Every steam table pan size is a fraction of a full size pan, so smaller pans can be combined to fill one 12 x 20 in. well. Mixing sizes lets one steam table hold more items without adding wells.
Shop the equipment in this article: Full size, 6 in., 1/2 size, 4 in. and 1/3 size, 4 in.. Freight is included on every order.
Common combinations for one full size opening
| Combination | Items per well | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 full | 1 | High volume mains and catering |
| 2 x 1/2 | 2 | Two hot items per well on a busy line |
| 1/2 + 2 x 1/4 | 3 | A main plus two sides |
| 3 x 1/3 | 3 | Sides, sauces and prep rail toppings |
| 1/2 + 3 x 1/6 | 4 | A main plus three small sides or toppings |
| 6 x 1/6 | 6 | Toppings, garnishes and condiments |
| 9 x 1/9 | 9 | Small garnishes and condiments |
Combinations that mix lengths, such as a 1/2 pan beside 1/6 pans, need adapter bars (also called spacer bars) so the smaller pans do not fall into the well.
Pan sizes and how many fill a well
| Pan size | Approx. top size | Pans per full size opening | We carry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | 12 x 20 in. | 1 | Full size, 6 in. |
| 1/2 | 12 x 10 in. | 2 | 1/2 size, 4 in. |
| 1/3 | 12 x 6.9 in. | 3 | 1/3 size, 4 in., 6 in. |
| 1/4 | 10.4 x 6.4 in. | 4 | Not stocked |
| 1/6 | 6.4 x 6.9 in. | 6 | 1/6 size, 4 in., 6 in. |
| 1/9 | 6.4 x 4.3 in. | 9 | 1/9 size, 4 in., 6 in. |
Dimensions are nominal top sizes and capacities are approximate. Both vary a little from one maker to the next, so check the listing for the pan you order.
Planning a line
- Put the fastest sellers in the largest pans at the start of the line.
- Keep sauces next to the items they go with.
- Leave space between hot and cold items when one table holds both.
- Order one spare of each size in use so staff can swap a full pan in without waiting on the dish pit.
Mixing depths
You can run 4 in. and 6 in. pans side by side as long as the rims sit level in the well. Use 6 in. pans for soups and stews and 4 in. pans for everything else. See the 1/3 size 4 in. and 1/3 size 6 in. pans for a common pairing.
Shop the pans covered in this guide: full size 6 in., 1/2 size 4 in., 1/3 size 4 in., 1/3 size 6 in., 1/6 size 4 in., 1/6 size 6 in., 1/9 size 4 in. and 1/9 size 6 in. stainless steam table pans, plus steam tables.