Best Commercial Cold Pans of 2026

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Feb 2, 2026

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Commercial cold pans are a must-have for any foodservice establishment that serves cold dishes. These pans are designed to keep food at the perfect temperature for extended periods while maintaining its quality and freshness. They come in various sizes and configurations, including drop-in, countertop, and mobile units, to fit any kitchen's needs. Made of durable stainless steel, commercial cold pans are easy to clean and sanitize, ensuring food safety and hygiene. With their sleek and modern design, these pans are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, making them an excellent addition to any kitchen.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Vollrath V903001 Stainless Steel Cooling Plate Cover #TOP 1
Vollrath V903001 Stainless Steel Cooling Plate
ftb score rating icon 9.8
CFS CM104202 Coldmaster Full Size Insulated Cold Pan Holder Cover #TOP 2
CFS CM104202 Coldmaster Full Size Insulated Cold Pan Holder
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Carlisle CM104902 Coldmaster Insulated Food Pan Cover #TOP 3
Carlisle CM104902 Coldmaster Insulated Food Pan
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Commercial Cold Pans

#TOP 1

Vollrath V903001 Stainless Steel Cooling Plate

V903001
Silver
Large
Vollrath V903001 Stainless Steel Cooling Plate Cover
Vollrath V903001 S/S Full Size Cooling Plate

The Vollrath Cooling Plate is designed to keep your food cold for extended periods. By freezing it overnight, you ensure it stays chilled for hours, making it perfect for serving cold dishes. Its full-size design fits neatly into a wood base, which you can purchase separately for a complete setup. For even better temperature control, you can use it with a full-size rolltop lid, helping to maintain the cold environment longer. This makes the Vollrath Cooling Plate a convenient choice for anyone needing reliable cold service in a commercial kitchen or buffet setting.

What We Like
Long-lasting cold retention
Full-size compatibility
Works with wood base
Supports rolltop lid
#TOP 2

CFS CM104202 Coldmaster Full Size Insulated Cold Pan Holder

CM104202
White
Full Size
CFS CM104202 Coldmaster Full Size Insulated Cold Pan Holder Cover
Carlisle FoodService Products CM104202 Coldmaster Full Size Insulated Cold Pan Holder, 24.1 Quart Capacity, 6" Deep, White

The CFS CM104202 Coldmaster Full Size Insulated Cold Pan Holder is a white plastic pan holder with a 24.1-quart capacity and 6" depth that provides refrigerant gel insulation to keep food cool without the need for an ice bath. The ABS plastic housing is strong and resistant to heat, impact, and abrasions. The refrigerant gel is enclosed in a bag between the ABS walls for leak resistance. The gel can be frozen for eight hours and help maintain food temperatures of 40 degrees F for up to eight hours. It's NSF listed, dishwasher-safe, and BPA-free.

What We Like
Provides refrigerant gel insulation to keep food cool without an ice bath
Strong and resistant to heat, impact, and abrasions
Gel can be frozen for eight hours and maintain food temperatures of 40 degrees F for up to eight hours
#TOP 3

Carlisle CM104902 Coldmaster Insulated Food Pan

CM104902
White
Full-Size
Carlisle CM104902 Coldmaster Insulated Food Pan Cover
Carlisle FoodService Products CM104902 Coldmaster 6" Deep Insulated Food Pan with Organizer, Full-Size, White

The Carlisle CM104902 Coldmaster Insulated Food Pan maintains temperatures of 40 degrees F or lower for eight hours, making it ideal for front and back-of-house use. Its minimalist design fits in standard size food pan templates, and it eliminates the need for inconvenient and unsanitary ice baths. Additionally, it is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

What We Like
Maintains temperatures of 40 degrees F or lower for eight hours
Minimalist design ideal for front and back-of-house use
Eliminates the need for inconvenient and unsanitary ice baths
Fits in standard size food pan templates
Dishwasher safe
#TOP 4

Randell Evap Qc-40 RP Cold Pan

Randell
RP DRPQC40
Randell Evap Qc-40 RP Cold Pan Cover
Randell Pan, Evap Qc-40 RP DRPQC40 - Genuine OEM Replacement Part

The Randell Cold Pan is designed to fit perfectly with your existing equipment, so you won't have to worry about compatibility issues. Using this genuine part means you can trust it to meet the same high standards as the original, helping to prevent early breakdowns and keep your operations running smoothly. It also ensures your equipment stays safe to use, giving you peace of mind during busy workdays. Plus, by choosing this authentic Randell Cold Pan, you help protect your equipment’s warranty, avoiding any problems that might arise from using unofficial replacements.

What We Like
Exact fit and function
High quality and durability
Enhanced safety
Warranty protection
#TOP 5

Notakia 1/6 Size 6" Deep Stainless Steel Hotel Pans with Lids

Stainless Steel Pans
Silver
samll
Notakia 1/6 Size 6" Deep Stainless Steel Hotel Pans with Lids Cover
Notakia 6 Pack 4" Deep 1/6 Hotel Pans With Lids Stainless Steel Steam Table Pans Commercial Grade Food Storage Containers for Restaurant, Buffet, and Catering

The Notakia Stainless Steel Hotel Pans are built to last with thick, high-quality stainless steel that resists dents and warping, so you can rely on them for heavy use in your kitchen or catering events. They keep food hot or cold efficiently, making them great for buffets, parties, or restaurant service. Their smooth, one-piece design with rounded corners makes cleaning simple, either by hand or in the dishwasher, saving you time. Plus, their stackable shape helps you keep your kitchen neat and organized, so you can focus more on cooking and less on clutter.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Excellent heat retention
Easy-to-clean seamless design
Space-saving stackable shape
#TOP 6

Notakia 4" Deep 1/6 Stainless Steel Hotel Pans with Lids

Stainless Steel Pans
Silver
samll
Notakia 4" Deep 1/6 Stainless Steel Hotel Pans with Lids Cover
Notakia 4 Pack 4" Deep 1/6 Hotel Pans With Lids Stainless Steel Steam Table Pans Commercial Grade Food Storage Containers for Restaurant, Buffet, and Catering

The Notakia Stainless Steel Hotel Pans are built from thick, durable stainless steel that resists dents and warping, making them reliable for both home and professional kitchens. You’ll appreciate how well these pans keep food hot or cold, which is great for buffets, parties, or restaurant service. Designed with smooth, rounded corners and a seamless construction, these pans are easy to stack and store, helping you keep your kitchen tidy. Plus, cleaning is simple since food doesn’t stick to the smooth surface, and they’re dishwasher safe, saving you time and effort after meals.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel construction
Excellent heat retention
Space-saving stackable design
Easy to clean surface
#TOP 7

Avtec HD PAN048 1/9 Size Stainless Steel Pan

Avtec
HD PAN048
Avtec HD PAN048 1/9 Size Stainless Steel Pan Cover
Avtec HD PAN048 Pan, 1/9 Sz 2 Deep S/S 3092-2

The Avtec HD Cold Pan is designed to make your work in the food industry easier and more efficient. This product is a genuine OEM replacement, ensuring you receive a reliable and safe part that fits perfectly. Using such authentic parts means you can trust the pan’s performance in your daily tasks. Avtec’s focus on quality helps you maintain high standards in your commercial kitchen, giving you peace of mind while handling food. With this cold pan, you get a durable and dependable tool that supports your busy food service environment.

What We Like
Genuine OEM part
Reliable performance
Food industry efficiency
Durable stainless steel
#TOP 8

HUBERT White Curveware Food Pan Melamine

H0266-WHITE
White
HUBERT White Curveware Food Pan Melamine Cover
HUBERT Food Pan 1/2 Size White Curveware - 9 7/8" L x 12" W x 6" D

The HUBERT White Curveware Pan is a sturdy food pan designed to look like porcelain but made from durable melamine, giving you the elegant appearance without the fragility. It's intended for cold food use only, making it perfect for serving chilled dishes safely. The pan features gentle curves and subtle lines, adding a touch of style to your presentation. You can use it on its own or pair it with a colorful pedestal, sold separately, to create an attractive display that suits your serving needs. This pan combines practicality with a refined look for your cold food service.

What We Like
Porcelain-like melamine
Cold food use only
Elegant curved design
Compatible with pedestal
#TOP 9

Sertek Condenser Evaporator Pan with Cord

Sertek
7000023-72
Sertek Condenser Evaporator Pan with Cord Cover
Sertek Cond Evaporator Pan W/Cord

The Sertek Evaporator Pan is a reliable choice made by a trusted brand in commercial kitchen equipment. As a genuine OEM part, it guarantees compatibility and safety, ensuring your equipment runs smoothly without unexpected issues. Sertek LLC is known for its expertise in supplying durable stainless steel kitchen items, so you can trust the quality and performance of this pan. Using genuine parts like this one helps maintain the efficiency and longevity of your commercial cold pan system, making your kitchen operations more dependable and hassle-free.

What We Like
Genuine OEM part
Trusted brand quality
Ensures safety and reliability
Improves equipment performance
#TOP 10

Edlund Stainless Steel Cold Pan Holder CSS-16

79410
Edlund Stainless Steel Cold Pan Holder CSS-16 Cover
Edlund S/S Cold Pan Holder with Lid

The Edlund Cold Pan Holder is made from durable stainless steel, giving you a sturdy and long-lasting tool for your kitchen. It comes with a lid, so you can easily cover your food to keep it fresh and protected. Weighing 19 pounds, this model offers a solid and stable base for your cold pans, ensuring they stay in place during use. Designed specifically for commercial kitchens, the Edlund Cold Pan Holder helps you organize and serve food efficiently while maintaining proper temperature. It’s a practical choice if you want reliable and easy-to-clean equipment.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel
Includes protective lid
Stable 19-pound weight
Commercial kitchen design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many people does 1 hotel pan feed?

A full-size hotel pan, measuring 12” x 20”, can hold around 8-9 quarts of food. This translates to approximately 50-60 servings per pan, based on standard-sized portions. It is important to consider the serving size and the appetites of the individuals when determining the number of people a hotel pan can feed.

2. How many people will a half pan feed?

A half pan is typically sufficient to feed 15 people or less. If you require more servings, a full pan can accommodate up to 30 people. The number of people that a half pan can feed may vary depending on portion sizes and individual appetites. It is advisable to consider these factors when determining the quantity of food needed for your event or gathering.

Editor's Notes

During our commercial cold pans research, we found 24 commercial cold pans products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,315 customer reviews through our big data system to write the commercial cold pans list. We found that most customers choose commercial cold pans with an average price of $171.30.

The commercial cold pans are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of commercial cold pans, including Vollrath, Carlisle FoodService Products, Randell, Notakia, Avtec. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 310 consumers with an average rating of 4.4.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.