Vulcan Warmers & Holding Cabinets

Vulcan Warming Cabinets: What You Need to Know

Vulcan warmer drawers are ideal for holding baked products, such as dinner rolls and other bread products, keeping them soft and warm so you can be ready for fluctuations in customer volume without wasting product or coming up short. For holding mostly everything else, Vulcan holding cabinets are equipped with pan racks to accommodate sheet pans and steam table pans. Those cabinets are adjustable from ambient temperature to 190 degrees Fahrenheit for the gentle heat it takes to keep foods warm without continuing to cook them. You also can round out your concession stand or Mexican restaurant service with a countertop Vulcan chip warmer, which keeps tortilla chips hot and ready for serving. We'll answer common questions about Vulcan warming drawers and holding cabinets below to help you choose the best piece for your business.

Common Questions About Vulcan Holding Cabinets

What's the difference between a Vulcan holding cabinet and a Vulcan warming drawer?

These two pieces of warming equipment are similar in many respects. Both can hold food in heat as high as 190 degrees Fahrenheit with adjustable temperature controls, both can be equipped with humidity controls, and both are designed to hold and warm food safely until it's ready to be served. Neither unit cooks food, so the main differences between them are size and shape. Warming drawers are short and wide, with few pan slots. Holding cabinets typically are much taller, with many more pan slots available. Holding cabinets are often mobile, while warming drawers usually are not. Warming drawers are often used on countertops, while heated cabinets are placed on the floor.

How is a Vulcan cook-and-hold oven different?

As the name implies, these ovens have the heating power to actually cook food, whereas the above options don't. Cook-and-hold ovens will automatically lower their heat to a warming temperature after the programmed cooking time has finished, so you can put the food in and nearly ignore it until you're ready to serve. Every restaurant must ensure its food doesn't linger at dangerous temperatures (between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit), or bacteria and mold can grow, presenting a danger to the customers. Vulcan warming drawers, holding cabinets, and cook-and-hold ovens all provide efficient methods of maintaining safe temperatures for as long as the operator needs.