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Gastronorm

GN 1/9, GN 2/3, GN 2/1 etc. What exactly does the abbreviation GN mean and what are the different sizes of GN containers? The question of the combination of containers is also explored in this magazine article.

gefüllte Gastro-Behälter in einer Küche

What does Gastronorm mean?

Gastronorm is about the size of containers, which are not only stackable into each other, but also universally applicable. Gastronorm, according to which containers are manufactured, was established on November 17, 1964 by the Swiss Association for Hospital, Home and Community Catering and the Swiss Hotelier Association. Since then, it has been an internationally accepted measure of the size of containers used in the catering industry. Gastronorm containers are specified according to the international Gastronorm: DIN 66075 in Germany and EN 631 in the EU.

Gastronorm - where is the standard used?

Gastronorm containers are available in various standardized sizes. Length and width are always the same. The capacity differs depending on the depth of the container. They are indispensable in gastronomy and large kitchens: whether for storing food and ingredients, for holding ready meals at the buffet or for mise en place. Due to their standardized external dimensions, the containers can be used in almost all catering equipment designed for this purpose, such as chafing dishes, bain-maries, ovens, kettles, combi steamers, refrigerators or refrigeration equipment. It does not matter which manufacturer the appliance is from. GN containers can also be used in buffet systems or serving trolleys. Matching lids are offered for all variants.

Dimensions of Gastronorm

The use of standardized sizes makes it easy to replace food containers in restaurants, food processing plants and commercial kitchens. The basic 1/1 GN size is 325×530 mm. Smaller dimensions are given in fractions relative to the basic dimension.

Possible sizes are:

  • GN 1/9 : 108 x 176 mm
  • GN 1/6 : 176 x 162 mm
  • GN 1/4 : 265 x 163 mm
  • GN 1/3 : 325 x 176 mm
  • GN 1/2 : 325 x 265 mm
  • GN 2/3 : 354 x 325 mm
  • GN 1/1 : 530 x 325 mm
  • GN 2/1 : 650 x 530 mm

What are the advantages of the standard?

The use of standardized containers brings many advantages to companies! Since GN containers can be easily combined with each other and with all types of equipment, production processes can be accelerated and simplified. In addition, storage capacities can be ideally utilized due to the standardized dimensions. In addition, the size and depth of the inserts can be adapted in the best possible way, built-in elements can be interchanged as required, and there is consistency with machines and apparatus.

Did you know?

The standard only specifies external dimensions. Therefore, differences can occur between different producers of standardized containers, for example at the corner radii. Therefore, despite standardized external dimensions, problems may arise when stacking GN containers from different manufacturers on top of each other. Also make sure that you do not confuse Gastronorm (GN) and Euronorm (EN)!

What are the special features of GN containers?

Gastronorm containers are available in various materials. Widely used in the catering industry are containers made of stainless steel, plastic (polypropylene), melamine and porcelain. Further distinctions can be made in terms of design: Containers are available in perforated or closed form, with or without drop handles, lids can be purchased with or without a spoon recess. In addition to the classic GN containers, there are also GN trays and GN sheets.