Commercial Food Warmers, Steam Tables & Heat Lamps in Toronto & Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions we hear from operators.
How many pans should a commercial steam table have?
Most commercial steam tables come in 2-well up to 8-well configurations, sized to how many hotel pans you need to hold at once. A 2- or 3-well unit suits a small lunch counter or food truck, while a 6- to 8-well table fits a full buffet line or banquet hall. Our own CST and CST-E series and Alpha's electric hot tables both cover this full range, so it comes down to matching well count to your menu and expected volume.
What's the difference between a heat lamp and a strip heater?
A heat lamp uses a single infrared bulb to warm a small, targeted area like a carving station or a single plate, while a strip heater is a longer overhead unit that spans a whole steam table or serving line for even heat across several pans at once. Hatco makes both styles, along with heated shelves and warming stations that combine the two for larger merchandising setups.
How long can food safely sit in a heated display case?
Hot food held in a heated display case is safe as long as it stays at or above 60°C (140°F) — the danger zone starts below that, so the case's job is to hold food at a safe temperature rather than timing how long it's been sitting out. Alpha and Atosa heated display cases are built with this in mind, keeping pizza, fried chicken, and other grab-and-go items warm and visible throughout service.