Hassle free hospitality in the bustling world of foodservice means meeting peak demand efficiently can be a daunting task. Enter “cooking to hold” or batch cooking. A method that helps serve hungry diners faster while freeing up kitchen staff to tackle other tasks. By preparing and holding food in advance, commercial kitchens can achieve greater productivity with fewer employees, minimise food waste, and streamline operations. Your customers will be delighted, as will your hardworking team!

Here’s a brief guide to the various options for holding food after it’s cooked:

Countertop Warmers:

Timing is paramount in foodservice, and countertop warmers excel in ensuring that hot food is always within reach. They’re the secret to keeping baked potatoes, bacon, burgers, and chicken nuggets at the ideal serving temperature. Their compact size makes them ideal for kitchens of all sizes.

Heat Lamps & Strips:

Heat lamps and strips have long been staples in commercial kitchens, providing convenient solutions for keeping food warm on countertops, serving lines, or in preparation areas. These fixtures excel in buffet settings and carving stations, where rapid dish turnover is crucial. They are also energy-efficient, making them a cost-effective solution for busy foodservice establishments.

Heated Holding Cabinets:

For preparing large batches of dishes and keeping them readily available during lunch and dinner rushes, heated holding cabinets are game changers. These holding solutions prioritise performance and productivity while enhancing the quality of your menu items.

These cabinets aren’t just warmers; they’re energy-efficient solutions designed to boost kitchen efficiency. Their flexible sizing, configurations, and control options allow you to tailor holding solutions to your specific needs.

We recommend the FWE HLC-2127-9-9 with a double compartment split cavity insulated cabinet ideal for holding pre-cooked foods at the desired temperature with an easy to use thermostat. No guesswork is needed. Simply dial in the temperature selection for each cavity from 90-190F and walk away!

Ultimately, cooking to hold isn’t just about keeping food warm; it’s about keeping your customers and crew happy, your kitchen efficient, and your menu on point. Navigating the world of holding equipment can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for countertop warmers for quick access or heated holding cabinets for large-scale meal preparation, we can guide you through the options.

(Main image shows FWE HLC-7 – Single compartment, counter top or built in model)