Food Heat Lamps & Strip Heaters
Food heat lamps and strip heaters play a crucial role in commercial kitchens, buffets, and food service lines by keeping prepared dishes at safe and appetizing serving temperatures. These devices are designed to maintain heat without continuing the cooking process, preserving the food’s texture, appearance, and taste until it's ready to be served. They’re commonly used in fast food restaurants, cafeterias, catering operations, and any kitchen where plated meals or prepared items need to be held temporarily.
Heat lamps are typically mounted above food-holding areas and use incandescent or infrared bulbs to radiate warmth. These lamps come in single or dual-bulb models, with adjustable heights and flexible arms for precise control. They’re well-suited for keeping fried items like French fries, onion rings, or chicken warm and crisp, and are often seen above cutting boards or carving stations to maintain freshly sliced meat at optimal temperatures.
Strip warmers, also called strip heaters or overhead food warmers, use linear heating elements and are designed to cover larger surface areas than individual lamps. They’re available in both high-wattage and low-wattage versions, with some models incorporating infrared heat combined with reflectors to direct warmth efficiently toward the food. Unlike heat lamps, strip warmers provide a more even and consistent heat distribution, making them ideal for longer food holding times and large pan setups.
Some advanced models include adjustable thermostats or toggle switches for better heat control. Others feature shatter-resistant bulbs or covers to enhance safety, especially in high-traffic areas. When selecting a heat lamp or strip heater, consider your space constraints, the volume of food you’re holding, and whether the unit needs to be countertop, mounted, or suspended from above.
For personalized recommendations on the best heat retention solution for your kitchen setup, give us a call at 1‑855‑380‑6342, or reach out via our Contact Us page. We’re happy to help you find a reliable heating solution that meets your foodservice needs.
