Tips for Buying a Countertop Food Warmer

Countertop Food Warmer usually use a water bath or wet, indirect heat source to appropriately heat and keep prepared menu items. They may accommodate fractionally-sized pans or spherical soup inserts and are available in a range of forms and capacities. There are many options available when it comes to warmers' usefulness and quality, just as with anything else in life. A list of factors to take into account when choosing the finest countertop warmer for your foodservice business is provided below.

1. Which type of capacity are you looking for?

You can choose the right capacity by understanding the volume of each warmed food product you use on a daily basis, since efficient operators design their menus to utilize the same warmer throughout the day. You may avoid buying extra equipment by using a medium-capacity warmer to store your three most popular sauces throughout the day.

2. What do you serve?

Precise temperature is essential for delicate cream-based soups and the previously mentioned hollandaise sauce, since they may separate at different degrees. Thermostats or rheostats are the two primary heat controllers used on warmers. A rheostat control measures the heat using a range of numbers or high, medium, and low indications. For this reason, many operators prefer thermostatically-controlled warmers, which work like home heating and cooling systems – the thermostat keeps the inside of your home at a consistent temperature, and kicks in when it senses fluctuations.

3. What method of plating will you use for the food item?

Different types of lids are included with food warmers; some lids are meant to replenish lost moisture in your soup, noodle sauce, or other food product, while others are meant to remain open while busy wait staff fill numerous bowls on a tray. Look for warmers that provide a place to hang tongs in between usage for cooked foods like pulled pork or similar products. Make sure you have the right dispensing equipment for your business; warmer flexibility can offer alternatives for serving throughout the day.

4. Does it possess the required licenses?

Food safety should be a priority at every foodservice establishment; in addition to the various cleaning and food handling procedures you have in place, equipment meeting proper certifications will only help your efforts. When it comes to preventing illness and food spoilage, temperature accuracy is crucial. A rethermalizer has passed the stringent NSF-4 certification, meaning it can heat refrigerated pre-cooked food (below 40° F) through the temperature “danger zone” to a temperature above 165° F within two hours.

5. Is it necessary for the warmer to move during the day, and where will it be placed?

Whether your warmer is located back-of-house or at a self-serve station, space is a premium. Knowing how the lunch menu transitions into dinner will help in this area. A warmer that allows cooks to top pasta dishes at lunch can move to the wait station for dinner where wait staff handles soups. Because countertop food warmers utilize electricity, keep in mind the location of available electrical outlets. Countertop warmers are modular ­– an advantage over built-in warmers – meaning they can be relocated to accommodate different day-parts or LTO/seasonal offerings. Establishments offering buffets for brunch or weekend banquets will enjoy the ability to store warmers in equipment closets when they’re not in use. For customer self-serve warmers, look for models with temperature controls in the back – this way it’s harder for patrons to accidentally change the temperature.

FAQs

Q. What is a countertop food warmer?

A Countertop Food Warmer is a kitchen appliance used to keep cooked food warm and ready to serve. It typically consists of a heating element and an enclosure to maintain the temperature of the food.

Q. What types of food can I keep warm in a countertop food warmer?

Countertop food warmers can be used to keep a variety of foods warm, including soups, sauces, gravies, cooked meats, vegetables, pasta dishes, and more.

Q. Can I use disposable food containers in a countertop food warmer?

While some countertop food warmers are compatible with disposable food containers, it's essential to ensure that the containers are safe for use with heat and won't melt or deform.