Food vendors must prepare food on a daily basis and most of that food is not going to last for an extended period of time; this is why heated food displays are so critical to the restaurant industry-namely fast food establishments and food court vendors. For those of you who are just starting out in the restaurant business, a heated food display is a glass enclosed case that encapsulates and retains heat to keep your already cooked food warm for longer periods of time all while showcasing your food items to customers.
There are a variety of heated display cases for almost any restaurant operation imaginable. Most of these display cases are seen in mall food courts or convenience stores. The most common display cases are the countertop units, which are used for putting pretzels and pizzas on display. As the name suggest, these cases sit on top of a counter and are displayed in what is typically considered a hexagonal-style glass enclosure. Most of them even have a turning mechanism to ensure the hotdog weenies or pretzels are warmed evenly. They usually come with glass doors that retain heat and are typically used when either displaying smaller food items or when there is not enough floor space for large display cases.
If you have larger items, such as meats, breads, etc. then you would want to use a floor model heated display case instead. These typically have stacked shelves that are deep and allow for adequate room for display. Most of these models come with a curved glass display that allows your customer to view the food items from various angles. It's always a good idea to make sure your display cases come with sneeze guards. This is especially important when using open style models.
Not only are there heated display cases but also refrigerated display cases. These are great for displaying sushi or fish that should be kept in a chilled environment. They are great for use in supermarkets as well as when you choose to display food items in the open while keeping them refrigerated, most of these cases come self-contained.
Regardless of whether it is heated or refrigerated, we can't forget about buffet lines. Most buffets have both heated and refrigerated cases with a clear opening. These displays must be equipped with sneeze guards before buying. Not only will the heated buffet cases protect your food and plates from germs, but they will also keep them warm for hours, both prove to be a necessity on almost any buffet line.
As you can see, there is a variety of food display cases made to accommodate your needs. All of these are designed to do two things: keep your food at a desired temperature for an extended period of time and show your customers what you have to offer them from your restaurant. There is the possibility that if you can't find a food display to fit your restaurant needs, you can always have one customized to suit both the aesthetics and function of your establishment.