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Steam Tables Buying Guide

Steam tables make it easy to serve a spread of hot food to a large crowd while maintaining food-safe temperatures. These tables hold hot food at ideal serving temperatures throughout meal service with either moist or dry heating, depending on whether or not water is used in the pan or well above the heat source. We'll review what a steam table is and the different types and styles so that you can select the best steam table for your operation.

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What Is a Steam Table?

A steam table is a type of food-holding equipment designed to keep hot foods at a safe holding temperature in high-volume businesses. They're ideal for use in kitchens, buffets, cafeterias, or hotels. They typically feature two or more compartments to hold full size pans or a combination of smaller pans. They are designed to hold multiple food options, adding convenience and flexibility to your display.

Steam tables are designed to hold pre-cooked foods that are already at safe hot food-holding temperatures. They are not a means to cook food or to bring it up to serving temperature. Because they are considered high-heat equipment, it is important to read the specification sheet and use caution when operating a steam table.

How Do Steam Tables Work?

To keep food warm, steam tables heat water to produce steam that gently heats the food pans. This method provides even heating to ensure all of the food pans are kept at the ideal temperature. Both sealed and open well steam tables can utilize moist heating, which involves using water to create steam to heat the pans from underneath. Only open well steam tables can use dry heating, which is the process of heating the pans without water.

How Hot Must Food Be Kept in a Steam Table?

To meet food safety guidelines, hot food in your steam table should always be held at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Gas Steam Tables vs Electric Steam Tables

When buying a steam table, you'll have to decide whether you want a gas or an electric unit. Since isn't necessarily superior to the other, its important to consider what features you're looking for and where you'll be using your steam table(s).

Restaurant Equipment

Gas Steam Table

Gas steam tables are designed to be configured for either natural gas hookups or liquid propane tanks. Gas steam tables are quicker to heat up with less possibility of malfunction due to their simpler design. The cost of gas is typically cheaper than electricity but it is not as energy efficient and will raise the temperature of the kitchen or dining area in which it is being used. Most gas steam tables are designed to be stationary, but casters can be mounted onto propane-powered units for outdoor applications like catering events.

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Electric Steam Table

Electric steam tables take a little longer to heat up, but they are more energy efficient. They won't heat your kitchen, and they include easy-to-use, more precise temperature controls. Some electric tables use NEMA plugs while others must be hardwired (configurations available during the purchasing process). If you need to be able to easily move your table, then a portable steam table may be a better option for your business. Mobile electric steam tables with casters are ideal for applications like breakfast bars, where you might need to put your table into storage after use, and then easily take it out again the next morning.

The Difference Between Open Well and Sealed Well Steam Tables

There are two kinds of well types for steam tables: open and sealed. These refer to whether the heating element of an electric unit or the open flame of a gas unit is covered or exposed. Open wells feature an exposed heat source, and because of this, spillage pans are needed for open well moist heating. Conversely, sealed wells have a covered heat source. The heating element or flame rests underneath the metal well, allowing you to add the water directly without needing spillage pans.

Diagram of a gray open well with orange heat source
Diagram of a gray open well with orange heat source

Open Well Steam Table

Open well steam table units are very versatile, as they're able to utilize both moist and dry heating on the same table at the same time. Dry heat is especially good for holding fried foods and other crispy menu items. Open wells feature an exposed heat source and require spillage pans for open well moist heating. 

Pros
  • Can be used for moist or dry heat holding
  • Can be more cost-effective upfront
Cons
  • Requires the use of spillage pans, which must be emptied after service
Diagram of a gray sealed well with covered orange heat source
Diagram of a gray sealed well with covered orange heat source

Sealed Well Steam Table

Sealed well steam tables have a covered heat source. The heating element or flame rests underneath the metal well, allowing you to add the water directly without needing spillage pans. If your menu consists of soups, rice, veggies, various pasta dishes, and other non-crispy options, then a sealed well steam table may be the right choice for you.

Pros
  • Features a built-in drain for easy cleanup
  • Water is added directly to the well (no spillage pans required)
Cons
  • Cannot be used for dry heat holding
Restaurant Equipment

What Is a Steam Table Pan?

Steam table pans, which are also commonly referred to as hotel pans or food pans, are stainless steel pans that hold the food in the steam table. They come in a variety of sizes, from 1/9 pans to 2/3 pans, to fit into a wide range of steam tables and to create a customized display based on the foods you are serving. All steam table pans are based on a standard 12” x 20” pan, which is known as a full sized pan. Steam table pans are also often used to store and transport foods, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen.

Water Management and Floor Drains

Because water goes in and out of steam tables, it's a good plan to invest in a backflow prevention device. This will help ensure that you comply with food safety regulations. Whether or not you need a floor drain will depend on your unique situation and what kind of table you choose. Be sure to check with a plumber and read all product information like manuals and specification sheets to understand what you'll need to do to safely fill and drain your steam table. If you're using a sealed well table, a floor drain is a great idea because the table's built-in drain(s) will empty from the back or bottom.

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Steam Table Accessories

Below are a variety of steam table accessories that help create a functional presentation, increase storage, or ensure sanitary use.

  • Adapter Plates: Use adapter plates to create custom configurations for your steam table presentation.
  • Adapter Bars: Reduce the steam loss with adapter bars to increased efficiency and change the configuration of your table with fractional pans.
  • Shelves: Install overshelves to provide extra storage space above your table. Some come with sneeze guards to bring added protection to your steam table unit.
  • Cutting Boards: Add a cutting board to your unit to provide additional workspace for food prep and plating.
  • Water Filtration System: Ensure that the water you are using in your steam table is clean and sanitary with a water filtration system.
  • Spillage Pans: Use open well moist heating with a steam table spillage pan. Fill your spillage pan with hot water and place your food pan on top.
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