

An excerpt from the Vollrath layout guide for hotel pans. But when smaller pans are used, adaptor bars are used to span the opening and provide a place for the lips of the smaller pans to rest upon.īy using different sizes of pan with adaptor bars, the configuration options are nearly limitless. But a number of smaller pans can be used in that same space to separate foods.įull size pans fit directly into the well of the steam table (the recessed portion that is filled with water) and are held by the lip of the pan resting on the surface of the steam table itself.
STAINLESS STEEL STEAM PAN FULL SIZE
In such a grid, a full size hotel pan would take up one entire section, either vertically or horizontally depending on orientation. Steam tables are set up like a grid to hold numerous pans in any number of configurations. This size is important because it is also used by equipment manufacturers as they design things like steam tables and prep tables to accommodate these standard size pans. A full size hotel pan is 12 inches by 20 inches. Over the years, hotel pans have settled into several standards including their dimensions and depths. The term “ hotel pan” has become a familiar shorthand way to refer to a group of (mainly) rectangular pans used for food service. Hotel pans are used by restaurants and caterers as a key part of their prep and serving lines. The name lives on even outside the hotel and hospitality industry. And they needed a durable pan to accomplish all this. To do so, they needed to prepare and serve food in large quantities. You might have heard someone say that they have “the early seating for dinner” meaning that they are designated to eat at the earlier of two specified meal times.īecause these hotel operators would designate meal times, they needed to serve large groups of diners at the same time.

This practice is still commonly observed on cruise ships. In days gone by, hotel operators would have designated meal times for their guests. The common wisdom is that the term comes from Europe (probably France). The origin of the name “hotel pan” is a bit of a mystery. > Shop All Food Pans & Accessories > Why Are They Called Hotel Pans?

Let’s explore the answers together! A variety of hotel pans in various sizes & configurations. How did they get that name? Are their different types of hotel pan? What are they used for? They are known for their versatility and durability.īut there is more to learn about hotel pans. Hotel pans are a kitchen favorite because of their ability to go from refrigerator, to prep line, to holding cabinet and finally to the serving line. They are also used in chafers as a key part of catering. Hotel pans sometimes referred to as “ steam table pans,” “ service pans” or “ counter pans.” As you might imagine, hotel pans are often used in steam tables to hold food for serving. They are used in many facets of the restaurant and catering industries. Hotel pans are food pans used for food storage, holding and serving.
