How to Choose GN Containers: Sizes & Materials

Choosing the Right GN Containers: Sizes, Materials and Uses

Stapel glänzender Edelstahl-GN-Behälter mit Deckeln in einer Gewerbeküche

Note — This guide is intended for general orientation and does not replace individual professional planning. It is based on typified assumptions and does not take into account the spatial, technical, regulatory and operational conditions of your business. Before making a purchase or installation decision, have all specifications relating to safety, hygiene, fire protection, electrical installations and ventilation checked by a qualified professional, and observe the regulations applicable at your location. For the characteristics of a specific product, only the information on the relevant product page and individually agreed terms are authoritative.

GN containers (Gastronorm containers) are one of the most unassuming yet essential standard parts of any commercial kitchen: they make sure refrigerated counters, combi steamers, bain-marie counters and transport containers all fit together. If you’re buying for the first time or extending your range, size, material and depth are the main things to get right.

1. Gastronorm as a Shared Sizing System

The designation GN 1/1, GN 1/2, GN 1/3 and so on indicates what fraction of the standardised base area (530 × 325 mm) a container takes up. This system means containers from different manufacturers can be combined in the same pass, the same refrigerated counter or the same combi steamer — a key advantage when planning a kitchen.

2. Choose the Right Material for the Job

Stainless steel is robust, heat-resistant and equally suited to combi steamers, hot-holding and dishwashers. Polycarbonate is transparent, more break-resistant than standard plastic and heat-resistant up to certain temperatures — useful when you need to see the contents at a glance. Polypropylene is light, inexpensive and well suited to cold storage and transport, but generally can’t withstand high temperatures.

3. Plan Depth Around the Contents

Alongside the footprint (1/1, 1/2, 1/3 …), depth (e.g. 65, 100, 150, 200 mm) matters: shallow containers suit hot-holding at the pass, deeper containers suit storing larger quantities. Choosing too deep wastes space in refrigerated counters with a fixed installation height.

4. Don’t Forget Lids and Accessories

Matching lids extend the shelf life of stored goods and prevent spills during transport. Since lids and containers are usually stocked separately, it’s worth planning both together rather than searching for the matching piece afterwards.

You’ll find the full range of GN containers in stainless steel (Basic) or Standard, Polycarbonate and Polypropylene, along with matching lids and accessories, in our GN Containers & Accessories category.