Best Commercial Cold Pans of 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
Top 10 Commercial Cold Pans
Carlisle CM104902 Coldmaster Insulated Food Pan
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.
HUBERT 1/2 Size Black Melamine Food Pan
The HUBERT Melamine Food Pan is made from a tough melamine material that stands up well to daily use, making it a reliable choice for your kitchen. This pan can handle heat up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can safely clean it in the dishwasher without worry. Its sturdy build ensures it lasts a long time, saving you money on replacements. The pan’s design is perfect for keeping food cold and ready to serve, making it a practical addition for busy commercial kitchens or catering events. You’ll appreciate its durability and ease of care when you use this pan regularly.
CFS CM104202 Coldmaster Full Size Insulated Cold Pan Holder
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.
Carlisle CM104502 Coldmaster Coldpan
The Carlisle Coldmaster Coldpan is designed to keep your food cool without the mess of ice. Its plastic holder features special refrigerant gel insulation that you can freeze for at least eight hours. This ensures your food stays at a safe temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit for up to eight hours. The durable ABS plastic housing not only resists heat and impact but also protects against abrasions. Additionally, the gel is safely enclosed to prevent leaks, making it a reliable choice for any commercial kitchen.
Cambro 26CF148 Cold Pan
The Cambro Cold Pan is designed to keep your food chilled at safe temperatures, staying at or below 41°F (4°C) without the need for ice. You can freeze it upside down for eight hours, allowing you to fill it with pre-chilled ingredients for maximum freshness. This pan effectively insulates contents for up to six hours, making it ideal for storing dairy, salads, and condiments. With its durable ABS shell, you can trust that this pan will withstand the rigors of a busy kitchen while maintaining your food's quality.
Mophorn 4-Pack Hotel Pan with Lid
The Mophorn 4-Pack Hotel Pan with Lid is made of durable stainless steel material with a polished mirror design, featuring superior heat conductivity and preservation, large capacity, easy cleaning, and considerate design. The hotel pan can hold and heat food evenly, and withstands temperatures of up to 932 Fahrenheit. The rounded corners and wide crimping design provide secure and comfortable holding. This versatile pan is suitable for storing hot or cold food and can be used in the freezer, oven, steam table, and chafing dishes, perfect for preparing big family meals like lasagna, chicken, brownie, ribs, and casserole.
Carlisle CM110003 Coldmaster Food Pan
The Carlisle Coldmaster Food Pan is designed to keep your food fresh and cold for hours thanks to its insulated, gel-filled walls. This means you won’t need to deal with messy ice baths, making serving and cleanup easier. With a roomy 14-quart capacity, it’s perfect for holding sides, main dishes, or desserts during busy meal times. The pan also features smooth corners that help reduce food waste by making it easier to scoop out every bit, and they simplify cleaning so you can spend less time washing up and more time enjoying your meal service.
Tablecraft Half-Long Cooling Plate
The Tablecraft Cooling Plate is an essential tool for keeping your food items fresh and chilled during events. With versatile sizes available, you can easily choose the one that fits your catering needs, whether you're hosting a buffet or a café service. Its durable stainless steel construction ensures that it withstands commercial use while maintaining a sleek appearance. Designed for a variety of foods, this cooling plate is perfect for desserts, seafood, and beverages, helping you present your dishes beautifully while keeping them at the right temperature. Plus, its smooth surface makes cleanup a breeze, adding convenience to your busy kitchen.
Cambro Coldfest 66CF110 Food Pan 1/6 Size
The Cambro Coldfest Food Pan helps you keep your food chilled safely without needing ice. You can freeze the pan upside down for eight hours, then fill it with pre-chilled items, which makes it perfect for keeping food cold during busy service times. Its 1/6 size is designed to insulate your food for up to six hours, ensuring freshness and safety. The pan’s durable ABS shell protects it from impacts, while the non-toxic gel inside keeps your food cold reliably. With the Cambro Coldfest Food Pan, you get a convenient and safe way to maintain proper food temperatures during service.
ZeroPone 1/2 Size 4" Deep Stainless Steel Hotel Pans 4 Pack
The ZeroPone Stainless Steel Pans offer a sturdy build with durable, heat-resistant, and rust-proof stainless steel, ensuring they last through heavy use without warping. With a generous 6.5-liter capacity per pan, you can easily prepare large meals for family gatherings or special occasions. The thoughtful design includes rounded corners and smooth edges that protect your hands from scratches, making handling safer and more comfortable. Plus, the polished mirror finish not only looks professional but also makes cleaning a breeze, whether by hand or in the dishwasher, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
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.
During our commercial cold pans research, we found 31 commercial cold pans products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,159 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 $64.87.
The commercial cold pans are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of commercial cold pans, including Carlisle FoodService Products, HUBERT, Cambro, VEVOR, Tablecraft. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
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.