Types of hot food display
Bain maries
A wet bain marie holds gastronorm pans over a heated water bath, which gives gentle, even, moist heat that stops curries, stews, vegetables and sauces drying out. The Atosa BM range runs from the 740mm BM2 (4 x 1/2 GN pans) to the 2060mm BM6 (12 x 1/2 GN pans), with a glass display canopy, double skinned insulation and a 10 amp plug.
Heated display cabinets
Heated display cabinets have glass on the customer side and shelves inside, perfect for pies, sausage rolls, chicken, burgers and wrapped hot snacks. The Bonvue H-SL, H-SLP deluxe and SG heated displays use fan-forced airflow with humidity to keep food moist, and match the Bonvue chilled food displays so your hot and cold cabinets line up on the counter.
Countertop hot food displays
For small shops and service stations, the Atosa WHF (square glass) and WHY (curved glass) countertop displays sit right next to the register in 700mm and 900mm widths. See also our Countertop Displays.
How to choose a hot food display
What are you selling?
Saucy, wet foods like curries, rice and vegetables suit a bain marie. Dry, wrapped or crumbed foods like pies, chicken and burgers suit a heated display cabinet, where food sits on shelves instead of in pans.
Size
Count the number of pans or products you want on display at your busiest time. For bain maries, each 1/2 GN pan holds one dish, so a BM4 with 8 x 1/2 GN pans gives you eight choices. For heated cabinets, our range runs from 600mm to 1200mm wide.
Temperature
Australian food safety rules require hot food to be held at 60°C or above. Our displays adjust from 30°C up to 85°C or 90°C depending on the model, with digital controls on most units.
Holding, not cooking
Hot food displays are designed to hold food that is already cooked and hot. They are not designed to cook or reheat, so always heat food to temperature in an oven first.
Using a hot food display safely
Preheat the display before loading, load food that is already above 60°C, and check temperatures with a probe thermometer during service. For bain maries, keep the water at the right level and never let it run dry. Clean pans, shelves and glass daily.
Anvil hot food displays and ICE heat lamps
We also stock Anvil square glass 3 and 4 tier heated displays from 600mm to 1200mm wide (including self-service models), countertop hot food showcases, pie warmers, a chip warmer and sauce bottle warmers. From ICE we stock benchtop heat lamps with 1 to 5 lamps and pendant heat lamps with an adjustable drop in a choice of finishes.
Uniq buffet chafing dishes
We also stock Uniq electric chafing dishes in black, white, green or beige and an 8 litre soup kettle, with digital temperature control from 35°C to 85°C for buffets and catering.
Saro heat lamps
We also stock Saro Henry, Bonnie and Clyde pendant heat lamps, made in Italy, in aluminium, copper or chrome with a 600 to 1300mm adjustable drop.
Delivery, warranty and our price-beat guarantee
We deliver Australia-wide by tailgate truck, usually within 2 to 5 business days to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide and 4 to 12 days elsewhere. Every display comes with the manufacturer's warranty, and prices are shown ex GST with the GST-inclusive price alongside. Found a lower price? Send us the link under our Price-Beat Guarantee and we'll send you a one-off discount code.
Hot food display FAQs
What temperature should a hot food display be?
Hot food must be held at 60°C or above. Set the display high enough that the food itself stays above 60°C, and check it with a probe thermometer.
What is the difference between a bain marie and a pie warmer?
A bain marie uses a heated water bath under pans for moist foods like curries and vegetables. A pie warmer or heated display cabinet uses dry or humidified heated air around shelves for pies, rolls and wrapped snacks.
Can I reheat food in a hot food display?
No. Hot food displays are designed to hold hot food, not reheat it. Heat food to temperature first, then transfer it.
Do you deliver Australia-wide?
Yes. We deliver to every state by tailgate truck. Standard delivery is to your door.