Buying Guide: The Food Warmers Every Kitchen Needs

Food warmers are a small part of a commercial kitchen’s equipment budget, but they play an outsized role in the constant fight against food-based pathogens and customers’ eating experience.

There are many specialty types of food warmers, from bun warmers to heated banquet carts. This post will look at the three most common types of warmers in commercial kitchens and point out some things to consider when buying or replacing a food warmer.

Rethermalizers versus Food Warmers

The distinction between the two is small but essential:

• Food warmers hold previously cooked food at a food-safe temperature (above 135°F).
• Rethermalizers reheat previously prepared cold or frozen food above food safety levels and hold it there.

The main advantage of a rethermalizer is that cooks can avoid defrosting, reheating and holding pre-made meals with separate devices.

Also read: Choosing Commercial Blenders and Drink Mixers for Patio Season

The 3 Main Types of Warmers

Countertop

These portable models are ideal for catering, live events, and small buffets like breakfast bars. Think of these as powered and modernized chafer dishes.

Kettles

These models are ideal for serving hot liquids, such as sauces, soups, gravy, and broth, and are perfect for self-service environments, such as a deli or cafeteria. They are a great addition to a salad bar or buffet table. Additionally, some kitchens choose to save space and time by utilizing a kettle to hold ingredients or prep meal components for individual servings. Many models are round, but there are also rectangular units made to fit into a counter.

Rethermalizers

As previously mentioned, rethermalizers reheat cold, chilled or frozen, food to serving temperature and hold it there, eliminating the need to defrost or reheat food on a separate device. Rethermalizers are an excellent option for kitchens that need to reheat large batches of food ahead of time, like a buffet. Additionally, rethermalizers can be applied to specific tasks like defrosting large cuts of meat.

(Other models: Vollrath Cayenne Round Heat ‘N Serve Rethermalizer)

Choosing Appropriate Models for Your Kitchen

There are several variables to consider when selecting a food warmer or rethermalizer.

Usage

How will you use your warmer? If you need a warming area to hold food fresh from the line, you should consider warming shelves or lamps. For pizza vendors, countertop warming cabinets or heated display cabinets are perfect for keeping carryout orders warm and selling individual slices. Meanwhile, buffets may need a steam-based warming table or models that fit into recesses[CK1] .

Capacity

As with many kitchen decisions, volume is crucial when selecting a warmer. Pan size, shape, and configuration are critical to fitting warming units into your kitchen space. Too little capacity, and you may need to buy an additional unit. Too much capacity, and you may struggle to find space to put the oversized model.

Control style

There are two main styles of controls for warmers and rethermalizers:

• Thermostat – Input the exact food temperature
• Rheostat/Infinite – Set the warmer to low, medium, or high

Many kitchens will want to select a thermostat unit to ensure food safety. However, rheostat models can be used for proper monitoring with food thermometers.

Energy consumption

Warming units operate constantly. Select units with EnergyStar ratings to reduce energy bills and help keep your restaurant eco-friendly. Induction technology is highly efficient and important to research as you hunt for the perfect food warmer.

Also read: How to Prepare for Patio Season with Reusable Outdoor Drinkware

Product Spotlight: Vollrath Cayenne Warmers

Vollrath has provided its customers with high-quality commercial-grade food service equipment for over 150 years. Vollrath models utilize a direct contact heating system and self-insulating food wells to offer maximum efficiency and minimal heat loss. Heating elements directly touch the water in the base of the food wells, evenly distributing heat. Direct contact heating models are available for various models, including kettle warmers, countertop warmers, and rethermalizers. 

Find Your Model

Beyond maintaining food safety protocols, upgrading your food warming capabilities is a means to expanding hot food offerings for your customers while lowering wait times and increasing the efficiency of your kitchen staff.

Russell Hendrix is here to guide you through selecting your ideal food warmers. With decades of experience in the foodservice equipment industry, we have the expertise you will need as you navigate your search for the product that best meets the unique needs of your commercial kitchen space.

For an expanded list of models and more information, reach out to us today or contact a Russell Hendrix sales rep.