Great Gastronorm
So great and simple, in fact, that it is used the world over – and has become an indispensable feature in the food industry: the Gastronorm system.
It is hardly surprising that it is a Swiss invention. Gastronorm (GN) was established on 17 November 1964 by the Swiss Association for Hospital, Home and Community Catering (SVG) and the Swiss Trade Association for the Hotel Industry. The Gastronorm system quickly conquered the entire catering world. As the first German manufacturer, B.PRO has been producing top-quality Gastronorm containers "made in Germany" for almost sixty years.
The Gastronorm system
Whether in commercial kitchens, canteens and dining halls, the kebab shop on the corner or a Michelin-star restaurant, the Gastronorm system is literally the measure of all things. Shelves, counters, transport containers, buffets, refrigerators, chafing dishes, combination steamers – virtually everything is designed around Gastronorm. After all, the Gastronorm system ensures maximum compatibility and practically limitless usage options.
Thanks to Gastronorm, the use and replacement of containers in the food service industry, commercial kitchens and food processing companies have been significantly simplified. From storage through use in the kitchen, all the way to transport and food presentation, the Gastronorm system offers a comprehensive and compatible sizing system to meet all requirements.
The basis of the system is the GN 1/1 container with the exterior dimensions 530 x 325 mm. All other dimensions are logically derived from this and can be perfectly combined. Gastronorm containers are available in various depths, typically from 20 mm to 200 mm.
You will find an overview of the standard sizes and depths here.
Gastronorm: variety for all situations
GN containers are available in a range of materials, such as stainless steel, aluminium, glass, china and synthetic. Given their sturdiness and durability, the stainless-steel containers are particularly popular. However, synthetic polycarbonate containers are another virtually indestructible, easy-to-clean option.
There are suitable models for a wide array of applications, all of which can be adapted to the requirements through the use of corresponding accessories, such as lids, insert bases or support crossbars.
Stainless-steel Gastronorm containers
The tried-and-tested basic model is ideal for practically all applications, from storage all the way to food presentation and serving.
Stainless-steel Gastronorm containers with U-handles
U-handles ensure optimal handling, making it easier to carry heavy containers or even carry two containers at the same time. U-handles also facilitate the filling, insertion and removal of the containers.
Stainless-steel Gastronorm containers, perforated
GN containers with perforations are perfect for energy-saving cooking, blanching, steaming and boiling. The perforations shorten the cooking and cooling times and facilitate draining.
Synthetic Gastronorm containers (polycarbonate)
Transparent GN containers made of polycarbonate are particularly ideal for the storage and transport of cold food. They are distinguished by their lightweight design yet high level of stability.
Stainless-steel Gastronorm trays
GN trays made of stainless steel are ideal for the appetising, attractive presentation of food. Specially annealed GN trays with maximum stability and temperature resistance are also available for use in a combination steamer.
Gastronorm trays made of black sheet metal, granite-enamelled
Granite-enamelled GN trays with a black surface are characterised by their excellent heat transmission properties and are also ideal for use in the combination steamer. The special surface ensures optimum browning from above and below.
Gastronorm containers, satin finish-enamelled (Buffet Line)
For particularly appetising food presentation, B.PRO offers elegant black Gastronorm containers with satin-finish enamelling. They are resistant, hygienic and make food a delicious eye-catcher.
Gastronorm accessories for maximum flexibility
The various GN containers cover virtually every application. The GN accessories are the perfect addition.
Gastronorm lids in stainless steel or polycarbonate
A wide range of stainless-steel GN lids are available – with or without recessed handles, with hinges or even with ladle cut-out. The sealing lid with silicone seal is a true B.PRO innovation. It ensures a particularly secure seal on the container, even if transport gets a little bumpy. GN lids made of polycarbonate make it easy to see what is inside and can be used on both synthetic and stainless-steel GN containers.
GN cooking inserts and insert bases
GN cooking inserts are simply placed into the corresponding GN container and can be used for cooking, blanching, steaming and boiling as well as for draining.
GN insert bases made of stainless steel or polycarbonate create distance between food and the bottom of the container. Water can drip off into the container and washed lettuce or fruit does not become limp or soggy.
GN grates and support crossbars
GN grates enable the Gastronorm-compatible storage and transport of bowls, dishes, cups and plates. They are equipped with an anti-slip Rilsan coating. Stainless-steel GN grates are temperature-resistant up to +280 °C and can be used for grilling.
GN support crossbars connect smaller GN containers to the size GN 1/1.
Not all GNs are the same
Only the exterior dimensions of the containers are standardised in the GN system. This means that the inner radii and interior dimensions may differ depending on the manufacturer. It therefore makes sense to choose one supplier.
Of course, price is always one of the first considerations. But as our grandmothers always used to say, buy cheap, buy twice. Especially when corners are cut on quality. And, as we all know, the details speak volumes. Particularly when it comes to stainless-steel GN containers, the market is awash with cheap suppliers. Therefore, pay particular attention to the following quality features:
Manufacturing quality
A high-quality container also shows high manufacturing quality. Burr-free edges, precise corners and a neat stacking collar say a lot about quality. Low-cost suppliers skimp on the extra work processes that burr-free edges and a clean finish require. The result is sharp edges that can cause nasty injuries and GN containers that quickly warp and deform under the everyday pressures in the kitchen.
Stainless-steel quality
What alloy has been used? After all, not all steel is the same. The containers should be made of high-quality, corrosion-resistant stainless steel. This alloy is extremely resistant to corrosion and even has "self-healing powers".
Other characteristics of high-quality GN containers
Stacking collar
An all-round, highly pronounced stacking collar ensures that containers can be stacked or unstacked evenly and also helps to prevent jamming.
Large radii
Facilitate work: large corner and base radii ensure that food is completely used up while also making cleaning easy.
Edge embossment
The all-round edge embossment makes the entire edge more stable and more rigid.
Functional corners
A tiny detail with huge effect: the GN container should feature drop-shaped embossments on the corners. These functional corners ensure extra stability in the corner area, extreme shock resistance and allow food to be tipped out in the required quantity.
Accessories range
Make sure a comprehensive range of accessories is available in order to ensure you are equipped for whatever situation the future may bring. Useful accessories include various lids for the secure sealing and easy removal of food, support crossbars for the subdivision of larger containers, insert bases for draining and soaking and grates for transport, storage and grilling.
Quality with system for nearly 60 years
It is not by chance that the Gastronorm system has become established all over the world. It offers a huge range of practical advantages for workflows in the food industry – from the uniformity within the system itself to the interchangeability of containers, from goods receipt, transport and storage all the way to appetising food presentation and serving. It facilitates work within individual companies as well as collaboration with others – put simply, Gastronorm is great.
B.PRO is the longest-running manufacturer of high-quality GN containers in Germany. The B.PRO Gastronorm system spans more than 200 containers, lids, trays and cooking inserts made of stainless steel and polycarbonate in all common sizes and depths. All B.PRO models are immediately available from stock and from one single piece – all-round, reliable quality "Made in Germany" for almost 60 years.
