Hot and cold buffets: choosing the right gastro trays

Gastronorm containers are a type of food container frequently used in the catering industry. They are specially designed to keep food at an appropriate temperature and in hygienic conditions. Gastronorm trays are also a practical solution for serving buffets, as they can be easily transported, stored and maintained.

What are gastronorm containers made of?

Gastronorm bins are made from sturdy materials such as stainless steel or plastic, making them extremely resistant and durable. Gastronorm bins have specific dimensions that make them compatible with different types of appliances, such as ovens, refrigerators, etc.

How to choose the right gastronorm tub?

We suggest you choose the right type of gastronorm tray, depending on the type of buffet you wish to serve. There are different sizes and depths available to suit every type and size of dish. It is advisable to take into account hygiene and food safety requirements when choosing a gastro tub.

Size as a selection criterion

Size and capacity: what criteria should you take into account?

To choose the right gastro tub for your buffet, the size of the tubs is a key criterion to take into account. The model selected will depend on the quantity of products to be stored, and the number of guests expected.

Several different sizes are available on the market, from the smallest to the largest containers. A word of advice: identify the size and capacity best suited to your buffet, so you don't end up with too little or too much capacity.

Container dimensions are governed by the European Gastro Norm (GN), which guarantees standardized sizes. It's up to you to find the size that best suits your display unit. Bins with this standard range in size from 108 to 650 millimeters long and 176 to 530 millimeters wide, the smallest being GN 1/9 (108 x 176) and the largest, GN 2/1 (650 x 530).

bac-gastro-inox-presentation-of-a-buffet
GN1/1 Stainless steel Gastronorm Tray Full H. 65 mm
In stock
GN 1/1 stainless steel gastro tray

GN 1/1 Stainless steel Gastronorm Tray, Full H. 65 mm

BP11065
€10.56
Resistant to temperatures from -30°C to +300°C, this GN 1/1 stainless steel Gastronorm Tray is 65 mm deep. Our high-quality GN 1/1 stainless steel gastronorm tray is perfect for cooking, preserving, presenting and storing your food. It is available in six depths.
GN2/1 Stainless steel Gastronorm Tray Full H. 200mm
Restocking in progress
GN 2/1 stainless steel gastro tray

GN 2/1 Stainless steel Gastronorm Tray Full H. 200mm

BP21200
€52.75
Resistant to temperatures from -30°C to +300°C, this GN 2/1 stainless steel Gastronorm Tray is 200 mm deep. Our high-quality GN 2/1 stainless steel gastronorm tray is perfect for cooking, preserving, presenting and storing your food. It is available in six depths.
Tritan 1/1 GN Gastronorm Tray H. 150 mm
In Stock
GN 1/1 tritan copolyester tray

Tritan 1/1 GN Gastronorm Tray H. 150 mm

BACTRIT11150
€18.72
This 1/1 GN gastronorm tray in Tritan (Bisphenol A-free copolyester) is 150 mm deep. Resistant to temperatures from -40°C to +90°C, this BPA-free GN 1/1 gastronorm tray is perfect for storing, preserving and presenting your food.

Choosing a gastro tray according to its depth

Gastro trays are indispensable for presenting and serving food at buffets. Different depths are available to meet your needs.

Flat gastro trays

Flat gastro tra ys are mainly used for transporting and displaying foods such as fish, chicken or other fresh produce. They can also be used as trays for appetizers or desserts, or to offer a variety of small portions. They can be up to 10cm deep.

Hollow gastro trays

Deeper gastro trays are more suitable for cooking food or presenting or transporting sauces. With a depth of 15cm, for example, you'll have adequate capacity.

Consider the material

Stainless steel for flexibility

The best value for money is undoubtedly to be found in stainless steel gastro trays.

Stainless steel offers a number of advantages: it is corrosion-resistant. It can also withstand extremely hot or cold temperatures without deforming. What's more, stainless steel is easy to maintain and cleans up quickly.

Stainless steel also offers excellent flexibility and versatility: it can be used in all types of kitchens and for different purposes. Stainless steel gastro trays are therefore perfectly adapted to the specific needs of the restaurateur.

So don't hesitate to opt for a stainless steel gastro tub.

Polypropylene for cold food presentation

The advantages of polypropylene also extend to its use in buffet settings. In fact, thanks to its lightweight structure, this material makes it easy to handle a variety of cold foodstuffs without risking their deterioration or contamination by harmful micro-organisms. Thanks to its transparency, you can easily spot the different foods in each of the bins.

What's more, the material's excellent thermal insulation ensures optimum preservation of foodstuffs, protecting their original taste and texture. Most polypropylene gastro trays are also designed to be recyclable, making them environmentally friendly.

Tritan gastronorm containers

The Tritan gastronorm (made from copolyester) is perfect for food storage, preservation and presentation. Its main advantage is its 100% Bisphenol A-free composition. It can withstand temperatures ranging from -40°C to 90°C, and can therefore be used for both hot and cold food presentation. They can also be used in professional kitchens or in restaurants serving buffets.