The proper temperature to store foods is above 140°F or below 40°F. And temperature range 40°F to 140°F is known as a danger zone. Because when food is stored between this range, it gets spoiled and the reason for spoilage is bacteria. They grow rapidly at this temperature level, making the food spoiled.
Before storing the food, make sure it is completely cooked. Because reaching a safe internal temperature is important. And keeping the cooked food hot for a long period of time is not an easy task especially when the customers are coming at different times. But some equipment can help you in keeping food warm. These include hot food display, chafing dishes, steam tables, warming trays, and slow cookers etc.
Other than the equipment to keep your food warm for longer, keep it covered and stir the dish frequently to distribute the heat evenly. You should also discard food stored below 140°F or above 40°F after 3-4 hours.
The ways restaurants usually use to keep the food warm are:
1. Steam Table:
Steam tables are used to keep food warm at restaurants. They have heated serving trays, usually used for buffet or self-service. They have open or sealed wells. Both have their own advantages. Open wells are preferred for crispy items and have moist and dry both types of heating. But for moist heating, they need spillage pans. On the contrary, sealed wells don’t need spillage pan so, cleanup is easier.
2. Chafing Dishes:
Different types of chaffing dishes are available in the market, but disposable ones are the most common. These dishes come with aluminum pans, a wire rack, and an external heating source. Aluminum pans, filled with hot water are placed on the wire racks. Underneath the aluminum pan, a heat source is placed which turns the water into steam. And the steam keeps the food hot which is placed above the aluminum pan.
3. Warming Trays:
Another way to keep the food warm is the use of warming trays. These trays are specially designed appliances that keep the food hot for a longer period. These warming trays provide a flat surface that is actually a heated area for your food. You can place your food directly on the surface of warming trays or can place dishes or pans containing food on the heated surface.
4. Slow Cookers:
Usually, slow cookers are used for cooking a variety of dishes, but you can also use them for keeping your food hot. To use a slow cooker for keeping your food warm, first fully cook your food. You can use a slow cooker or any other method for cooking. Then take a slow cooker, place your food in, and set it on a low or warm setting. This will keep food above the danger zone temperature.
5. Using Ovens:
Using ovens is the most popular way to keep the food hot. Every restaurant has an oven, so you don’t need any additional appliances or effort. In an oven, warm setting keeps your food at 200°F. And this temperature is the best for keeping the food hot and to prevent it from spoiling. If you don’t have warm settings, adjust the temperature by yourself. Then put the wrapped food in the oven.
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