7 Solutions for Serving Hot Food Hot

Even as the weather warms, the path from kitchen to table can have a cooling effect on hot food. Distance, drafts, outdoor and off-premise dining all pose threats to food temperature and quality.

Thankfully, with so many ways to boost and protect food temperature, there’s no need to fear or hear complaints about cold food. Sometimes, one simple operational change is all it takes to make a big difference.

Here are 7 equipment MVP’s that all play important roles in protecting hot food so it can be enjoyed hot and delicious.




1. Plate Warmers

A heated plate can boost serving temperatures and help keep food warm throughout the meal by preventing heat loss. 

The Hatco PW Plate Warmer holds up to 25 pre-heated serving plates at an adjustable range of 104° to 122° F to help extend the hot holding times of most foods. Its doorless, open design makes it easy for staff to load and retrieve plates and clean the warmer.



2. Strip Heaters

Hatco Glo-Ray Strip Heaters keep hot food hot with radiant heat from above, but without continuing the cooking process. The strip heater uses infrared heat to provide a warm landing area for plated food. Temperatures between 140-160° F slow the natural cooling process and hold food at optimal temperatures for longer.

Hatco Strip Heaters are easy to install and work well for a kitchen’s back-of-house areas, waitstaff pickup stations, and customer serving counters.

To learn more about strip heaters and how to choose the best Hatco strip heater model for your operation, click here.


3. Decorative Heat Lamps

Hatco Decorative Heat Lamps provide radiant heat to briefly hold food warm at kitchen work areas, wait staff pickup stations, or customer serving points with the added bonus of enhancing your décor.

Versatile enough for almost any location, the range of lights are available with a selection of unlimited personalized choices.


4. Warming Drawers

The Hatco HDW-B Built-In Warming Drawer is an effective and convenient way to keep foods like rolls, tortilla chips, or proteins like fried chicken fresh, hot, and ready for serving.

Each warming drawer comes equipped with a food pan, a recessed individual thermostatic control, temperature monitor, adjustable vent slides, and its own power switch.

Warming drawers are available in built-in and free-standing models in a variety of configurations to suit the application.



5. Heated Holding Cabinets


The FWE Universal Heated Holding Cabinet model UHS-12 keeps food fresh and hot for hours with a fully insulated, stainless steel cabinet equipped with a patented heat and humidity system.

With the Humi-Temp system, moist air gently circulates throughout the interior of the cabinet for consistent temperatures.

This versatile, ENERGY STAR® listed cabinet holds 18" x 26" sheet pans or GN food pans on fully adjustable tray slides.



6. Heated Holding Shelves



FWE’s Heated Holding Shelves use vertical space to hold a large volume of takeout bags and boxes. Shelves preheat to a factory pre-set of 175° F in under 15 minutes to keep takeout containers, catering boxes, and bagged meals hot, fresh, and safe. Blanket elements deliver precise and consistent radiant heat to prevent hot and cold spots.

Models are offered in standard widths with one to five open shelves for quick and easy access. Additional custom sizes are available by request.



7. Hot Grab-and-Go Merchandisers


For hot grab-and-go items, the Structural Concepts Oasis Heated Self Service Case makes it easier to give more customers quick, hot mealtime solutions. Oasis cases are available in 2 and 3 foot widths.


We can help you maintain excellent food quality and ideal serving temperatures from kitchen to table. To talk about your operation’s specific heat-retention challenges, contact us.

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