As a foodservice professional, you’re well aware that hot food needs to stay hot for a number of reasons, one of which is to maintain its quality. But keeping foods nice and toasty is also critical for the health and safety of your customers. There are undoubtedly plenty of players in the hot holding arena, but because of their versatility, portable buffet warmers are unique in the foodservice equipment game. Want to find out why? Let’s first dive into what a portable buffet warmer is and then explore why they’re key to your establishment’s versatility.
What is a portable buffet warmer?
A portable buffet warmer is a short-term holding solution that helps maintain the quality and temperature of already hot food by slowing the natural cooling process that occurs when food is exposed to the air around it. As their name indicates, they are also portable, which means operators can move them from location to location because they aren’t installed directly in a countertop (like you would see with a drop-in buffet warmer). They come in many shapes, sizes and styles, but at a minimum will include a bottom heat source. That said, many models today incorporate both top and bottom heat to support longer hold times and greater versatility — which leads us to our next topic of discussion.
Endless options
Now that we know what a portable buffet warmer is, let's explore some of the different solutions available and how they support versatility within an operation. For starters, when purchasing a buffet warmer, you have a myriad of shapes, sizes and materials to choose from. This means that no matter what you’re looking to accomplish, there’s a square, round, large, small, ceramic, glass, stainless steel, or other warmer that will meet your needs.
Looking for a safe holding solution that works best during cold and flu season? Hatco's Glo-Ray® Buffet Warmer has the added protection of a sneeze guard and might just be your answer. Prefer something more discreet that features a thin warming base? A portable induction warmer could be the perfect choice. And if your buffet requires the ultimate in style, a heated glass shelf is an easy way to elevate the look of your offering with a holding solution that offers both function and beauty. But no matter what type of warmer you choose, there’s a solution on the market that will allow you to adapt to meet whatever comes your way.
Layout flexibility
Customer movement within a buffet line typically has a certain rhythm to it, but sometimes it can get disrupted and bottlenecks can form. Portable buffet warmers can help you change or adapt an existing layout without the stress. Let’s say your hotel’s continental breakfast is jam-packed with guests crowding around one popular area (waffles, anyone?). Try switching up your layout by placing a separate portable buffet warmer (or two) away from congested areas. That way, customers going for the eggs, bacon and sausage can bypass the people zeroing in on the cereal, bagels and waffles. And here’s the best part; if the revised setup doesn’t work out how you imagined, simply move the portable buffet warmers to a new location. What’s the saying? “Try, try and then try again.” With portable buffet warmers, getting your layout just right isn’t confined to your first attempt.
Multifunctionality within service
Looking to bring even more variety to your operation by adding a pop-up buffet offering to the mix? Thankfully with portable buffet warmers, you don’t have to commit to a permanent buffet operation. Rather, you can set up a temporary buffet using your portable warmers and then take it down when needed.
Struggling to keep up during a particularly busy daypart? No problem. Set up portable buffet warmers for that busy lunch rush, and then have them stashed away in storage by dinnertime. Have a specialty breakfast item that’s popular all day long? Keep a portable buffet warmer stocked throughout the day with that extra-special crowd favorite (just remember to keep a close eye on things and monitor food temperatures closely).
But there’s more. Traditional buffet offerings in operations like schools, universities, hospitals, supermarket delis, convenience stores and restaurants can also boost their multifunctionality by adding portable units to their permanent buffet lines. Modifying an existing setup can help diversify menu selections by adding a temporary space for more hot, tasty goods.
New business needs
Businesses need effective ways to get the word out about all their amazing culinary creations. Offering demos (complete with samples) at events within your community is one way to showcase tasty offerings and gain customer attention. But here’s the thing; there’s no way you’ll want to serve something that isn’t at its peak quality. That’s where a portable buffet warmer can help. Set these units up almost anywhere there's a crowd (and electricity) to reach potential customers. Confidently serve each bite, knowing the food’s integrity will hold up perfectly within your portable buffet warmer.
Modern buffet trends
In addition to traditional buffets, interactive food stations are one of the top trends within the foodie world. With a portable unit to heat all your goods, the options these modern-day buffets bring are seemingly endless. Make-your-own tacos, Philly beef hoagies your way, baked potato smorgasbords; nothing’s off limits. And the kicker? The portability of these units allows you to set up shop wherever the event is located (pending there’s electricity somewhere around). Whether we’re talkin’ outdoor boho wedding, fancy retirement party or high energy graduation event — the versatility of a portable buffet warmer will not disappoint.
Special diet needs
Portable warmers also provide versatility by enabling operators to set up separate warming spaces for allergy-friendly foods. There’s no shortage of people allergic to tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, dairy, soy, wheat, gluten or more. What better way to eliminate cross-contamination of those allergens than by setting up a warm food station just for gluten-free, soy-free, you-name-it-free food options and including everyone in your buffet fun?
Incredible benefits.
There’s no question; portable buffet warmers are a master of versatility. No matter what type of operation you’re running, these units bring a host of benefits to your buffet line. Interested in learning other ways to make your buffet even better? Check out our blog post, Better Buffets and the Foodservice Equipment That Will Get You There.
