Product Containers

Product Containers are an indispensable food storage solution in professional kitchens — they help organise the mise en place system, preserve product freshness and ensure HACCP compliance. Professional containers differ from household equivalents in higher material quality, more precise lid sealing, a wider range of sizes and resistance to temperature fluctuations from freezing to microwave ovens. In restaurant, café and catering kitchens, container systems are the foundation of daily work efficiency and hygiene.

Types and materials of containers

Polypropylene containers are the most common in professional kitchens — they are durable, lightweight, suitable for freezing and microwave ovens (if the manufacturer allows it) and transparent, allowing the contents to be seen without opening the lid. Polypropylene containers are more flexible than rigid plastic, so they are less likely to break if dropped. Hermetic polypropylene containers with a sealed lid are ideal for products that require protected storage without the absorption of foreign odours.

Polycarbonate containers are more transparent and rigid — ideal for the visual display of products in the kitchen preparation area. They withstand a wider temperature range than polypropylene and are particularly popular for storing beverages and large quantities of products. Stainless steel containers are the most durable and hygienic — used for meat, vegetables and other products that require a metal container.

Sizes and GN compliance

Professional product containers are often manufactured according to gastronorm (GN) standard sizes, ensuring their compatibility with refrigerator shelves, bain-marie systems and GN racks. GN standard containers are available from GN 1/9 small individual containers to GN 1/1 large-format containers and depth variations from 65 mm to 200 mm.

In addition to GN formats, free-form containers with round or square bases are also available for various kitchen storage needs. Large-capacity containers from 5 to 30 litres are used for marinades, soup bases and large quantities of products. A standardised set of containers with uniform base sizes facilitates the organisation of storage space and the use of shelves.

HACCP and food safety

Product containers must comply with the requirements for materials intended for food contact in accordance with European regulatory acts. Plastic containers with BPA- and phthalate-free material labelling are safer for long-term food storage. The HACCP colour-coding principle can also be applied to the container system — different colours for different product categories prevent cross-contamination.

After each shift, containers must be washed, disinfected and dried. Damaged, cracked or deformed containers must be immediately removed from use — a damaged surface can harbour bacteria that cannot be completely cleaned. Regular inspection of container condition is part of the kitchen HACCP procedure.

HoReCa usage scenarios

In a restaurant’s mise en place system, product containers are the main tool for storing prepared products — prepared marinades, marinated meat, chopped vegetables and other meal components are stored in labelled containers with expiry date labels. In catering companies, hermetic containers are essential for ensuring the transport of meals to event locations.

In food production companies, large-format containers are used for storing raw materials and organising intermediate products during the production process. Also explore GN pans and containers, bowls and buckets and other kitchen accessories.

Frequently asked questions

Which containers are more suitable for freezing? The most suitable for freezing are polypropylene containers with labelling that allows temperatures of -18°C or lower. Freezing containers must be hermetically sealable to prevent freezer burn and the absorption of foreign odours. Polycarbonate containers are usually not suitable for freezing.

Are food containers suitable for microwave ovens? Suitability for microwave ovens should be checked on the container’s labelling — polypropylene containers are often microwave-safe, but not all models. Containers with metal elements or polycarbonate containers must never be used in microwave ovens.

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.