Thinking about a portable buffet warmer purchase? You are not alone; foodservice professionals of all kinds are drawn to the holding capabilities and versatility that this particular holding solution offers. That said, there’s nothing worse than investing in new equipment just to realize that it’s not living up to its full potential. So, before you commit to a portable buffet warmer, let’s talk about a few ways you can set yourself up for success and maximize your return on investment (ROI) — both before and after the purchase.
1. Get the size right
The majority of ROI fumbles tend to happen after an equipment purchase is made. But that’s not always the case. Before selecting and purchasing a portable buffet warmer, you need to ensure that it’s sized correctly for your needs; and this advice applies to both ends of the spectrum. Select a buffet warmer that’s too small, and you won’t be able to hold all of the food you need to serve. Opt for a model that’s too large, and you’ll end up wasting energy to heat unused holding space.
In both of these scenarios, money is at stake. If your warmer is too small to keep up with demand, you could be leaving revenue on the table. Alternatively, if your utility bills are higher than necessary, you’re quite literally throwing money out the window (or at least into the air around you). So now the question is — how do you ensure you have the right-sized portable buffet warmer?
Well, the best thing to do is think through your unique situation. How busy are your current service hours? Do you need to account for growth in the near future? If you offer dine-in, how quickly do you turn tables (note: numbers four and five in this article will help you with this question)? How many different menu items do you need to hold? How much counter space do you have? By thinking through questions like these (and more), you can eliminate sizes that won’t work and narrow in on the best-size solution that will drive the most ROI for your operation.
2. Understand temperature settings and controls
There’s no universal rule that foodservice equipment manufacturers follow when it comes to temperature settings and controls. Some units light up when a preset temperature is reached; others ding. Some automatically default to whatever temperature setting was last used; others don’t. You might get a unit with low, medium and high power levels, or one that specifies the exact Fahrenheit or Celsius temperature on the monitor. Whatever the case, you need to understand how these settings and controls operate, so you can ensure they jive with how you and your teams work.
To get ahead of this, review the manufacturers’ operating manuals. Are there simple, intuitive controls with automation features like pan-sensing on/off capabilities? Are the control buttons and indicators easy to see and operate? You’ll need to train employees, so the easier the equipment is to use, the more likely staff will use it properly to create operational efficiencies and prevent food waste — both of which are good for your bottom line.
3. Account for non-equipment factors
Even if you have the best portable buffet warmer on the market, there will always be outside factors that can impact how effectively and efficiently it holds food. Breezy or cold ambient conditions, certain food types and even how you arrange your food in the holding pan can play a role in how well your food fares during holding.
So, how do you reduce the impact of outside factors to ensure your buffet warmer is working to its full potential to maximize your ROI? A few tips:
- Cover food with a lid to prevent heat loss, making sure to stir your food frequently to help distribute heat throughout the pan.
- Position your buffet warmer (remember, it is portable) away from doorways, open windows, air conditioning vents and kitchen hoods to minimize drafts.
- Check food temperatures regularly and adjust unit temperature settings accordingly. There are so many outside factors to consider that regular temperature checks are a must even when you’re taking other precautions.
- Keep food type in mind. A thick liquid product like chili will retain heat better and longer than solid food products like chicken wings because liquid is better at conducting heat. Therefore, adjust holding times and temperatures based on the menu item.
- Use the right-sized holding pans and take care not to overfill them to ensure heat is properly distributed to all of the food you are holding.
- Add or opt for a unit with an overhead heat source to cover more surface area of your product with heat and extend hold times.
4. Maintain and clean the unit
It should go without saying, but in order to get the most value out of your portable buffet warmer, you need to take care of it. Always consult the manufacturer’s operating manual for tips and instructions on how to properly maintain and service your unit. If the manufacturer has approved service providers, it’s a good idea to use them to ensure the unit is being fixed or serviced properly. Also, not using an approved provider can sometimes result in a voided warranty, which certainly isn’t helping your ROI.
Regular cleanings are also important. Again, consult the operator’s manual for instructions specific to your unit. It’s also a good idea to make cleaning protocols part of your training curriculum and regular opening or closing duties. Bacteria, grease and contaminants can easily build up on your buffet warmer, so to maximize the value, life and revenue-driving potential of your unit, there are no if, ands or buts about it — you need to keep it clean.
5. Embrace the versatility that portable buffet warmers offer
The beauty of a portable buffet warmer is that you can easily move it from one location to another. This versatility opens up a whole world of possibilities for your operation. Want to explore new revenue streams? Add a few portable warmers to a service station to test new menu items. Launch a pop-up buffet offering during a holiday you know will be busy. Even take your operation on the go with a food truck or ghost kitchen operation in another town.
But the versatility and ROI opportunities don’t stop there. Portable buffet warmers are multi-purpose equipment types. They work great for buffets (as their name implies), but you can also pull them in to support other holding needs. Use them to keep plates warm during service hours, hold to-go orders, or bring them along to a live demo at a special event or grocery store to ensure every taste-tester gets a hot and delicious sample. Whatever the use case, get creative and make sure your portable buffet warmer is working hard to save you money and keep revenue flowing.
Want to explore a Hatco portable buffet warmer?
Since 1950, Hatco has provided foodservice professionals with the highest quality equipment available. Backed by this same commitment to excellence, we offer a variety of portable buffet warmers that can help you save costs and drive more revenue. Ready to find the perfect ROI-driving solution for your needs? Find a Hatco Representative near you and get started today.
