At Unitech Washers, we work closely with businesses that rely on using clean, safe gastronorm equipment. In this article, we’ll walk through how gastronorm containers are cleaned, why it matters, and what methods work best.
What are GN Containers?
Gastronorm (often shortened to GN) containers are standard trays commonly found in commercial kitchens – available in a range of set sizes and depths. They are used for cooking, holding, and storing food in restaurants, hotels, and catering sites across the UK.
Most are made from stainless steel or food-grade plastic. So while they’re built to last, without proper cleaning, they can still collect grease, burnt food and bacteria.
Why Proper Cleaning Matters
It goes without saying, but clean trays and pans should be washed thoroughly and efficiently. If not? Bacteria can grow – which can lead to food contamination and health risks.
Using clean gastronorm equipment is the best way to protect both your customers and your business.
The Challenges of Gastronorm Washing
Stubborn Food Residue
Food often sticks to the corners and edges of GN containers. Baked-on grease can be hard to remove by hand.
Heavy Workloads
In a busy kitchen, hundreds of containers may need cleaning each day. Manual washing takes time and effort.
Consistency
Hand washing can vary from person to person. Some pans and trays may not get fully clean every time.
Water and Energy Use
Manual cleaning can use a lot of water. It can also be less efficient over time.
How GN Containers Are Cleaned in Industrial Settings
Manual Cleaning: The Traditional Method
Some kitchens still clean trays by hand. This method can work, but it has its limits.
How it Works – Staff usually scrape off leftover food first. They then soak trays in hot water with detergent. After that, they scrub them clean and rinse.
The Downsides – Manual cleaning takes time and effort. It can also lead to uneven results. One tray may be spotless, while another still has left over residue.
There is also a higher risk of injury. Hot water, sharp edges, and heavy trays can cause accidents.
Our Verdict: For small kitchens, this method may be sufficient enough. But for larger operations, it often falls short.
Machine Washing: A Smarter Approach
Most modern kitchens now use industrial washing systems. These machines are built to handle high volumes and stubborn food residue.
How Industrial Washers Work – Trays are loaded into a rack or conveyor system. The machine then sprays hot water and detergent at high pressure. This removes grease and food quickly.
After washing, the machine rinses the containers with clean water to clear away any remaining detergent or residue. Some systems also include a drying phase, which helps prevent moisture build-up if they are stacked too soon.
Key Benefits
- Faster cleaning times
- Consistent results every cycle
- Lower labour demands
- Better hygiene control
Our Verdict: For businesses which deal with high volumes of gastronorm equipment, this method is far more reliable.
Choosing the Right Washing System
So we’ve explained the two main cleaning methods for gastronorm containers. What if you’re now looking to purchase a washing system for your business? We’re able to help.
At Unitech Washers, we design and manufacture commercial pan and utensil washers built for demanding environments. These machines are made to deal with larger items such as gastronorm trays, pots, and kitchen tools that standard dishwashers often struggle with.
The Role of Temperature and Detergent
The cleaning process isn’t just about the water which is used. Temperature and chemicals also play a big part.
Hot Water – High temperatures help break down grease and kill bacteria. Most systems use water above 60°C for washing and even higher for rinsing.
Detergents – Special cleaning agents are used to cut through oils and food waste. These are designed for industrial use and work best in machines.
Using the right mix of heat and detergent leads to better results every time.
Ready to Improve Your Washing Processes?
If your kitchen is struggling to keep up with demand, it may be time to rethink how you clean your GN containers.
At Unitech Washers, we can help you find the right system for your operation. Whether you need a compact unit or a high capacity solution, we’re here to guide you.
Simply get in touch with us on 01543 224608 or email us at washers@unitech.uk.com.