Plastic Food Pans

Restaurant Food Pans: What You Need to Know

Commercial food pans are uniform storage units that can be transferred between different types of commercial restaurant equipment. Plastic food pans come in a variety of sizes, types, and materials, which means they also have a wide range of prices. Choosing the right ones for your establishment's needs can save you money in the long run and prevent headaches while you serve your customers.

Common Questions About Plastic Food Pans

What do the different sizes mean?

A full-size restaurant food pan is approximately 20³⁄₄ inches by 12³⁄₄ inches, and each subsequent size is measured in fractions of those measurements, ranging from half pans down to ninth pans. While the width and height of each pan size are the same, the depth varies based on which model of plastic restaurant pan you choose.

What materials are commercial food pans made of?

Plastic, melamine, polypropylene, and polycarbonate food pans are nonporous and nonstick, which eases cleaning and prevents flavor transfer from one dish to the next. They come in a variety of grades, including heat-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and shatter-resistant options. Here are some common food pan materials:

Plastic food pans typically are nonstick, may or may not have handles, and are available in high-temp options that withstand higher temperatures than other pan materials. These pans are suitable for heated applications as high as 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Clear polycarbonate food pans don't become hazy or cloudy from recurrent use as easily as some other options, and they're designed to resist shattering and jamming. These pans come in several colors; some models can be used for high-temp applications.

Melamine pans come in the widest range of colors and usually are used in customer-facing applications due to their polished appearance. Melamine resists stains and isn't suitable for high-temp use.

Polypropylene pans are durable, affordable, BPA free, and compatible with most dish soaps and cleansers. They're translucent in appearance and are compatible with refrigerated and frozen storage applications.

What other features should I look for in a plastic food pan?

• Clear food pans are unobtrusive and allow staff to check how much food remains in the pan, so clear food pans are good choices for buffets.
• Amber food pans normally are high-temperature models, and this coloration enables users to tell them apart quickly from general-purpose models.
• Black food pans can be high-temperature models, or they can be colored black to match surrounding buffet features.
• Blue, red, orange, and white pans can be used to match an existing restaurant aesthetic, or they can be employed in a color-coded system to prevent cross contamination.
• Pans with built-in handles provide a sturdy grip and can speed up the pan replacement process, especially when working with hot holding equipment.
• Stackable pans take up less storage space than options that don't stack, so if storage space is at a premium in your kitchen, look for stacking options.