To Have & To Hold: Your Guide to Hot Holding Cabinets

Newer Energy Star certified cabinets commit to better construction, smart electronics and more to help operators save energy and money.

Loading Food into UHS 12 min
Pan types, service style, space, maximum heat and door orientation mark a few points worth considering when specifying a hot holding cabinet. Courtesy of FWE.

There’s little guesswork when it comes to a hot holding cabinet’s function.

“It gives you the ability to make the food in advance, but then keep it at serving temperature without continuing to cook it or drying it out,” summarizes one manufacturer.

As straightforward as it may be, makers have worked to differentiate their units via digital controls, insulation improvements and more. Some also have worked to develop new Energy Star certified units, with one maker introducing eight cabinets in late 2023.

With these new options and features, exacting specifiers who care about the performance, features and long-term value of a hot holding cabinet, not to mention cost savings, just may want to mull an Energy Star certified unit.

Metro C5 5 61739

Foam-in-place insulation panels can help retain heat as well as protect the cabinet’s exterior. Courtesy of Metro.

Figure This

A certified unit is 70% more energy efficient than standard models, according to Energy Star, saving about 3,000 kilowatt-hours of energy and $325 in utility costs per year. Over the product’s lifetime, it can save an average of $3,260 on utility bills, compared to a standard unit. Some features that help makers achieve certification include all-stainless construction (vs. aluminum), thoughtful insulation, magnetic door gaskets and high-efficiency fans.

A certified unit is 70% more energy efficient than standard models, according to Energy Star, saving about 3,000 kilowatt-hours of energy and $325 in utility costs per year.

Besides energy savings, rebates might incentivize some buyers. As of press time, Energy Star lists more than 30 rebates—some of them instant—available for certified hot holding cabinets, with reimbursement amounts ranging from $30-$900. For details, visit energystar.gov/rebate-finder.

Manufacturers also emphasize the quality improvements on certified units. “It’s not just about savings or efficiency,” says one manufacturer. “A lot of times they’re just better in general, because the designers and the engineering teams have had to meticulously think through every single step. There’s no waste anywhere. Because everything is specially designed for an end user, you usually have a better piece of equipment.”

What’s On the Inside

Makers say their approaches to insulation vary, with many continuing to innovate to improve heat retention, therefore reducing component cycling. A well-insulated, certified unit may have insulation as thick as 2½ inches, and the unit’s exterior will be cool to the touch, improving employee safety.

As far as materials, one maker prides itself on its foam-in-place polyurethane insulation, as not all offer this material, which is more efficient than, say, fiberglass insulation, they note. Others use foam boards.

“Everybody has their own way of doing it, even if some of it’s the same material, your foam process is different to try to get more into a smaller space,” explains one manufacturer. “People go in the same direction, but everybody has their own unique way.”

A Better Look

Dual-function equipment like cook-and-holds and proofers, though they also can hold food to temperature, are ineligible under the hot holding cabinets category. This particular category is carved out for glass or solid-door hot holding cabinets, which, unlike some multifunction units, may be built for mobile use and typically do not need to be placed under a ventilation hood.  “For operations that don’t require cooking or proofing in the same unit, single-function cabinets are simpler to operate and maintain, with fewer moving parts that require upkeep,” one maker adds.

When looking at Energy Star certified hot holding cabinets, there’s a much higher number with solid doors. Still, glass doors are offered by a handful of manufacturers, and at least one maker expects to add glass doors to its growing lineup in 2025. Such units allow greater visibility for employees, potentially lessening how long a door remains ajar, letting heat out. Depending on use and placement, glass doors also can entice customers visually.

Select pass-thrus with as many as eight Dutch doors also make the cut in this category, though the majority of certified models have one or two doors.

Those who firmly need Energy Star certified equipment—whether for a rebate, LEED certification or to adhere with state policies—will need to pay close attention to which models make the cut.

However, those who want the benefits of durable and efficient equipment, but desire glass doors from a specific maker, for example, may be satisfied with a happy medium. One manufacturer suggests that even if not all models in a given line are certified, they likely pack similar benefits.

Hot on the Trail

Now that we’ve walked through some big-picture options and potential benefits, let’s run down the path to purchase. Here’s what makers suggest considering:

CresCor H137 Super Duty Board

Controls can be analog or digital, with top-mounted placement aiding in cleanliness and access. Courtesy of Cres Cor.

Your hottest demands. Some hot holding cabinets’ thermostats reach 200°F, while others top out at 180°F, so have an idea of the range you need. Different foods, from baked goods to proteins and plated entrees, and service types, from cafeteria service to high-volume QSRs, call for varied temperatures and controls. Controls are typically top- or bottom-mounted, and some models feature digital controls or touch screens in place of analog controls. One unit’s touch screens, introduced about three years ago, allow HACCP tracking, auto-start, menu presets and more. Other analog controls allow operators to adjust temperature and, if needed, humidity. Crunchy and crispy items along with items like bread and pastries require humidity to maintain texture in holding. Some, however, just need temperature controls, which is likely to lower equipment price.

Your logistics. Besides individual food requirements, zoom out to consider cabinet size, pan types and unit capacities. With full-size, five-sixth, three-fourth, half-size or undercounter cabinets available, operators can find the right size for just about any kitchen. As far as pan types, universal slides—adjustable slides able to accommodate full-size and half-size sheet pans as well as hotel pans—are specified by most, according to one maker. Others may be best served by fixed lip load slides, designed for sheet pans, and roll-in units mark yet another option. Capacities on some of the newest certified models, most of which are on the larger end of the spectrum, range depending on a variety of factors. For example, one unit outfitted with lip load slides could hold 35 sheet pans whereas the same cabinet with universal slides could hold 18 sheet pans or between 14 and 34 steam pans, depending on pan height. Consider which setup best serves your needs, and be sure to keep an eye on manufacturer recommendations for spacing. Without a firm grasp on peak capacity, you risk overloading a too-small unit, which can block airflow and wear down components. You also don’t want to jump straight to a full-size 100-inch-wide x 83-inch-high cabinet, as space and cost demands may be too great. Thus, “What exactly is operationally needed in terms of space?” marks an early and important question.

HC2A HS HS left

Pass-thru units mark another option. Courtesy of Hoshizaki.

Your usable real estate. Speaking of space, the flow of the kitchen needs to be carefully considered. While a hot holding cabinet very well may be at the top of your “must have” list for operational ease, the sky is not always the limit; know what equipment will be situated next to your cabinet to avoid obstructed access or airflow, for example. “Look for what flows and elevates everything else,” one maker advises. “What works in harmony?” Ask yourself: Which direction should doors open in? Is a pass-thru setup beneficial, or will it clog needed pathways times two? Will the equipment have a home base, or is a mobile unit what you’re after? If mobility is needed for, say, catering service, dimensions become important, as you likely need to keep units below 30-inches wide, enabling them to fit through a doorway. To aid in off-premise mobility, one maker also offers a unit powered by propane and solar, as compared to some units which rely on 15-amp plugs or generators. Stationary cabinets require either 20- or 15-amp type plugs, so you’ll need to know which outlet is available where you plan to plant your unit.

Your preferences. Seek out your trusted partners. If you’re working with a rep or dealer, know that they may not have certified models readily available in their showrooms, but they’ll still be able to help you navigate the process. And, if you already know the above details, that ticks off several boxes, potentially speeding up your timeline. Also consider your trusted manufacturers. Several in this category have other products that may have a well-deserved home in your operation’s kitchen, and therefore may be a comfortable choice if they meet your other requirements. Beyond individual spec sheets, a few makers have dedicated guides and/or websites to help buyers understand their respective Energy Star certified hot holding cabinets. At the end of the day, while price is no doubt important, makers urge specifiers not to buy solely on price. “Whether it is hot holding equipment or any other commercial or consumer item, the old adage rings true: You get what you pay for,” one source says.

A Well-Harmonized Kitchen

Once you find the right unit, be sure to keep up on maker-specified maintenance like cleaning shelves and door gaskets regularly, as well as changing variables. As neighboring equipment is added or amended, be mindful of manufacturer-specified airflow and power requirements to ensure your unit performs optimally, keeping your kitchen humming right along.


Getting Hotter

Narrow your search for an Energy Star certified hot holding cabinet by perusing five makers’ newest products.

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