How to keep food warm? An overview of commercial food warmers

Not every dish can be served cold, and many dishes must be kept at the right temperature for some time before they are served to the customer. Keeping food warm, especially large amounts, can prove to be quite challenging. There is a lot of equipment on the market that lets you properly heat food before serving, and also keep it warm when it is already on the table. In this article, we will take a closer look at a number of appliances used for this purpose.

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By Maciej Skorżepo

July 29, 2020

18 min read

Not every dish can be served cold, and many dishes must be kept at the right temperature for some time before they are served to the customer. Keeping food warm, especially large amounts, can prove to be quite challenging. There is a lot of equipment on the market that lets you properly heat food before serving, and also keep it warm when it is already on the table. In this article, we will take a closer look at a number of appliances used for this purpose.

Why is it so important to keep food warm?

Before we dive deeper into the topic of food warmers, you should know why we use them. The most obvious reason is the taste of warm food, where a sufficiently high temperature will make many meals taste much better than cold. In addition, the consistency of warm food is completely different than that of cold food. Warm food is also more quickly and better digested, especially meat, which often requires cooking in order to make it fit for human consumption.

The main task of food warmers, however, is to keep food fresh by using high temperatures. Thanks to this, food products are protected against viruses and bacteria. This is very important, especially in the case of food that has been chilled or frozen and then heated up. To avoid the risk of harmful microorganisms, such food should be kept at a temperature above 60 °C. On the other hand, you shouldn’t boil or burn it, as this would significantly affect the taste and lead to a loss of valuable nutrients. Fortunately, many food warmers have practical safety features and solutions to prevent you from burning food.

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Catering tips for keeping food warm

In large restaurants, where a lot of dishes are served daily, ready dishes sometimes have to wait before being served by the waiter. A good example is when food is to be served to several customers at the same time, but only some of it is ready. Full plates cannot simply wait for the waiter to come and get them, as the contents would cool down by then.

To avoid this, practical warming trays, for example from Royal Catering, are used. Plates with ready meals are placed on them, allowing the meal to stay warm until served. Such equipment often has a temperature regulation function, which makes it easy to adapt the temperature to specific dishes. There are two types of heating trays on the market. The first ones only have trays with a built-in heat source.

The second type are additionally equipped with heaters, which heat the food from above. Depending on your needs, you can choose between halogen and infrared lamps. A big advantage of such equipment is that they do not heat the air around them, but only the dishes placed under them. The heating power largely depends on the height of the elements and the area they cover. An additional advantage of these heaters is that they allow for attractive presentation of dishes thanks to their lighting.

Catering equipment food warmers

Food warmers used for meals about to be served before are also popular in fast food establishments. In such places, the staff must be able to serve the customer’s order as quickly as possible. Chip warmers come in very handy here. A perfect example is the RCWG-1500 warmer from the German brand Royal Catering. Apart from heaters (depending on the warmer, it may be one or two elements), these warmers are equipped with removable tanks with special holes. The oil from the chips drains through them, which allows you to prepare them with a crispy finish. Another very popular piece of equipment in fast food restaurants are hot dog warmers.

How to heat food after being served from the kitchen? Bain maries, soup pots and more

Catering companies and venues organising events often struggle with the problem of keeping dishes that are already on the buffet warm. Due to the fact that at such events food is often prepared a long time before it is served, you should not only consider how to heat the food, but also its attractive presentation. Various types of commercial bain maries and chafing dishes can save the day here.

They are widely used in such cases due to the fact that they do not burn the dishes placed in them. This is achieved thanks to their use of a water bath. How does it work? Water is poured into special tanks, which are kept warm with a heater or a flame (more on this later in the article). The dishes full of food are then immersed in it. Gastronorm containers are very often used for this purpose, but sometimes round or oval containers are also used. The water, by distributing heat evenly across the bottom, minimises the risk of burning or food drying up. For an even better effect, the bain maries or chafing dishes are closed under lids to ensure the high temperature inside is maintained. Depending on your needs, you can choose models with removable or hinged lids. The latter are much more convenient to use, because you don’t have to hold them, thus avoiding the risk of accidental burns or stains. Attractive looking materials are usually used to make bain maries and chafing dishes. One of the most popular materials is stainless steel, with a smooth and shiny surface that is easy to clean. It fits perfectly with the décor of most catering venues.

You can choose between different power sources. More modern bain maries have electric heaters operated by thermostats. This allows you to precisely determine the heating level and adjust it to your needs or the type of dish. However, they require access to electricity, which can sometimes by a challenge. Liquid or gel fuelled chafing dishes, on the other hand, mean you are not limited by the distance to a plug socket. Moreover, an advantage of such chafing fuels is that they are produced from environmentally friendly substances, mostly from ethanol or glycol. They burn up 100% and don’t emit any odour or smoke, which lets you avoid the formation of dark spots under the water tanks. Manually heated chafing dishes also have a visual aspect. Naked flames look very effective and can serve as a decorative element of the table on which the heater is placed. It is important that you use fuel powered chafing dishes indoors. The wind could blow the flame out, or in the worst case even set fire to nearby objects. The Royal Catering brand has many such devices on offer, which will help you compare the differences between the options.

Another interesting option using a water bath are soup kettles. They have electric heating elements, which increase the temperature of the water poured into the main tanks. Removable containers for soup or sauce are then placed in them. As in the case of electric bain-maries, also in this case the temperature can be regulated. A thermostat with a knob or an electronic control panel is usually used for this purpose. Most of the devices also have lids with special holes for ladle handles, so you can close the pot leaving the ladle in it. Find out more about how to use these devices at this link: CLICK HERE!

When using bain maries and soup pots, you must remember to follow applicable hygiene rules. One of the most important points is that food can be kept warm for a maximum of 2 hours, and after this time it will no longer be fit for consumption. In addition, each warmer must have separate cutlery for serving, to avoid mixing the flavours of different types of food in the buffet.

Attractive display and efficient heating. Which hot food display should you choose?

In some places just keeping the food warm is not enough. It also needs to be nicely presented to the client. Hot food displays are perfect for both of these matters. Such devices can be found, for example, in cafes, confectioneries or bakeries, where warm desserts or bread are sold. They also work well in venues serving sandwiches, pizza and lunch dishes.

Two types of models are most popular – with electric heaters or special lamps. They efficiently heat the air inside the display, and are regulated by built-in thermostats. They also use water containers that maintain the right level of humidity inside. This stops the food from drying out, and lets it retain its consistency. The displays are made with glass so that the food is visible from all sides. In addition, the lamps illuminate the contents of the display, enhancing the already attractive appearance of the dishes. When choosing a hot food display, pay attention to the material of the casing. They are often put in visible places, so you should make sure they fit in with your decor. Most hot food displays are made of stainless steel. As already mentioned, its smooth surface has a shiny finish and is easy to clean. In addition, it does not rust and is resistant to damage. Apart from the material it is made of, also check the capacity of the display. With too small displays, the food inside will be squeezed together, ending up in less attractive presentation of your offer. On the other hand, if it is too large, the gaps between the items will suggest that you don’t have much on offer. The number of shelves is also important. Well-known brands, such as Royal Catering , have displays with several levels on which you can put various dishes or desserts.

The best coffee is hot coffee. Choosing beverage heaters and dispensers

Hot dishes are not the only item on the menu of restaurants or catering companies. Hot drinks, such as coffee and tea, are equally popular. They are usually prepared on an ongoing basis when ordered by the customer. However, during buffets or various events without waiter service, providing hot drinks for everyone can be quite a challenge. This I where special dispensers come in handy, allowing you to brew coffee or tea at any time.

You can use these devices in several ways. They are suitable for boiling water, which the guests will then pour over coffee or tea in cups. You can also pour ground coffee or dried leaves directly into the heater tank and prepare an infusion. Hot water tanks are electrical appliances, so they need access to a power supply. Many models have the function of temperature regulation using built-in thermostats. They allow you to determine the level of water heating to make sure it is ideal, for example for brewing specific types of tea. Drinks are poured using convenient taps, and they often have filters to prevent coffee grounds from getting into the cup. The elements are constructed in such a way as to minimise the risk of spillage and burns. The drip trays, which collect the liquid, protect the tables from getting dirty. When choosing a hot water dispenser for your venue, pay attention to the material it is made of. Stainless steel is most popular. It not only emphasizes the attractive appearance, but is also easy to clean and resistant to corrosion and dents. One of the most important advantages of this material is it contains no chemicals, meaning that it will not react with food and therefore does not pose a health hazard. Check out the Royal Catering offer of hot water dispensers.

Apart from tea and coffee, hot chocolate is another very popular drink, especially on cold winter afternoons. Its preparation usually requires a lot of time and also attention, so as not to burn it in the pot. This is especially the case in venues where chocolate is one of the most frequently ordered items on the menu. Commercial chocolate dispensers will come in handy here, making the whole process very simple. The heating element constantly warms the ingredients and prevents them from setting again. The most important part is a special rotor with blades located in the tank, which mixes the contents so that they do not stick and burn to the bottom of the pan. Special taps are used for dosing, which makes pouring easier, and the drip trays prevent accidental spilling. The tanks are often made of transparent materials such as glass or plastics that withstand high temperatures. The liquid chocolate is then visible for everyone to see during mixing, which will no doubt draw the attention of hot chocolate fans. The overall design of the dispensers also plays a role. Well-known brands, such as Royal Catering, often use elegant casing that gives the dispenser a more attractive design.

Even if coffee, tea or hot chocolate are not enough to keep you warm on winter evenings, then mulled wine definitely will be. It is very popular in many mountain resorts, where skiers want to forget about the cold outside and feel the unique taste of mulled wine. Special mulled wine warmers will make it much easier to prepare large amounts. They work in a similar way to water heaters. The heaters evenly distribute the high temperature in the tanks and thermostats help maintain it at the appropriate level. Easy-to-use taps allow you to quickly and safely pour mulled wine. You can also select warmers with a timer for determining the operating time. Wine warmers can have tanks made of both enamelled steel and stainless steel. Both materials are perfect for commercial use and emphasise the elegant design. Wine warmers can also be used for other purposes, e.g. for making broths or soup. There are also devices with special grids for pasteurisation of glass jars. Hard to believe? Watch this video and see for yourself. Click HERE!

Transporting warm food. Which thermos container should you choose?

In the case of catering companies, maintaining the right temperature of dishes during events is not enough. You also need to know how to safely transport your food so that it does not get cold on the way. Thermos containers and isothermal containers will let you safely transport food to your catering event without it getting cold.

Commercial thermos containers are mainly used for soups and sauces, but they are also suitable for main dishes. Depending on your needs, you will find a wide range of different capacities on sale, from approx. 10 to even 80 litres. However, you should pay attention to how long the food will stay warm. Professional containers can keep food warm for up to 12 hours. How is this possible? There is extra space between the tank and the casing. Special heat-insulation fillings keep the heat inside. However, thick walls are not everything. The lid of the thermos container is also important, as it is the most prone piece for temperature loss. Therefore, always check that it is hermetically closed. Royal Catering commercial thermos containers are equipped with special latches that tightly press the lids closed. As a result, the risk of heat loss is very limited. Products of this type also have a number of practical solutions. Among them are solid handles that make it easy to carry them and taps for pouring the beverages or water.

Various sized isothermal containers are as popular as thermos containers. They are used, for example, for the transport of pizza boxes, GN containers and non-standard food containers. They are usually made of polystyrene, although boxes made of expanded polypropylene (EPP) are becoming more and more common. The material stands out by its very good thermal insulation, which effectively retains heat inside for up to 4 hours. In addition, its high density prevents the penetration of odours or pollution from outside that could affect the quality of food. The smooth surface makes it easy to keep it perfectly clean, and the light weight makes it convenient to carry. However, the most important advantage of EPP is that its environmentally friendly. It is also 100% recyclable, and therefore isn’t a threat to the environment.

Places offering food delivery also use isothermal bags. They are designed to transport pizzas, but also lunch boxes and much more. Multilayer walls are responsible for keeping the heat inside. The interior is usually lined with aluminium foil, which keeps the heat and smell of the food inside the bags. The outer layers are made of durable plastics, e.g. polyester. As a result, they are easy to clean and resistant to damage. When designing this type of equipment, manufacturers also make sure they are easy to carry. Adjustable shoulder straps are an example. During transport, the centre of gravity is always positioned in such a way as to avoid the contents tipping over. There are isothermal bags with various closures, such as zippers or Velcro.

Why should you have plate warmers in a restaurant?

The last type of device that should be mentioned when it comes to keeping food warm are plate and cup warmers. Why are they so important? This is because cold plates make the food cool down quicker too. This is not a problem with ice cream or jelly, but with main dishes it can be an issue. In textbooks and catering business guides, serving dishes on hot plates is considered a good practice that distinguishes professional restaurants from amateurs. What should you pay attention to when choosing plate warmers?

Check the capacity of the heating cabinets. If your restaurant serves a large number of guests at the same time, then the larger the device, the better. For example, the Royal Catering RCWS-60 model can hold up to 120 plates with a diameter of 27 cm. It is also worth checking if the shelves are height adjustable, as thanks to this option, you will be able to use it for large dishes, e.g. soup vases. The power of the heater is also very important. More watts usually guarantee longer use without the risk of burnout, and also affect the speed of reaching the desired temperature of the heating elements. Some models allow you to adjust the heating level using thermostats. As with most commercial kitchen appliances, plate and cup warmers are also made of stainless steel. As we have already mentioned before, this material is perfect in commercial kitchens. Additionally, the wheels mounted on the bottom are also very helpful, allowing you to quickly and conveniently move the warmer around if necessary.

Keeping food warm has never been easier

A large number of different food warmers makes it very easy to keep food at the right temperature. Different appliances let you control the heat at every stage of serving food, regardless of your type of restaurant. Do you want to make sure your waiters always serve warm food? Choose a warming tray and plate warmer. Are you planning a wedding with a large number of hot dishes? Bain maries will do the job, with the help of dispensers for hot beverages. Do you run a hot snack booth at a fair? The nachos heating display will be the perfect solution for you. Are you worried that the food will get cold before you reach the event? Thermos containers and isothermal containers will definitely help you avoid this. As you can see, there are many different uses for food warmers. All you have to do is consider what your needs are and choose the best equipment for your company.