Food that is meant to be hot should remain — hot. However, there are many factors that affect the speed at which food gets to customers. Unfortunately, during any wait time (even just a couple of minutes in ambient temperatures), cooked products can cool and become tepid, soggy and unsavory. Maintaining optimal serving temperatures not only keeps food tasting great (and customers happy), it’s also fundamental to food safety. To prevent food from cooling too quickly or to unsafe temperatures, foodservice establishments need to find effective warming solutions.
Strip heaters are one of the most popular hot-holding products around. But how do strip heaters keep food warm? In this post, we’ll break down the type of heat they emit and the basics around how they work.
How do strip heaters work?
Contrary to what their name states, strip heaters aren’t meant to actually heat food (and should never be used for cooking purposes). Instead, these mighty warmers work to slow the natural cooling process of food. They do this by releasing infrared energy waves via different types of heat emitters (we’ll get into those briefly). Once the strip heater is set up and hung within the manufacturer's recommended clearance height, its infrared energy waves get to work, helping operators hold food at that just-right temperature for longer.
What is infrared radiant energy?
Radiation is one of three types of heat used in cooking and holding situations (conduction and convection are the other two). Have you ever sat inside by a window and soaked up the sun’s rays? The warmth beating down on your skin is infrared radiant heat, or radiation. Strip heaters (and heat lamps) use that same type of heat. It’s transferred (via electromagnetic waves) through the air to any object in its path (like the sun warming your skin). In the case of a strip heater, the food absorbs the waves and the temperature of the food rises, effectively slowing down the cooling process.
Radiant heat can get interrupted
Since infrared radiant waves travel through the air, they have the potential to get interrupted. Two main sources can cause the interruption of these energy waves: free-flowing air and distance. When deciding on where to install a strip heater, steer clear of areas close to air conditioning vents, open doors, windows or other areas where moving air could reduce how effectively heat transfers to the food. If a location away from moving air isn’t available, another warming solution might be a better fit.
Distance also affects the efficiency that radiant heat warms food. The more distance between the heating source and the targeted warming zone, the easier it is for the waves to be interrupted. Strip heaters employ different types of emitters. These emitters (as well as their wattage) determine the intensity of the heat released. For example, Hatco Glo-Ray® Infra-Black® Strip Heaters utilize an emitter that provides a gentle heat best used for narrow clearance applications. Whereas, a strip heater with a ceramic emitter pumps out more heat and is best for higher clearances, working well in applications like above a fry station. Sticking to the manufacturer’s installation clearance heights is paramount in getting the right heat intensity on your targeted warming zone.
Strip heater applications
Speaking of applications, strip heaters benefit foodservice operations in many quick-turn areas such as back-of-the-house work stations, expediting locations and customer serving counters. Radiant heat is especially helpful in these holding situations because it provides an even heat that maintains the proper temperatures without continuing to cook the food or causing it to dry out. Infrared heat uniquely preserves that “just made” heat and texture, making it a clear industry favorite. Looking for something more than just a brief holding time? Adding a second heat source like a heated shelf as a supplement to the strip heater is an easy way to increase hold times.
Warming magic.
Infrared radiant heat allows strip heaters to work their warming magic and provide diners with the very best food experience. Want to learn more about Hatco’s strip heater choices? Check out all we have to offer.
