What are steel gastronorm containers used for?

An irreplaceable part of the equipment of a store, restaurant, warehouse is a stainless steel gastronorm container . This practical product looks like a spacious rectangular baking tray with high walls. It serves at the same time as utensils, a place for storing and laying out ready-made dishes. To choose such equipment for a business, it is important to know its types, features and methods of use.

What are steel gastronorm containers used for?

The multifunctional container first appeared in Switzerland in 1964 . Thirty years later it was approved by the British Standards Institution. Simple and convenient equipment made it possible to maximize the space of kitchen appliances and ensure safe storage of food. Depending on the material, gastronorm containers are used for baking dough, meat, fish, heating, cooling. In catering establishments, containers serve as demonstration trays for semi-finished products and baked goods. The product of shallow depth is used in canteens and food courts as serving dishes or gravy boats.

Gastronorm containers are often found in kitchen appliances, including:

• refrigerators;
• freezers;
• food warmers ;
• thermal showcases;
• multifunctional ovens.

Perforated containers are suitable for steaming food.

Types of steel gastronorm containers

Deep pans are made from a variety of materials, including polypropylene , melamine, Tritan, glass and ceramic . But stainless steel equipment has gained the greatest popularity in the culinary business. It is resistant to physical impact and temperature changes, does not oxidize upon contact with food, and is easy to clean. The aesthetic appearance makes stainless steel equipment the best option for displaying ready-made dishes in food courts, supermarkets, and hotels with a buffet system.

By size

There is an international system of dimensions for gastrocontainers. The measurement is based on a standard container 530 cm long and 325 cm wide. This format is marked GN 1/1 , it is considered basic. There are 9 more volumes, differing in length and width. The maximum size is GN 2/1 , with parameters 530 by 650 cm, the minimum is GN 1/9 , the size of which is 176 X 108 cm.

The depth of the product is important. It varies from 2 to 20 cm. Deep gastronorm containers are shaped like boxes and are used for storing large volumes of products. Small items look like pallets. They are used for baking and frying in a combi oven, laying out ready-made dishes, and storing in the refrigerator.

Despite the system of standards, the volume of baking sheets produced by different manufacturers is not the same. The dimensions are taken into account along the perimeter of the upper part, but the bottom can be equipped with rounded corners.

By purpose

Gastronorm containers are considered multifunctional equipment that can be used in kitchens, warehouses, and catering establishments. Despite the many applications, the equipment can be divided into 3 broad categories:

for storage - containers with a wall depth of more than 10 cm. They are used during transportation and temporary storage of products, and can be installed in refrigerators and freezers. Many models are equipped with lids and handles;

for heat treatment - medium-depth products with a non-stick coating. They serve as utensils for baking, boiling, frying and stewing meat, fish and potatoes. The equipment is compatible with an oven, combi oven, food warmer, and a thermal display case. Perforated containers are intended for cooking in a water bath and baking bread;

display - wide trays with wall heights from 2 to 10 cm. They can be two- or three-sectional. Such models are typical for canteens, prepared food departments in supermarkets, and food courts.

All types of equipment are suitable for transporting food products in cold and warm conditions.

Etcadvantages of gastronorm containers

Stainless steel containers help optimize space and reduce the number of kitchen utensils. Since the dimensions of the trays comply with international standards, they can be easily combined with sinks, refrigerators, stoves, storage compartments and dishwashers.

Gastronorm containers are strong, durable, ideally conduct heat, which is convenient for cooking in the oven and deep cooling.

The shiny surface and ability to retain heat make stainless steel baking trays indispensable for serving buffets. Dishes can be served directly from the oven without transferring to another dish.

An important advantage is the modularity of gastronorm containers. They are easily installed on top of each other, which saves space and simplifies transportation. In recent years, various devices have appeared that make containers even more convenient - grilles, lids, lid latches, stands.

Popular brands

When choosing gastronomy containers for business, consider factors such as durability, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with culinary equipment. These requirements are fully met by the products of well-known companies that produce kitchen equipment.

Two brands deserve good customer reviews:

Prohotel is an exclusive brand from the Complex-Bar company, made in China, which has been one of the most popular brands for 20 years.

Restola is an excellent domestic brand, it produces very high-quality gastronorm containers made of plastic, and is also very popular both in horeca and in food production and even in medical organizations.

The products of these companies can be purchased online, including in our Complex-Bar online store.