Alto-Shaam Heated Holding Cabinets

Alto-Shaam Warmers: What You Need to Know

Heated holding cabinets are unique pieces of restaurant equipment with one purpose, which they accomplish better than any other piece – keep cooked food hot enough to be safe without overcooking it. Alto-Shaam makes high-quality holding cabinets for various purposes, from meal delivery carts to full-size holding cabinets. Whatever type of holding cabinet your establishment needs, Alto-Shaam can provide it.

Insulation keeps heat inside the cavity, providing high energy efficiency and a safely cool exterior. Casters enable you to move the cabinet wherever you need it, and various door styles maximize your machine's operation. Alto-Shaam's Halo Heat® units provide gentle, even heat without fans that could dry out your product.

Common Questions About Alto-Shaam Heated Holding Cabinets

What are the differences between the types of Alto-Shaam warmers?

Alto-Shaam warming cabinets include heated holding cabinets, pizza holding cabinets, banquet carts, and proofing cabinets – what's the difference between them all? The largest category by far is heated holding cabinets, which are used to store already-cooked food until it can be served to guests. These cabinets hold food at temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, preventing bacteria from growing on the food after it has been cooked. The FDA mandates that food be held at safe temperatures until it's served – letting your food sit out could expose your customers to foodborne illnesses and you to regulatory punishment. Alto-Shaam heated holding cabinets use their registered Halo Heat technology to keep food hot without cooking it further or ruining the texture and flavor of your dish.

On the other hand, proofing cabinets are made to provide a suitably warm and moist environment for yeast to grow in. They maintain heats below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, because yeast dies at higher temperatures. Proofing cabinets also keep the internal cavity moist, providing the best possible environment for yeast. These cabinets enable bread to rise quickly and proof consistently, providing you the same result every time.

Pizza holding cabinets work like heated holding cabinets, but with shelving and spacing designed specifically for pizzas. Alto-Shaam's pizza holding cabinets range from 60 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, controlled by using a thermostat on the outside of the box. While most Alto-Shaam warming cabinets are mobile, banquet carts are designed for easy maneuvering in and out of serving areas. It can also be set to a specific heat within that 60- to 200-degree-Fahrenheit range, which means whatever food you serve will be at the exact temperature you need.

What is Halo Heat?

Halo Heat is Alto-Shaam's proprietary method of heating their cabinets. This simple technique involves heated wires surrounding the food, providing even heat instead of harsh, dry air that must be used to infuse the cabinet with heat. Halo Heat keeps the heat evenly distributed, ensuring your food doesn't dry out or get overcooked while you hold it.

Do I need an insulated unit?

Insulation will save you money on utilities over time, as the insulation retains heat in the cavity, eliminating much of the reheating that would be necessary on uninsulated units. However, insulated Alto-Shaam holding cabinets are more expensive than uninsulated options. If you'll use your Alto-Shaam holding cabinet frequently and for long periods of time, investing in insulation will quickly pay for itself. On the other hand, if you won't use it often or hold food for very long, the extra cost might not be offset. Consider also that insulation keeps the cabinet exterior cooler, making it easier to handle at high temperatures.