GN gastro containers with an enamel coating are an alternative to standard stainless steel containers — enamel (a vitreous coating on a metal base) provides a smooth, easily cleanable surface with a decorative appearance, often used for serving in restaurants, buffet table setups, and canteens. Enamel GN containers are durable, HACCP compliant, and available in various colours, allowing food categories to be differentiated or matched to the restaurant’s interior. BHS offers enamel GN containers as part of its GN Pans and Containers range.
Enamel GN containers are available in standard GN formats, most commonly GN 1/1 and GN 1/2 with a 65–100 mm depth. BHS helps choose the colour, GN size, and depth based on the serving concept. Also see standard GN containers in stainless steel and GN containers with a Teflon coating.
Enamel GN containers combine functionality and aesthetics — the enamel coating creates a smooth, visually appealing surface, ideal for both food preparation and serving. These containers are particularly suitable for buffets and serving areas, where product appearance plays a key role. BHS supplies HoReCa businesses.
Enamel coating — properties and advantages
Enamel is a vitreous coating fired onto a metal base at high temperatures, creating a hard, smooth, and hygienically clean surface. Key advantages: a smooth, non-porous surface that prevents bacterial buildup; easy to clean even with simple detergents; colour retention over time; no transfer of flavours or odours. Enamel containers are heavier than stainless steel ones, making them more stable on buffet tables. Available colours: white, cream, light grey, black, and others — allowing for a cohesive visual concept. A drawback of enamel containers: the coating may chip if dropped or mechanically damaged.
When to choose enamel GN containers
Enamel GN containers are an optimal choice for serving scenarios where container appearance matters — in buffet setups, open kitchens, or event catering where customers see the containers. In a restaurant with a rustic or craft concept, white or cream enamel containers match the menu’s visual style better than shiny steel. In a canteen, colour-coded enamel helps distinguish food categories — green for soups, white for salads, grey for meats. In a vegetable buffet, enamel containers look more natural and rustic than standard steel.
HACCP and maintenance
The enamel coating is approved for food contact — the material does not transfer flavours and complies with European food contact standards. Cleaning is simple — enamel resists limescale and grease buildup and is dishwasher-safe. An important maintenance requirement: enamel containers must not be dropped or knocked against hard surfaces — a chipped enamel coating is unsafe for food and the container must be replaced. Damaged containers can be identified through visual inspection — cracks or chips are clearly visible. The service life of enamel containers is longer than Teflon if handled carefully. BHS advises on the correct use of enamel containers.
HoReCa usage scenarios
In a restaurant with a country or Scandinavian concept, white enamel GN 1/3 containers on a wooden buffet table look aesthetic and align with the menu’s theme. In a canteen with a colour-coded enamel GN container system, staff quickly identify which container holds which food category — colours help avoid mix-ups. For event catering, large-format enamel GN containers in the buffet area look more presentable than standard steel. In a craft restaurant with a strong visual concept, black enamel GN containers on wooden boards are a serving element in themselves. Also see standard GN containers.
Frequently asked questions
Are enamel GN containers compatible with standard bain-maries? Yes — enamel containers are made to standard GN dimensions and are compatible with all GN bain-maries, heated shelves, and convection ovens. However, enamel is less heat-resistant than steel — it is advisable to check the model’s temperature limit.
Are enamel containers suitable for convection ovens? Depends on the model — some manufacturers’ enamel containers are intended for serving only, not for baking in convection ovens. BHS can specify the temperature parameters of specific models and their most suitable use.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.