Holding cabinets and proofing cabinets are used in the foodservice industry to maintain foods in an ideal environment in order to keep them as fresh as possible. Holding cabinets keep fully cooked food at safe temperatures until it is ready to be served while proofing cabinets provide the best possible conditions for the final step in making the perfect dough. These units allow operators to change temperature and humidity for each specific food, so the food is perfectly heated or held.
Cabinets (holding, proofing, or a combination of the two) are available in a variety of sizes and styles with various features and benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the different options.
Picture Credit: Vulcan Equipment
Holding Cabinets
Holding cabinets hold cooked foods at a safe temperature until you’re ready to serve it to your guests. Ideal for catering events and large dining experiences, holding cabinets allow your team to be prepared for even the busiest dinner rush.
Proofing Cabinets
Proofing cabinets provide an ideal environment for the final rising period when making dough, which is called “proofing.” These cabinets typically operate between 70 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect temperature for this stage of breadmaking.
Holding/Proofing Cabinets
As you may have guessed, a holding/proofing cabinet is capable of both holding and proofing! Since these units can operate as either a holding cabinet or a proofing cabinet, they’re ideal for small operations that only have space for one unit in their kitchen.
Size Options
Undercounter
- 34″ tall or less
- Fits under counters
- Best for small kitchens
1/2 Height
- 36-41″ tall
- Best for low volume kitchen operations
3/4 Height
- 54-57″ tall
- Best for medium to high volume kitchen operations
Full Height
- At least 65″ tall
- Best for high volume kitchen operations
Insulation
Warming cabinets are available as either insulated or non-insulated. Insulated cabinets help preserve heat within the cabinet more efficiently, which saves energy and reduces cost. Insulated cabinets are more expensive than non-insulated cabinets, but they are better equipped for transporting food items. Uninsulated cabinets have a smaller price tag and are ideal for low-volume operations where transporting the product isn’t necessary.
Non-Insulated
Non-insulated cabinets are a great option for a smaller budget, or for low-volume operations. These cabinets do their job of holding foods at proper environments and do so at a lower price point than insulated models.
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Insulated
An insulated cabinet reduces heat loss and therefore energy consumption — in heating the unit itself and in subsequently cooling its kitchen environment. These units are generally more expensive than non-insulated cabinets, however they make up for the cost in the long run thanks to the energy savings.
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Interior Configurations
The interior configuration determines the type and size of pans that can be used in the cabinet as well as how pans are loaded.
Universal Slides
• Fits full-sized steam table pans and full-sized sheet pans of any depth
• Fully adjustable
• Can be bottom-loaded
• More effort required in cleaning due to multiple piece assembly
Fixed Slides
• Fits full-sized sheet pans and shallow full-sized steam table pans
• One-piece assembly makes for easy cleaning
• Limited height clearance may interfere with rising dough
• Can be bottom-loaded
Lip Load Slides
• ONLY fits full-sized sheet pans
• Loaded by the lip
• Provides generous clearance; best for rising dough
Door Type
Warming cabinets offer two types of doors: glass and solid. Glass doors allow operators to see product without having to open the door and lose heat. Meanwhile, solid doors are extremely energy efficient and create minimal ambient heat.
Door Configuration
Full height warmer cabinets are great for high volume operation kitchens. However, opening the full door will cause loss of heat. Avoid this problem with a dutch door – or a split door. If heat loss is not an issue with the kitchen’s operation, the full length door is still a great option.
Control Type
Easily keep your food warming cabinet at the perfect temperature with either manual or thermostatic controls. Manual controls require regular monitoring while thermostatic controls provide more precise temperature controls.
Top mount controls are safer during transport and during the daily operations of a busy kitchen. These controls are also easier to see and access. Some models are made with bottom mount controls, so it is important to ask where controls are located when purchasing.
Energy Star
Energy Star products cut your energy usage, contributing to a cleaner environment. These Energy Star products lower your utility bills due to the lowered energy usage and qualify for rebates in some states, making these products even better investments!
Learn more about Energy Star Rated Holding Cabinets from Central Restaurant Products.
Holding and Proofing Cabinets allow operators to keep food at safe temperatures and provide an ideal environment for baking bread, donuts, etc. Top vendors such as Metro, Vulcan, Crescor, and Carter Hoffman offer a wide variety of sizes and styles that will increase efficiencies and convenience.
If you have additional questions, one of our helpful expert product consultants would be happy to assist you at 800-215-9293!
Hope has been a Content Specialist since November 2015, where she brings to the table years of experience in the food service industry in a variety of roles. Throughout her time with Central, Hope has focused on learning all things possible about everything from cooking equipment to concession and specialty products in order to empower operators with education on commercial equipment and supplies. Hope is a wife, new mom, avid crafter, and food lover (french fries please!).
