Heated Holding Cabinet Doors
Heated holding cabinets have several door options so you can get the best use from your equipment of choice. Below, we'll cover the door options you'll be choosing from with most hot holding cabinets, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each style.
Door Size
Full-size heated holding cabinets often come with a choice of a top and bottom door instead of one door the entire length of the cabinet.
Full-size Doors
Full-size doors offer the easiest access to everything inside, with an important tradeoff: permitting the most temperature transfer when the door is opened. If you plan to store multiple items in one unit and want to avoid opening multiple doors to find what you need, a full-size door may be the best choice for you.
Half-size Doors
Half-size doors – also called Dutch doors – are typically more energy efficient because the smaller opening reduces heat loss when the door is opened. It is important to note that if you opt for solid half doors, organization will be especially important to avoid opening both doors to find what you need.
Door Material
Solid Doors
Pros
- Superior insulation.
- Best energy efficiency.
- Resistant to scratches and breakage.
- Same material as the rest of the cabinet.
Cons
- Cannot check on food without opening.
- Cannot see items before opening, resulting in longer open times.
- Will not help merchandise product.
Polycarbonate Doors
Pros
- Economical and see through.
- Break-resistant and shatterproof.
- Lightest option.
- Best for frequently moved units.
Cons
- Scratches easier than glass.
- Can discolor over time, potentially limiting lifespan.
Glass Doors
Pros
- Transparency limits the total time open.
- Clearer than polycarbonate.
- Scratch resistant.
- Won't discolor like polycarbonate.
Cons
- Less insulation than solid doors.
- More expensive than other transparent doors.
Additional Options
Hot holding cabinet door handles can be horizontal or vertical and, in some cases, are combined with latching mechanisms that keep the door closed during transport. Depending on where your heated holding unit will be used, you may also want to consider a pass-through unit, which has doors on the front and back so kitchen staff and servers can access the box from each side.
Field-convertible door hinges are another option available on some models. These doors can be changed to open in either direction, so you can optimize your kitchen's workflow and remain flexible to different layouts. We also carry other options, such as insulated food carriers, proofing cabinets, and curing cabinets to help you maximize the efficiency of your establishment.
