Choosing the Right Food Heat Lamp for Your Restaurant

Keep all of your displayed dishes warmed up and ready to serve with a reliable food heat lamp.

A common challenge for food & beverage businesses is keeping food warm long enough for it to reach the customer in perfect condition. This is particularly true for businesses that display food continuously such as buffets and quick-service restaurants.

That’s where a Commercial Food Heat Lamp comes in to save the day. Designed to keep food warm enough without drying it out or further cooking it, heat lamps are vital to keeping your dishes ready to serve over short periods of time

Types of Commercial Food Heat Lamps

Hanging Heat Lamps

Suspended on low-hanging ceilings, walls, shelves, or mounts, these bulb-warmer models are great for a wide range of applications, from buffet lines to carving stations. Along with keeping food warm, hanging heat lamps offer additional illumination of the food below.

Infrared Heating Assemblies

Typically housed in a long case, these self-contained units often have an independent power switch and a timer to regulate the duration of heat required. With a variety of power options ranging from 250 watts to 1800 watts, infrared heat assemblies are great for use at either the front or back of the house.

This type of heat lamp is technically not an actual “lamp” as it only supplies heat with no illumination.

Quartz Halogen Heat Lamps

Quartz Halogen Heat Lamps pack a powerful trio of steady radiant heat, bright illumination, and low energy consumption all wrapped in one. Typically housed in a long case with either 2 or 3 heat “globes”, these are a great option for buffet lines where food readiness and visual appeal are top priorities.

Countertop Food Heat Lamps

A flexible choice thanks to their mobility and easy placement, countertop heat lamps can also be used with a variety of different bulbs to meet your preference. Most come with an adjustable stand so you can control the intensity of the heat and prevent food from over-drying.

Most use 250W bulbs, so consult your user manual before choosing a replacement bulb for your model.

Which are the best Commercial Heat Lamps for your restaurant?

Hopefully, this guide to Commercial Heat Lamps will help you choose the right fit for your restaurant or business.

If you have questions about Food Heat Lamps in general or specific models and features, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Caterlink’s commercial kitchen experts who are ready to assist you.