Disposable Aluminum Foil Pans Sizes

Disposable aluminum foil pans are versatile and convenient for various cooking and baking applications. They can handle both hot and cold foods, and they make cleanup a breeze at the end of service. Whether you're catering an event, meal prepping, or selling baked goods, choosing the right size foil pan is essential. This buying guide will go over the sizes and types of aluminum foil pans available so you can ensure you always have the right products in stock when you need them.

Foil Pan Sizes

While there are a variety of food pans types with their own range of sizes, rectangular foil pans come in three standard sizes: full size, half size, and third size.

1. Full Size Aluminum Pans

The largest of the foil pan sizes, full size foil pans measure 20 3/4" x 12 3/4" and have a range of shallow, medium, and deep depths. They are commonly used for catering events, buffets, and large crowds. Full size pans with a deep or medium depth are commonly used for roasts, turkeys, and serving large portions of food while those with a shallow depth are best for roasting vegetables and small cuts of meat.

• Length: 20 3/4"
• Width: 12 3/4"
• Depth: 1 11/16" - 3 3/8"

2. Half Size Foil Pans

Half size foil pans measure 12 3/4" x 10 3/8" and have a range of shallow, medium, deep, and extra-deep depths. They are ideal for casseroles, roasting vegetables, and salads. This size is also great for preparing family-sized portions for your take-out menu or meal prep business.

• Length: 12 3/4"
• Width: 10 3/8"
• Depth: 1 1/2" - 4 3/16"

3. Third Size Foil Pans

Third-size aluminum foil pans measure 12 3/4" x 6 7/8" and are often used for prepping and cooking smaller quantities of ingredients and dishes. They are great for baking, roasting, and broiling side dishes, small cuts of meat, and vegetables.

• Length: 12 3/4"
• Width: 6 7/8"
• Depth: 3 5/16"

Foil Pan Types

When choosing the size and type of disposable aluminum foil pan you will need, determine the specific use for the pan, whether it's baking, roasting, or serving. Once you've narrowed in on the application, you can then choose which size you will need based on the ingredients it will be holding.

Aluminum Steam Table Pans

Featuring a heavy-duty, thick construction, aluminum steam table pans are commonly used for holding and presenting food items in buffet lines, catering events, or self-service settings. Many steam table pans have deep depths that make them perfect for use as roasting pans, and their curled rims prevent spills while cooking and in transport.

• Steam Tabe Pan Sizes: Full, half, and third
• Steam Table Pan Applications: Cooking, roasting, food storage, and food display

Aluminum Loaf Pans

Disposable loaf pans are rectangular and commonly used for baking bread, meatloaf, or cakes. They feature full curl rims, which makes it easy to wrap with plastic and aluminum foil wrap or compatible lids for merchandising. Aluminum foil loaf pan sizes are measured by their capacity, with 2 lb. being the standard loaf pan size. A 1 lb. loaf pan is ideal for mini loaves and individual servings of your popular menu items, and larger sizes can be used for catered events or entrees.

• Loaf Pan Sizes: 1 - 5 lb.
• Loaf Pan Applications: Baking, cooking, and merchandising

Aluminum Cake Pans

Similar to traditional sheet cake sizes, disposable aluminum foil cake pans come in full, half, and quarter sizes and have a shallow depth. They also come in square, round, and heart shapes. Aluminum foil cake pans are ideal for any bakery or market that serves housemade sheet cakes, cinnamon rolls, pies, or brownies and allow operators to bake, serve, and display baked goods in one convenient container.

• Cake Pan Sizes: Full, half, and quarter
• Cake Pan Applications: Baking, cooking, and merchandising

Aluminum Pie Pans

Ideal for baking various types of pies, including quiches, fruit, custard, and savory pies, aluminum pie pans come in a variety of sizes and depths for your foodservice needs. They feature a full curl rim to aid in crust formation and provide extra stability. Disposable aluminum pie pans are a convenient option for bakeries, markets, and cafes that bake a high volume of pies for in-house sales.

Pie Pan Diameters: 5" - 12"

Pie Pan Depths: 3/4" - 1 13/16"

Pie Pan Applications: Baking, cooking, and merchandising

How Thick Are Aluminum Foil Pans?

Disposable aluminum foil pans come in a range of thicknesses, which are measured in gauge. The thickness of the foil affects the pans' sturdiness and weight capacity. Typically, a commercial foil pan will be labeled as either standard-duty or heavy-duty depending on its thickness.

Standard-Duty Aluminum Foil Pans

These foil pans provide the durability needed for most everyday cooking and baking applications and are more affordable.

• Gauge: 35 - 55 gauge
• Application: Small meat cuts, baked goods, pasta, and vegetables

Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil Pans

These pans offer increased strength and durability, making them better suited for heavier dishes or when extra sturdiness is required, such as with offsite catering events or selling retail items. They will also resist warping and can handle higher temperatures.

• Gauge: 58 - 70 gauge
• Application: Roasts, turkey, and heavy casseroles

Tips For Baking in Disposable Aluminum Pans

While baking in disposable aluminum pans is relatively hassle-free, here are a few tips to follow to make sure you get the perfect bake.

• Coat the Pan to Prevent Sticking. Just like traditional aluminum bakeware, disposable aluminum foil pans are not non-stick. Before pouring in your batter or dough, grease the pan with oil or cooking spray, making sure to coat the corners well. Alternatively, if you will not be serving your goods in the foil pan, you can also use parchment paper.
• Put the Disposable Aluminum Pans Directly on a Preheated Baking Sheet. This will ensure your baked goods brown evenly as well as make it easier to transfer the pans in and out of the oven.
• Choose the Right Pan Thickness. Aluminum foil pans with a thinner gauge will crisp up faster, so be mindful of this when choosing your pans. For example, thinner gauge pans are great for cookies with short bake times, allowing them to still achieve a crispy, browned bottom. However, they may not be as suitable for bread with longer bake times, since you don't want them to brown faster than they bake.