covered by the manufacturer's warranty so you can buy in confidence. In case you encounter any issues with your purchase or have any questions or queries, you can easily get in touch with EasyEquipment's friendly customer service team or 24/7 chatbot service. So, these are some of the details you need to know about gastronorm containers and why they are important for food service and catering businesses.

If you're looking for one, make sure you browse through the gastronorm range on EasyEquipment and get the perfect piece of equipment for your commercial kitchen.