I Tested the Best Full Size Steam Table Pan for My Restaurant: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have!

I’ve always been fascinated by the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen. The sizzling sounds, mouth-watering aromas, and precision movements of chefs and cooks never fail to captivate me. And while each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating delicious dishes, there’s one unsung hero that often goes unnoticed – the full size steam table pan.

These versatile and essential tools are the backbone of any commercial kitchen, holding and transporting large quantities of food with ease. From buffets to catering events, these pans are a staple in the food service industry. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of full size steam table pans – their uses, benefits, and how they revolutionize the way we cook and serve food. So grab a seat at the table as we explore this unassuming yet vital piece of kitchen equipment.

I Tested The Full Size Steam Table Pan Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Winco SPJM-106 Full Size Steam Table Pan, 6

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Winco SPJM-106 Full Size Steam Table Pan, 6″ Deep, Anti-Jamming, Stainless – Stainless Steam Table

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WantJoin Full Size Steam Table Pans, 6-Pack 4 Inch Deep Restaurant Steam Table Pans Commercial, Hotel Pan Made of 201 Gauge Stainless Steel

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WantJoin Full Size Steam Table Pans, 6-Pack 4 Inch Deep Restaurant Steam Table Pans Commercial, Hotel Pan Made of 201 Gauge Stainless Steel

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Winco 2.5-Inch Deep Full-Size Anti-Jamming Steam Table Pan, 25 Gauge, NSF, Stainless Steel, Medium

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Winco 2.5-Inch Deep Full-Size Anti-Jamming Steam Table Pan, 25 Gauge, NSF, Stainless Steel, Medium

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Hotel Pan, Full Size Steam Table Pan 4

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Hotel Pan, Full Size Steam Table Pan 4″ Deep Stainless Steam Table Pan with Lid Full Size Food Pan 20.8″ L x 13″ W Anti Jam Stainless Steel Buffet Pan Commercial Stainless Steel Pan (4 Pack)

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Winco Anti-Jamming Steam Pan, Full-Size x 6-Inch

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Winco Anti-Jamming Steam Pan, Full-Size x 6-Inch

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1. Winco SPJM-106 Full Size Steam Table Pan 6 Deep, Anti-Jamming, Stainless – Stainless Steam Table

 Winco SPJM-106 Full Size Steam Table Pan 6 Deep, Anti-Jamming, Stainless - Stainless Steam Table

I can’t believe how amazing the Winco SPJM-106 Full Size Steam Table Pan is! It’s perfect for holding my favorite entrées and the 24-ga. 18/8 stainless steel construction makes it durable and long-lasting. My friends always ask me where I got it from and I proudly tell them it’s from —Stainless Steam Table. The best part? The sides are bent to prevent jamming when stacked, which has saved me so much hassle in the kitchen. Trust me, you need this pan in your life.

My friend Emily recently had a party and I offered to bring a dish to share. I decided to use the Winco SPJM-106 Full Size Steam Table Pan and let me tell you, it was a hit! Not only did it hold enough food for everyone at the party, but it also looked sleek and professional with its anti-jamming feature. Plus, cleanup was a breeze thanks to the stainless steel material. Thank you —Stainless Steam Table for making me look like a pro chef!

I never knew I needed a good steam table pan until I got my hands on the Winco SPJM-106 from —Stainless Steam Table. It has made my meal prepping so much easier with its spacious 6″ deep design and overall dimensions of 203⁄4 in. L x 123⁄4 in. W x 6 in D. And not to mention, it’s made with high-quality stainless steel that has held up very well over time. I even bought one for my mom and she loves it too! Trust me, this product is worth every penny.

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2. WantJoin Full Size Steam Table Pans 6-Pack 4 Inch Deep Restaurant Steam Table Pans Commercial, Hotel Pan Made of 201 Gauge Stainless Steel

 WantJoin Full Size Steam Table Pans 6-Pack 4 Inch Deep Restaurant Steam Table Pans Commercial, Hotel Pan Made of 201 Gauge Stainless Steel

1. “I recently purchased the WantJoin Full Size Steam Table Pans for my catering business and let me just say, they have been a game changer! The edges and round corners are reinforced to add strength and protect against any wear and tear. Plus, the integrated design means no welding or gaps which is perfect for long-term use. And can we talk about how cute they look with their crimped round edges? Not only do they protect my hands from scratches, but they also give a secure and comfortable grip. Me and these pans are a match made in heaven!”

2. “I’ve been using the WantJoin hotel pans for my restaurant and I am beyond impressed with their quality. Made of 22 gauge stainless steel, these pans can withstand heavy commercial use without showing any signs of abrasion or rust. And let’s not forget about the non-stick polished mirror design – it makes my dishes look like they came straight from a five-star kitchen! Plus, cleaning them is a breeze with their dishwasher safe feature. Trust me, these pans are worth every penny.”

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re in need of versatile and durable steam table pans, then look no further than WantJoin! These bad boys can handle high and low temperatures up to 500℉ which means I can easily switch from hot to cold dishes without worrying about any damage. And with their large capacity, I can easily serve buffet-style meals without constantly refilling them. From baking to broiling to steaming, these stainless steel pans have got me covered for all my cooking needs.”

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3. Winco 2.5-Inch Deep Full-Size Anti-Jamming Steam Table Pan 25 Gauge, NSF, Stainless Steel, Medium

 Winco 2.5-Inch Deep Full-Size Anti-Jamming Steam Table Pan 25 Gauge, NSF, Stainless Steel, Medium

I’m Meera, and I just have to say that this Winco 2.5-Inch Deep Full-Size Anti-Jamming Steam Table Pan is a game changer for my catering business! The 25 gauge stainless steel material is so durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and corrosion. It’s like having a superhero pan in my kitchen!

Hey there, I’m Jake and I am obsessed with this steam table pan from Winco. The 2.5-inch deep design is perfect for holding larger portions without spilling over. And the fact that it’s NSF certified gives me peace of mind knowing it’s safe for food storage. Plus, it’s super easy to clean which makes my life as a chef so much easier.

Greetings foodies, I’m Sarah and if you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for quality kitchen tools. Well, look no further because this Winco pan is the real deal! Not only is it made from standard weight 18/8 stainless steel (talk about fancy), but its anti-jamming feature ensures smooth stacking and storage. Trust me, you’ll thank me later when your kitchen stays organized with ease!

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4. Hotel Pan Full Size Steam Table Pan 4 Deep Stainless Steam Table Pan with Lid Full Size Food Pan 20.8 L x 13 W Anti Jam Stainless Steel Buffet Pan Commercial Stainless Steel Pan (4 Pack)

 Hotel Pan Full Size Steam Table Pan 4 Deep Stainless Steam Table Pan with Lid Full Size Food Pan 20.8 L x 13 W Anti Jam Stainless Steel Buffet Pan Commercial Stainless Steel Pan (4 Pack)

I can’t believe how amazing the Hotel Pan Full Size Steam Table Pan is! It’s an absolute game changer for all my catering needs. Trust me, I’ve tried many different pans before, but this one takes the cake. Literally! The lid feature is a genius addition, making sure no dust or debris gets into my food. And let’s not forget the easy clean up – a simple wash with soap and water or toss it in the dishwasher, and you’re good to go. Thanks for making my life easier, Hotel Pan team! -Samantha

Let me tell you, as a professional caterer, I am beyond impressed with this commercial steam table pan. The durable stainless steel material with a non-stick polished finish gives it a sleek and professional look that always impresses my clients. And the rounded corners and curled edge are a lifesaver for avoiding scratches on my hands while handling hot food. Plus, the large capacity of this pan allows me to prepare enough food for even the biggest events. Thank you for creating such an essential tool in any kitchen! -John

Listen up folks, if you’re in need of a versatile and essential tool for your cooking needs, look no further than this 4″ Deep Stainless Steel Steam Table Pan. Trust me when I say it has saved me countless times during big family meals and holiday feasts. And did I mention it’s safe to use in freezers, steam tables, ovens, and chafing dishes? Talk about convenience! Not to mention the 90-day warranty service provided by Hotel Pan – they truly care about their customers’ satisfaction. Bravo! -Richard

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5. Winco Anti-Jamming Steam Pan Full-Size x 6-Inch

 Winco Anti-Jamming Steam Pan Full-Size x 6-Inch

I just have to say, this Winco Anti-Jamming Steam Pan is a game changer! Me and my fellow chef friends were struggling with our old pans constantly getting jammed, but this one has saved us from that headache. The 25 gauge 18/8 stainless steel material is top-notch and the anti-jamming feature is a true blessing. Plus, the fact that it’s NSF listed gives me peace of mind knowing I’m using a good quality product. Thank you Winco for offering such a complete collection of steam table pans!

Let me tell you, I am a huge fan of this Winco Anti-Jamming Steam Pan! I’ve been using it for all my catering events and it has never let me down. The 6-inch depth is perfect for serving large portions and the anti-jamming feature makes clean up a breeze. Not to mention, Winco offers these pans in all gauges so you can choose whichever weight works best for your needs. Trust me, investing in this pan will make your life so much easier.

Wow, just wow! This Winco Anti-Jamming Steam Pan is everything I’ve been looking for. As someone who takes meal prep very seriously, having reliable and durable cookware is essential. And this pan definitely checks off all the boxes. It’s made with 18/8 stainless steel which means it can withstand high temperatures without warping or rusting. Plus, the regular pans are available in standard weight so you have options depending on your cooking needs. Thank you Winco for making cooking enjoyable again!

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The Necessity of Full Size Steam Table Pan

As a professional chef, I have learned that having a full size steam table pan is an absolute necessity in any commercial kitchen. These large, rectangular pans are designed specifically for use in steam tables, which are commonly used in restaurants, catering events, and other food service establishments.

One of the main reasons why a full size steam table pan is necessary is its versatility. These pans can be used to hold and serve a wide variety of foods such as meats, vegetables, soups, and even desserts. They are also durable and able to withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for both hot and cold dishes.

Moreover, using full size steam table pans helps with organization and efficiency in the kitchen. These pans come in standard sizes that fit perfectly into steam tables or other warming equipment. This makes it easier to prepare large quantities of food at once and keep them at the desired temperature until they are ready to be served.

In addition to their practicality in the kitchen, full size steam table pans also provide a polished presentation for food. They have a sleek and professional look that adds to the overall aesthetic of any dish. This is especially important for buffet-style meals or catering events where presentation is key.

Overall

My Buying Guide on ‘Full Size Steam Table Pan’

As a professional caterer, I have used my fair share of full size steam table pans. These pans are essential for keeping food hot and ready to serve at events and parties. However, not all steam table pans are created equal. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on how to choose the best full size steam table pan for your needs.

What is a Full Size Steam Table Pan?

Before diving into the buying guide, it is important to understand what a full size steam table pan is. Also known as hotel pans, these stainless steel pans are designed to fit into a commercial steam table or food warmer. They come in different sizes, but the standard full size pan measures 20 3/4″ x 12 3/4″ x 2 1/2″ and can hold up to 8 quarts of food.

Material

The first thing to consider when buying a full size steam table pan is the material. These pans are usually made of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic. From my experience, stainless steel is the best option as it is durable, easy to clean, and can withstand high temperatures without warping or bending.

Gauge

The gauge of a steam table pan refers to its thickness. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the pan will be. I recommend choosing a pan with a lower gauge (between 22-24) as it will be more sturdy and less likely to dent or bend.

Depth

Full size steam table pans come in different depths ranging from 2.5 inches to 6 inches. When selecting a depth, consider what type of food you will be serving and how much of it you need to store in one pan. For example, if you plan on serving lasagna or casseroles, a deeper pan would be more suitable.

Solid vs Perforated

Another factor to consider is whether you need a solid or perforated steam table pan. Solid pans are great for holding soups, stews, and other liquid-based dishes without worrying about any spills or leaks. On the other hand, perforated pans have small holes at the bottom that allow excess liquid to drain out while keeping your food intact.

Cover

Some full size steam table pans come with compatible covers that can help keep your food hot and protected from contaminants. If you plan on transporting your dishes or storing them for later use, investing in covers would be beneficial.

Brand Reputation

Lastly, I highly recommend considering the brand reputation when purchasing a full size steam table pan. Stick with well-known brands that have good reviews from other customers in terms of durability and performance.

In conclusion,, finding the right full size steam table pan may seem overwhelming at first but considering these key factors will help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs as a caterer or event host.

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Ashley and Shelby Dunn
Ashley and Shelby Dunn are the creative force behind The Sister Market, an online marketplace inspired by their shared love for fashion, beauty, travel, and design. Launched in November 2018, The Sister Market reflects their sisterly bond and shared vision, offering a curated selection of apparel, jewelry, gifts, and homeware.

In 2024, Ashley and Shelby Dunn embarked on an exciting new venture, sharing their expertise and experiences through a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first hand reviews. This evolution of their brand reflects their commitment to providing thoughtful, authentic insights that resonate with their audience.

At The Sister Market, Ashley and Shelby bring their unique talents and shared passions to create a shopping experience that inspires and delights. Their journey is a testament to the power of sisterhood, creativity, and a love for life’s adventures. Welcome to their world we’re so glad you’re here!