Why Is It Called a Half Pan
“half pan” typically refers to a specific size of pan used in professional kitchens and catering settings. Gastronorm pans, also known as GN pans or hotel pans, are a standardized set of food containers used for storing, transporting, and serving food in the foodservice industry.
“half pan” denotes that the pan is half the size of a full pan, which is the standard size for many commercial kitchens. This traditional system enhances organization, efficiency, and compatibility with different kitchen devices such as stoves, refrigerators, and food warming equipment.
How Big is a Half Size Foil Pan
A half size pan is about half the size of a full pan, measuring around 9 inches by 13 inches. A half-steam pan can be divided into three sizes: deep, medium and shallow.
People usually design aluminum half pans in a rectangular shape, and they often use them as steam pans. Catering kitchens commonly use half-size aluminum pans for cooking and baking. They are popular aluminum foil containers.
Standard Half Size Foil Pan
The standard half steam pan is the 9×13 foil pan.
The 9×13 foil pan is rectangular, about 9 inches wide, 13 inches long, and 2 inches deep. Great for baking, roasting, and storing food, this makes it perfect for family-sized meals. You can easily find 9×13 aluminum foil pans in supermarkets, kitchen supply stores, and online retailers.
What Size is a Half Size Foil Pan
Half steam pan dimensions are not exactly the same. Aluminum trays made by different manufacturers vary slightly in size, but overall they are similar in size.
For our half-size foil pan, we have four types: shallow, medium, deep, and extra deep steam table pans.
Half Size Aluminum Pan Dimensions Chart
| Name | Item No. | Top out | Top In | Base | Depth | Capacity |
| Half size shallow steam table pan | YSA-3326S | 12 5/8” x 10 1/4” | 11 9/16” x 9 3/16” | 10 7/16” x 8 1/16” | 1 5/8” | 71 fl.oz |
| Name | Item No. | Top Out | Top In | Base | Depth | Capacity |
| Half size medium steam table pan | YSA-3326M | 12 5/8” x 10 1/4” | 11 3/4” x 9 7/16” | 10 7/16” x 8 1/16” | 2 1/16” | 96 fl.oz |
| Name | Item No. | Top Out | Top In | Base | Depth | Capacity |
| Half size deep steam table pan | YSA-3326D | 12 5/8” x 10 1/4” | 11 5/8” x 9 1/4” | 10 3/16” x 7 11/16” | 2 9/16” | 105 fl.oz |
| Name | Item No. | Top out | Top In | Base | Depth | Capacity |
| Half size extra deep steam table pan | YSA-3326ED | 12 5/8” x 10 1/4” | 11 5/8” x 9 1/4” | 9 11/16” x 7 5/16” | 3 1/2” | 128 fl.oz |
Half Pan vs Full Pan
- Dimensions: Half foil pans are usually 9×13 inches, and full foil pans are usually 18×26 inches.
- Capacity: Half steam foil pans are smaller and ideal for serving smaller portions, like side dishes, small casseroles, or desserts. Full-foil pans hold more food and are great for cooking large meals, like main dishes, substantial casseroles, or desserts for parties.
- Usage: Half pans are perfect for serving alone, for small gatherings, or for cooking smaller portions. All-foil pans are better suited for catering, serving large groups, or preparing family-sized meals.
- Cost: Half-foil pans are generally less expensive than full foil pans.
How Many People Does a Half Pan Feed
1 2 size pans (12x10x2.5 inches) are typically used for casseroles, lasagnas, or similar baked dishes that serve 6–8 people. Assume a standard serving size of 1–1.5 cups per person.
A 1/2 steam pan is good for serving side dishes like roasted vegetables or potatoes to 8–10 people. Each serving is usually 1/2 to 3/4 cup.
For cakes, brownies, or baked goods on bars, a half-size pan will provide 12–16 servings.
When used for roasts, a half-pan will hold a 4-6 pound roast, which will serve 6–8 people, and is a typical serving size.