Gastronorm Sizes Buyer's Guide

Standardised for the Catering Industry

Gastronorm sizes were set up by the European Standards Committee as a way of standardising container sizes in the Catering Industry, making purchasing, equipment compatibility and kitchen use a lot simpler & more efficient.

If a product states a gastronorm size it needs to conform to the European Standard of EN631to be guaranteed. Take a look at our quick reference guides below.

Sizing Guide

1/9 - 108 x 176mm
1/6 - 176 x 162mm
1/4 - 265 x 163mm (quarter)
1/3 - 325 x 176mm
1/2 - 325 x 265mm (half)
1/1 - 530 x 325mm (full)
2/1 - 650 x 530mm (double)
2/3 - 354 x 325mm
2/4 - 530 x 162mm

Proportions Chart

Standard Depths

20mm
40mm
65mm
100mm|
150mm
200mm

Materials & Products

Stainless Steel Gastronorm Containers

• Gastronorm containers typically come in Stainless Steel, which provides good heat retention for hot foods.

• Stainless Steel containers are very strong and therefore provide great durability for a wide range of temperatures, from Oven Cooking to Blast Chilling, and Bain Maries or Buffet Display. 

• Aesthetically, the steel polished effect works well with Buffet presentations, and the heat retaining properties are ideal when coupled with hot plates or display counters. Prepara provide high quality, budget friendly options for Gastronorm Containers.

Polycarbonate / Polypropylene

• Gastronorm Containers can also be made of forms of Polycarbonate or Polypropylene, an extremely strong material which is ideal for cold food storage and display. 

• With temperature ranges of -40 to +99 degrees celsius, it stays cool to the touch for efficient handling and transportation. Most polycarbonate containers are deemed 'virtually unbreakable' but it is always important to consult the manufacturer before purchase. 

• Due to the nature of Gastronorm sizing, most containers, regardless to material can be matched to the correctly sized lids and strainers. Cambro provide a wide range of Polycarbonate Gastronorm Containers, in coloured or transparent options.

Ovens & Shelving

• Another use for Gastronorm Sizing is when considering ovens and respective oven equipment.. 

• With many ovens stating the shelving size in Gastronorm equivalents, so you know before purchasing exactly what Kitchen Equipment can fit onto the shelving, therefore maximising your catering operations output and efficiency. 

• Rational sell 1/1 sized Griddle Grids exactly for this purpose.

Chafing & Buffet Display

• Similarly to the ovens and griddles mentioned above, Lockhart offer Gastronorm Chafing Dishes, designed for Buffet Display. 

• With Buffet Presentation it is important to get the details right, and having Gastronorm sizing on hot plates and hot display products makes life a lot simpler when considering products for display purposes.