Gastro-Norm vs. Euro-Norm: What is the difference – and what does that mean for your counter?

Anyone planning a new cooling or warming solution for the counter quickly comes across two terms: Gastro-Norm (GN) and Euro-Norm (EN / Euronorm). Both are grid and sizing systems, which determine which inserts, trays, containers and built-in components fit into a unit. Sounds dry – but in practice it determines whether your existing trays/containers "simply fit" or whether everything has to be purchased new.

Below I explain the differences – with examples from the WIHA counter technology range on hakemann.de.

1) Gastro-Norm (GN): The professional kitchen standard

GN stands for Gastronorm and describes a measurement system widespread throughout Europe for GN containers, inserts and lids – typical in commercial kitchens, buffets, serving lines, saladettes, bain-maries, etc. The basis is the GN size 1/1.

• Reference dimension GN 1/1: 530 × 325 mm (external dimensions)
• Other GN sizes are fractions or multiples (e.g. 1/2, 1/3, 2/1) – this makes the system extremely versatile.

The following illustration shows the various dimensions of the different GN containers.

WIHA examples in the Gastro-Norm grid

When WIHA says “Gastro-Norm grid”, the appliance/body is designed for GN installations:

• Refrigerated base units in the GN grid, e.g. KUB 465 GN and KUB 710 GN
• Snack counter 520/710 (Gastro-Norm grid) as a built-in refrigerated display case for assisted service
• Combi-Line GN Variants (e.g. GN STEAM / GN COLD) – already recognizable by the name
• In the beverages sector, WIHA, for example, refers to a refrigerated well “for beverage bottles and GN containers” – therefore clearly GN-compatible

Typical application scenario: You work extensively with GN containers (toppings, salads, side dishes, prepared foods, hot/cold serving) and want maximum interchangeability.

2) Euro standard (EN): The sizing system from bakery, confectionery & baked goods presentation

The Euro standard is often encountered in businesses that work extensively with baking trays, racks and trays – typically bakeries/confectioneries, snack production, cafés with cakes/gateaux.

A very common size in this context is the Euro standard tray size 600 × 400 mm (often referred to as “EN 600×400”).

WIHA examples in the Euro standard grid

At WIHA, you will find Euro standard explicitly as its own grid:

• Refrigerated base units in the Euro standard grid, e.g. KUB 465 EN and KUB 710 EN
• Euro counter (Euro standard grid) – on the overview page it is clearly stated that the size is matched to Euro standard trays is matched
• Concrete product example: Euro-Counter BE (Energy-saving recirculating refrigerated display case)
• Also in the Euro context: PROFI-Counter (Euro standard grid), “specially designed for Euro standard trays”

Typical application scenario: You primarily present/store cakes, gateaux, snacks on trays/shelves and would like to use your existing Euro trays (600×400) directly.

3) GN or EN – how do I decide?

A simple practical checklist:

Choose GN if …

• You already have many GN containers (1/1, 1/2, 1/3 …) in use.
• You frequently food in containers prepare, replace, portion out (kitchen/counter, warm or cold serving).
• You want maximum compatibility of inserts/lids. (GN is based on the 530×325 system.)

Choose EN if …

• Your day-to-day work with baking trays/racks works (bakery, pastry shop, café with a focus on cakes).
• You already have EN trays 600×400 in circulation and want to transfer them 1:1 into the counter.
• Your product presentation relies heavily on tiers/trays (e.g. Euro-Counter/Profi-Counter at WIHA).

4) Brief conclusion

• GN (Gastro Norm) = standard sizing system in the professional kitchen centered around GN containers (basis: GN 1/1 = 530×325 mm).
• EN (Euro Norm) = very common sizing system centered around Euro trays/trays (typically 600×400 mm) – often in Bakery and snack concepts.
• WIHA offers both as clear product lines/ranges, e.g. KUB 465/710 each as GN or EN, plus matching display cases such as Snack Counter (GN) and Euro Counter (EN).