Buy steam table pans by counting your openings, matching each menu item to a fraction size and depth, and then buying two to three pans for every position you fill. Full size pans fit a standard steam table opening, and fractional pans from 1/2 down to 1/9 divide that opening so you can hold several items in one well.
Shop the equipment in this article: bain marie food warmer, cookware and steam tables. Freight is included on every order.
Steam table pans, also called hotel pans or food pans, are the most used containers in foodservice. They go into steam tables, bain maries, refrigerated prep tables, ovens, refrigerators and catering setups, so getting the mix right pays off everywhere.
How the size system works
Everything is based on the full size pan, about 12 by 20 inches, which fits a standard steam table opening. Fractions divide that opening:
- Two 1/2 size pans fill one opening.
- Three 1/3 size pans fill one opening.
- Four 1/4, six 1/6 or nine 1/9 size pans fill one opening.
You can mix fractions in one opening, for example a 1/2 pan beside two 1/4 pans, as long as the pans are supported. Adapter bars hold smaller pans in place when the pans do not reach both rails.
Which depth for which food
Common depths are 2.5, 4 and 6 inches.
- 2.5 inches: sliced meats, baked dishes, roasted vegetables, sheet-style items. Shallow pans also cool food fastest.
- 4 inches: the everyday depth for sides and proteins on a steam table.
- 6 inches: soups, sauces, rice, beans and anything you serve in volume.
Deeper pans hold more but take longer to heat through and longer to cool, which matters for food safety.
Steam table pans and food safety
Under the FDA Food Code hot food has to be held at 135 F or above and cold food at 41 F or below. Cooked food that is cooled has to go from 135 F to 70 F within 2 hours and to 41 F within 6 hours in total. Shallow pans make that cooling far easier than deep ones. A steam table or bain marie food warmer holds food that is already hot; it is not meant to reheat cold food. Your local health department has the final say on holding and cooling rules.
How many to buy
Count every opening you fill: steam table wells, bain marie slots, prep table rails and salad bar positions. Then plan two to three pans per position as common practice: one in service, one being filled or cooled, and one in the wash. Catering operations usually need more, because pans leave the building. Buy lids for anything that goes into storage or transport.
Water pans
Many steam tables are designed to run with a water pan in the well under the food pans, and some call for water directly in the well. Follow your steam table manual. Our full size 6 inch deep aluminum water pan (model PWPF6) sits under the food pans and holds the hot water that makes the steam; the 6 inch depth means fewer refills during service.
What to look for in a pan
- Stainless steel for steam tables, ovens and the dish machine.
- Reinforced rims, which resist warping under heat.
- An anti-jam design, so stacked pans separate easily.
Our PFP pans have reinforced rims and anti-jam stacking, are dishwasher safe and are NSF listed. The full size 6 inch PFP-11-6 weighs 3 lbs. Check the product page for the depth and fraction you need.
Storage and cleaning
Nest pans by size on a shelf near the line, upside down or on a rack so they dry fully, and keep lids sorted by size. Soak pans with baked-on food before washing, avoid steel wool, which scratches and can leave rust spots, and dry before stacking to prevent water spots.
A quick buying worksheet
- How many openings do I fill each service, and with which fractions?
- Which items need 2.5, 4 or 6 inch depth?
- How many backups per position?
- Which pans need lids?
- Will any pans go in the oven as well as the steam table?
Answer those and you have your order. Browse pans in our cookware category and holding equipment in our steam tables and food warmers categories.
Ordering from us
Freight to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price on our product pages, with nothing added at checkout. Pans are non-powered items with a 14-day return window from delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a full size steam table pan?
About 12 by 20 inches, the size of a standard steam table opening.
How many 1/3 pans fit in a steam table well?
Three 1/3 size pans fill one full size opening.
How many steam table pans should I buy?
Two to three per position you fill is common practice: one in service, one being filled and one in the wash.
Can steam table pans go in the oven?
Stainless steel pans generally can. Check the product page for each pan.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
PFP-11-6 Full Size 6″ Deep Stainless Steel Steam Table / Hotel (model PFP-11-6)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Commercial Grade Durability: Crafted from high-quality stainless steel that resists dents, scratches, and corrosion.
- Reinforced Rims: Features smooth, reinforced edges for easy handling and to prevent warping under high heat.
- Anti-Jam Design: Specifically engineered to prevent pans from sticking together when stacked, saving valuable time and space.
PFP-12-4 1/2 Size 4″ Deep Stainless Steel Steam Table / Hotel (model PFP-12-4)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Exceptional Durability: Crafted from premium stainless steel to resist rust, corrosion, and dents.
- Anti-Jam Design: Tapered edges allow for easy stacking and separation, saving valuable storage space.
- Heat Distribution: Ensures even heating for hot food holding and quick cooling for cold storage.
PFP-13-4 1/3 Size 4″ Deep Stainless Steel Steam Table / Hotel (model PFP-13-4)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Durability: Crafted from high-quality stainless steel that resists corrosion, dents, and scratches even in the busiest environments.
- Anti-Jam Design: Features specially designed edges that prevent pans from sticking together when stacked, saving valuable storage space and time.
- Thermal Conductivity: Ideal for keeping food at consistent temperatures, whether in a hot steam table or a cold salad bar.
1/3 Size 6″ Deep Stainless Steel Steam Table / Hotel Pan
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Built from high-quality, corrosion-resistant stainless steel for long-lasting use.
- Anti-Jam Design: Features tapered sides for easy stacking and hassle-free removal, saving you precious storage space.
- Optimal Temperature Retention: Excellent heat conductivity for hot holding and quick cooling for cold storage.
PFP-16-6 1/6 Size 6″ Deep Stainless Steel Steam Table / Hotel (model PFP-16-6)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Built from premium-grade stainless steel to resist rust, corrosion, and dents.
- Standard 1/6 Size: Fits perfectly into most standard prep tables, salad bars, and steam wells.
- 6-Inch Depth: Offers ample capacity for high-volume service needs while maintaining a compact footprint.
1/9 Size 4″ Deep Stainless Steel Steam Table Pan – Professional Hotel Pan
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Industrial Durability: Constructed from high-quality stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
- Versatile Design: Ideal for steam tables, refrigerated prep tables, and buffet lines.
- Reinforced Rims: Built with sturdy edges to prevent warping and ensure a secure fit.
Full Size 6″ Deep Aluminum Spillage & Water Pan for Steam Table
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Optimal Heat Transfer: Heavy-duty aluminum construction ensures rapid and even heating.
- Large Capacity: The 6-inch depth allows for extended steaming time between refills.
- Universal Fit: Standard full-size dimensions fit seamlessly into most commercial steam tables and buffet warmers.
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.