What Are Catering Foil Pans
Aluminum foil catering pans, steam table pans, or aluminum serving trays, are large-sized food containers for catering kitchens. Both full and half size pans are common aluminum catering pans.
Foil catering pans are large, with a smooth, non-stick interior that makes it easy to access the food. The top has a rolled edge for extra strength, while the wrinkled sides help prevent slipping and keep it secure.
What Are Aluminum Catering Trays Used For
Aluminum catering trays are mainly used for heat preservation and heating of catering food. Aluminum foil steam table trays store hot water at the bottom to generate steam to keep food warm. Sometimes they are also for steaming, especially when food needs to be kept moist and warm.
How to use aluminum catering trays? Aluminum pan for catering are used in the same way as foil steam table pans. Then, how to set up aluminum catering pans? The aluminum foil catering pan has a double-layer design.
The bottom holds hot water, while two half pans on the top layer hold the food. A heating device at the bottom creates steam by heating the water, acting as a small steamer.
catering essentials half size deep foil steam table pan
The Catering Essentials Half Size Deep Aluminum Foil Steam Table Pan is a commercial grade pan for serving and keeping food warm.
- Size: Half size, measures approximately 13.5 x 9.5 inches (34 x 24 cm).
- Depth: Deep, typically about 4-5 inches (10-13 cm), can hold more food and keep it warm.
- Material: Aluminum foil, durable, easy to clean, corrosion-resistant.
- Structure: Heavy-duty structure with sturdy handles and reinforced edges for easy handling and transportation.
- Usage: Ideal for keeping food warm at events like buffets, weddings, and parties.
Aluminum Catering Pan Dimensions
| Name | Top Out | Top In | Base | Depth | Capacity |
| Small steam table pan | 11 5/8” x 9 5/16” | 10 11/16 “ x 8 3/8” | 9 3/16” x 6 11/16” | 2 5/8” | 85 fl.oz |
| 1/3 size steam table pan | 12 9/16” x 6 9/16” | 11 3/4” x 5 3/4” | 10 1/4” x 4 1/8” | 3 1/8” | 78 fl.oz |
| Half size steam table pan | 12 5/8” x 10 1/4” 12 5/8” x 10 1/4” 12 5/8” x 10 1/4” 12 5/8 ” x 10 1/4” | 11 9/16” x 9 3/16” 11 3/4” x 9 7/16” 11 5/8” x 9 1/4” 11 5/8” x 9 1/4” | 10 7/16” x 8 1/16” 10 7/16” x 8 1/16” 10 3/16” x 7 11/16” 9 11/16” x 7 5/16” | 1 5/8” 2 1/16” 2 9/16” 3 1/2” | 71 fl.oz 96 fl.oz 105 fl.oz 128 fl.oz |
| Full size steam table pans | 20 11/16” x 12 13/16” 20 11/16” x 12 13/16” 20 11/16” x 12 13/16” | 19 9/16” x 11 11/16” 19 9/16” x 11 11/16” 19 9/16” x 11 11/16” | 18 7/16” x 10 1/2” 18 7/16” x 10 1/2” 17 13/16” x 9 15/16” | 1 1/2” 1 13/16” 2 15/16” | 152 fl.oz 216 fl.oz 287 fl.oz |
Can Aluminum Catering Pans Be Used In The Oven
It is safe to use aluminum catering pans in the oven. The melting point of aluminum foil is above 660℃, so it is for grilling and baking. The oven uses the heat radiation source of the heating tube for heating, so aluminum foil is completely suitable.
However, if you want to put aluminum foil in the microwave, I strongly advise against it. Microwaves can’t penetrate metal, causing them to reflect off the surface. This can damage the microwave, create sparks, and cause fires.
The best non-metallic pans to use safely in the microwave oven are ceramics, marble, etc. Some disposable pans, such as aluminum foil pans, are best marked as safe for use in microwave ovens, so you can use them safely.
Are Aluminum Catering Trays Recyclable
Aluminum catering trays are made of aluminum foil, which has a high recycling rate and can be recycled up to 25 times. It meets national food hygiene standards and does not produce harmful substances during recycling and processing.
Aluminum catering pans and aluminum foil containers do not release harmful substances even after landfill and can be degraded. However, most plastic containers cannot be recycled, can only be landfilled and are not degradable.
After using the aluminum pan for catering, you can pour leftover food into wet garbage or kitchen waste. Simply rinse the pan, shake off the water, flatten or fold it, and toss it into the recycling bin for easy disposal.
Foil Warming Pan: Function and Usage
Foil catering pans, or hot pots, are essential for keeping food warm and serving efficiently at events.
Foil catering pans keep food warm during serving, ideal for events with large quantities of food. They can be placed on buffet tables or service counters to maintain the right temperature.
Specific instructions:
Assemble the catering pan: Before use, assemble the hot pot with the stand, fuel rack, and water pan. Put hot water in the water pan and keep the fuel roasting to ensure steam.
Food placement: After assembly, place the foil catering pan with food in the water pan. Be sure to cover the pan with the included foil cover to help keep it warm.
Ignite the fuel: Ignite the fuel by placing a heat source, like a fuel can or electric heater, under the water pan to keep the food warm.