How to Keep Hot and Cold Foods at the Right Temperature Level

In food business, keeping food at the right temperature not only preserves flavor but minimizes the risk of food poisoning. That’s why food warming and cooling equipment is an essential part of every restaurants’ set up.

There are various tools and supplies that can help. But it’s important to understand the appropriate holding temperatures for hot and cold items.

Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures

According to the FDA standards, hot foods must be maintained at 135 °F or above. Withing the “danger zone” for food is between 41 °F and 135 ° bacteria can grow rapidly. The longer food is allowed to sit in the “danger zone,” the greater the risk of bacteria growth and spoilage.

The cold items should be kept at a temperature of 40 °F and below.

How to Keep Food Warm

First of all, you’ve gotta know that hot holding equipment is not designed to reheat dishes. Rather, it’s designed to keep already-hot items at 140 °F or higher.

In addition to using the right equipment, you can help keep dishes at the right temperature by:

• Keeping food covered (this will also keep contaminants out)
• Stir frequently to ensure that heat is evenly distributed
• Discard items that have been sitting below 140 °F for more than 2 hours
• Use a thermometer to monitor temperatures

The professional holding equipment that can help you keep hot foods at just the right temperature include:

• warming ovens, or holding cabinets;
• steam tables;
• catering warmers, also known as a tabletop warmer;
• food warmers for parties (portable versions of steam tables);
• soup warmers or round food warmers;
• insulated containers (the ideal choice to keep food hot for hours without electricity).

How to Keep Food Cold

A few tips for keeping food cold:

1. Never place directly on ice (exceptions include vegetables, fruits and molluscan shellfish)
2. Keep covered
3. Discard any items that reaches a temperature of 70 °F or higher

The equipment and tools to keep your items cold:

• catering coolers
• cold and ice buffet stations
• cold chafing dish
• serving bowls that keep food cold

Maintaining the appropriate food holding temperature is essential for safety and flavor. Investing in the right equipment for warming and cooling is just as important as your investment in cooking equipment.

Source: https://mcdonaldpaper.com/blog/keep-hot-food-hot-and-cold-food-cold