Guides
PESU vs Polycarbonate vs Polypropylene Food Pans
The material of a food pan decides where it can be used and how long it survives. PESU (polyethersulfone) is the high-heat polymer used where polycarbonate pans fail: steam tables, hot holding and thousands of commercial dishwasher cycles. Here is how the three common polymers — and stainless steel — actually compare, based on published material data.
Material comparison
| Material | Heat tolerance | Commercial dishwasher | Visibility | Cost profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PESU (polyethersulfone) | Typically rated for continuous use around 180 °C and freezer temperatures — covers ovens (below rating), steam tables, combi holding and blast chilling | Excellent — engineered for thousands of commercial dishwasher cycles without crazing | Transparent with a characteristic amber tint — contents visible | Highest of the three plastics; lifetime cost is low because pans rarely need replacing |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Usually rated to about 100 °C — NOT suitable for steam tables or hot holding at temperature | Weak point — repeated commercial dishwashing causes clouding, crazing and cracking | Very clear when new | Low purchase price; frequent replacement in hot/dishwasher-heavy use |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Usually rated to roughly 120 °C; handles microwaves but not sustained steam-table service | Good chemical resistance; can warp at high wash temperatures over time | Translucent — contents partly visible | Lowest purchase price |
| Stainless steel | Effectively unlimited for foodservice temperatures | Excellent | Opaque — labels or lids needed to identify contents | Moderate; heavy and noisy compared with polymer pans |
Temperature figures are typical published values for the material class (resin-manufacturer data). Always confirm the rated limits stated for the specific pan you purchase.
Which pan for which job
PESU (polyethersulfone)
Hot holding, steam tables, high-turnover QSR lines, anywhere PC pans keep failing
Polycarbonate (PC)
Cold prep, cold storage, salad bars, display
Polypropylene (PP)
Cold storage, dry ingredients, budget-driven cold applications
Stainless steel
Cooking, baking, maximum-durability holding where visibility is not needed
What buyers should check
- The stated continuous-use temperature — not just a one-off peak figure
- Whether the pan is rated for commercial (not household) dishwashers
- Food-contact compliance documentation for your market
- True gastronorm footprint so pans interchange in your wells and racks
- Avoid clear polycarbonate for steam tables or hot holding — the temperature rating is the reason those pans fail early
Frequently asked questions
Why do polycarbonate pans crack in commercial kitchens?
Polycarbonate is attacked by the hot water, alkaline detergents and rinse aids used in commercial dishwashers. Repeated cycles cause micro-crazing that turns into clouding and cracks — the most common failure mode for clear PC pans in high-volume kitchens.
Is PESU worth the higher price over polycarbonate?
For hot holding and heavy dishwasher use, usually yes. PESU's higher continuous-use temperature and dishwasher resistance mean one PESU pan typically outlives several PC replacements, so cost per year of service is often lower despite the higher purchase price.
Can PESU pans go from freezer to steam table?
PESU as a material tolerates both freezer temperatures and steam-table heat within its rated range. Always follow the specific pan manufacturer's stated temperature limits for the exact product you buy.
Do PESU pans fit standard gastronorm openings?
Yes. PESU pans are made in standard gastronorm footprints (GN 1/1, 1/2, 1/3 and so on) and interchange with stainless or PC pans in the same wells, racks and adapters. See our GN pan size guide for every dimension.
COMMI PESU high-heat pans
COMMI manufactures PESU high-heat pans in standard gastronorm formats — single-handle, double-handle, perforated drainers and fryer pans.