Heat Lamps and Strip heaters

Heat lamps and strip heaters keep plated food warm at the pass between cooking and service. They prevent dishes from cooling while servers pick up orders, which is critical in busy restaurants where ticket times spike during rush.

Match the length to your pass-through window. Heat lamps and strip heaters in the 24 to 36-inch range cover small expo windows, while 48 and 60-inch units work for full restaurant lines and large hotel kitchens.

Infrared heat lamps and strip heaters work best for fried foods because they keep items hot without trapping steam. Steam softens crispy textures, so dry radiant heat preserves the quality of fries, chicken, and breaded items.

Bulb-style heat lamps focus heat on individual plates and add visual presence at the pass. Strip heaters provide even coverage across a long line and look cleaner overhead. Choose based on plating volume and aesthetics.

No. Heat lamps and strip heaters hold plated food for minutes, not hours. Use Warming Drawers or Holding and Proofing Cabinets for longer holding needs during prep and service.

Yes. Heat lamps and strip heaters need to be mounted at the right distance above the food, typically 18 to 24 inches. Check the manufacturer's clearance specs to ensure proper heating without burning items.

Yes, when possible. Adjustable heat lamps and strip heaters let you fine-tune the distance from the food, which matters when plate heights and dish types vary across your menu. Fixed-mount units work when service items are consistent.