Introduction
If you are sourcing GN pans (Gastronorm pans) for a hotel, restaurant, catering operation, or retail brand, two questions come up immediately: which manufacturers in China are actually worth dealing with, and what sizes do you need?
This guide answers both. It covers the top Gastronorm pan manufacturers in China for 2026, the complete GN pan size chart with dimensions in both inches and cm, the difference between European and American hotel pan standards, and what to look for when placing a wholesale order.
China is the dominant global source for stainless steel GN pans, supplying hotels, restaurants, catering companies, and distributors worldwide. Understanding the size standards and the manufacturing landscape will save you significant time and prevent costly specification errors.
Key Takeaways
- The GN 1/1 pan is the base unit of the Gastronorm system, measuring 530 × 325 mm (20.9 × 12.8 in). All other gastronorm pan sizes are fractions or multiples of this.
- The 2/1 GN pan size measures 650 × 530 mm (25.6 × 20.9 in) — larger than the 1/1 base unit.
- Standard depths are 20, 40, 65, 100, 150, and 200 mm. Depth is always specified separately from the size designation.
- The US hotel pan system uses different dimensions from the European Gastronorm standard — confirm which system your equipment uses before ordering.
- China manufactures the majority of the world’s stainless steel GN pans, with major production clusters in Jiangmen (Guangdong), Chaozhou, and Qingdao.
What Is a Gastronorm Pan?
Gastronorm (GN) is a standardized sizing system for professional kitchen containers, trays, and pans. The standard was first introduced in Switzerland in 1964 and became an official European standard in 1993 under EN 631. The basic unit — GN 1/1 — measures 530 × 325 mm, with all other sizes being multiples or fractions of this base.
GN pans are used across hotels, restaurants, catering operations, buffet services, bain-marie systems, combi ovens, refrigerators, and blast chillers. Because gastronorm pans are modular by design, different sizes can be combined to fill the same equipment space. For example, one 1/1 GN space can be filled with two 1/2 pans, three 1/3 pans, or six 1/6 pans.
GN Pan Size Chart: Complete Dimensions in cm and Inches
This is the reference table every buyer and kitchen manager needs. All dimensions are outer measurements per EN 631 standard.
| GN Size | Dimensions (mm) | 1/1 GN pan size in cm | GN pan size in inches | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/1 | 650 × 530 mm | 65.0 × 53.0 cm | 25.6 × 20.9 in | Large buffet, bulk storage |
| 1/1 | 530 × 325 mm | 53.0 × 32.5 cm | 20.9 × 12.8 in | Standard full size, most equipment |
| 2/3 | 354 × 325 mm | 35.4 × 32.5 cm | 13.9 × 12.8 in | Combi ovens, refrigeration |
| 1/2 | 325 × 265 mm | 32.5 × 26.5 cm | 12.8 × 10.4 in | Half-size, versatile |
| 1/3 | 325 × 176 mm | 32.5 × 17.6 cm | 12.8 × 6.9 in | Buffet lines, ingredient stations |
| 1/4 | 265 × 162 mm | 26.5 × 16.2 cm | 10.4 × 6.4 in | Condiments, garnishes |
| 1/6 | 176 × 162 mm | 17.6 × 16.2 cm | 6.9 × 6.4 in | Small portions, toppings |
| 1/9 | 176 × 108 mm | 17.6 × 10.8 cm | 6.9 × 4.3 in | Sauces, small ingredients |
Standard Depths
All GN pan sizes are available in these standard depths: 20 mm, 40 mm, 65 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm.
Depth is always specified in addition to the size. For example, a “1/1 GN 65” pan is a full-size gastronorm pan with a 65 mm depth. When ordering, always confirm both the size and the depth.
GN Pan vs Hotel Pan: What Is the Difference?
This is a common point of confusion, especially for buyers sourcing for both European and American markets.
Gastronorm (GN) pans follow the European EN 631 standard. They are used across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and most international hotel chains globally.
Hotel pans are the American equivalent — a separate system used primarily in the US and Canada. The US full-size hotel pan measures approximately 530 × 325 mm at the top, which is similar to the GN 1/1, but the depth designations differ. American hotel pan depths are referred to with numbers such as 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800, which roughly indicate their depth in inches when divided by 100 — for example, a “200 pan” is about 2.5 inches deep.
Key rule: Before ordering, confirm whether your kitchen equipment, chafing dishes, or bain-marie units are designed for the GN (European) standard or the American hotel pan standard. The outer dimensions are close but not identical, and using the wrong standard can result in pans that do not seat properly in your equipment.
Top 10 Gastronorm Pan Manufacturers in China 2026
1. Chaozhou XiangFa Hardware
Based in Caitang Town, Chaozhou — one of China’s primary stainless steel production zones — XiangFa has been manufacturing GN pans since 2000. Produces European-style and American-style GN pans in all standard sizes (1/1 through 1/9 and 2/1), plus perforated versions and lids.
2. SUNNEX
A brand with over 40 years of production history, SUNNEX holds CE, LFGB, FDA, NSF, and BSCI/ISO certifications — one of the most comprehensively certified GN pan manufacturers in China. Strong for buyers requiring full documentation for EU or US market entry.
3. Heavybao Commercial Kitchenware
Specializes in commercial catering equipment including GN pans for hotel and restaurant supply chains. Well-established export infrastructure with broad size and depth range.
4. Jiangmen Xiangsheng Stainless Steel Kitchenware
Located in Jiangmen, Guangdong, with both EU-line and US-line GN pan production. Active exporter on Made-in-China and Alibaba platforms with verified supplier status.
5. Changwen (Jiangmen Changwen Cookware)
Based in Jiangmen, Guangdong, Changwen manufactures stainless steel GN pans alongside a full range of professional kitchenware — including tri-ply cookware sets, stock pots, fry pans, steamer pots, and pressure cookers. With over 22 years of OEM and ODM experience, Changwen supplies hotels, catering distributors, and cookware brands across South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. ISO 9001:2015 certified, LFGB and FDA compliant. Best fit for buyers who want to consolidate GN pan and cookware sourcing under a single reliable manufacturer.
6. CHAOZHOU DIWELL Stainless Steel Kitchenware
Chaozhou-based manufacturer covering standard GN pan formats in 201 and 304 stainless steel. Competitive pricing on high-volume orders.
7. Jiangmen Goodman Cleaning Supplies
Produces EU-line and US-line GN pans alongside commercial catering accessories. Active in the hotel and restaurant supply export market.
8. Qingdao Tianhang Hardware Rubber
Founded in 2003, Tianhang produces GN containers in standard depths (20–200 mm) in 0.6–0.8 mm thickness. Also manufactures GN pan accessories including rubber seals and lids.
9. BOSOM METAL CO., LTD.
Produces stainless steel GN pans and food containers for commercial catering markets. Available on major sourcing platforms with verified factory credentials.
10. Zensun Stainless Steel Products
Guangdong-based stainless steel manufacturer with GN pan production capacity. Covers standard size range for wholesale and OEM buyers.
What to Specify When Ordering GN Pans from China
Getting the specification right before you order prevents the most common and costly sourcing mistakes.
1. Size and depth Always specify both. “1/3 GN pan” is incomplete — “1/3 GN 65mm” is the correct specification.
2. Standard: EU or US Confirm whether you need GN (European EN 631) or American hotel pan dimensions. Most Chinese manufacturers produce both but treat them as separate products.
3. Material grade 201 stainless steel is commonly used for budget GN pans. 304 stainless steel offers better corrosion resistance, is dishwasher safe, and is required for markets with strict food safety standards (EU LFGB, US FDA). Specify in writing.
4. Wall thickness Standard commercial GN pans range from 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm thickness. Thicker walls reduce warping under heavy use. For high-turnover hotel and catering environments, 0.8 mm or above is recommended.
5. Finish and style EU-style (reinforced rolled rim) vs US-style (wider brim). Perforated vs solid base. Confirm which your equipment requires.
6. Certifications For EU distribution: LFGB. For US: FDA compliance, and NSF for food service certification. Request actual documentation, not verbal confirmation.
FAQ
What is the 1/1 GN pan size in inches?
The 1/1 GN pan (full-size Gastronorm) measures 530 × 325 mm, which converts to approximately 20.9 × 12.8 inches. This is the base unit of the Gastronorm system.
What is the 2/1 GN pan size in inches?
The 2/1 GN pan measures 650 × 530 mm, which is approximately 25.6 × 20.9 inches. It is larger than the 1/1 and used for large buffet displays and bulk food storage.
What is the 1/3 GN pan size?
The 1/3 GN pan measures 325 × 176 mm, or approximately 12.8 × 6.9 inches. Three 1/3 GN pans fit exactly into one 1/1 GN space, making them a popular choice for buffet and ingredient station setups.
What is the 1/2 GN pan size?
The 1/2 GN pan measures 325 × 265 mm, or approximately 12.8 × 10.4 inches. Two 1/2 pans fit a 1/1 space. The half-size is one of the most versatile and widely used formats in professional kitchens.
What is the difference between a GN pan and a hotel pan?
Both are standardized food service containers, but they follow different systems. GN pans follow the European EN 631 standard (used globally except the US and Canada). Hotel pans are the American equivalent with slightly different dimension conventions, particularly in depth designation. Always confirm which standard your equipment uses before ordering.
What depth GN pans should I order?
Standard depths are 20, 40, 65, 100, 150, and 200 mm. For buffet display and shallow foods: 20–40 mm. For general kitchen use (sides, mains): 65–100 mm. For bulk storage and soups: 150–200 mm. Always match depth to your equipment’s maximum insert depth.
What steel grade is best for GN pans in commercial use?
304 stainless steel is recommended for demanding commercial environments — it offers better corrosion resistance, withstands repeated dishwasher cycles, and meets EU and US food safety requirements. 201 stainless steel is acceptable for lighter-duty use but is not appropriate for markets requiring LFGB or FDA certification.
What is the minimum order quantity for GN pans from China?
This varies by manufacturer. Smaller factories and trading companies may accept orders from a few hundred pieces. Established manufacturers typically work with MOQs from 1,000 units per size. For full custom work (branding, non-standard dimensions), higher MOQs apply.
Conclusion
The Gastronorm pan system is one of the most practical standards in the professional kitchen industry — a modular sizing framework that makes equipment compatibility predictable across manufacturers, countries, and kitchen formats. Understanding the GN pan size chart, knowing the difference between EU and US hotel pan standards, and specifying the right material grade and thickness before you order are the three things that separate smooth sourcing experiences from expensive mistakes.
China’s manufacturing base — particularly in Guangdong and Shandong — produces the majority of the world’s commercial GN pans at competitive prices and with broad certification capability. The manufacturers listed here represent the most established and export-active suppliers in this segment for 2026.
Source Stainless Steel GN Pans and Cookware with Changwen
Changwen is a stainless steel cookware and GN pan manufacturer based in Jiangmen, Guangdong, China, with over 22 years of OEM and ODM experience. Our product range includes gastronorm pans in standard sizes, tri-ply cookware sets, stock pots, fry pans, steamer pots, and pressure cookers — supplying brands, distributors, and importers across South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
📧 info@cwchangwen.com 📞 0086-18022963948 🌐 www.cookwarecw.com/contact/
