Heat Lamps and Strip Warmers

Types of Heat Lamps

Learn about the different types of heat lamps and their applications below:

Freestanding Lamps

Freestanding bulb warmers are designed with a base that can be placed on any countertop or surface. They can be moved around wherever you need them, as long as you have access to an electrical outlet. If you want to apply warmth to one tray of food, choose a one-bulb or two-bulb lamp. For larger surface areas, freestanding lamps can be purchased with up to eight bulbs.

Clamp and Screw-On Lamps

A screw-on heat lamp is similar to a freestanding lamp, except it has no base. Instead, it's mounted to a countertop or carving board for a more permanent solution. Many of these heat lamps also have flexible, adjustable arms so that you can direct the heat where you need it most. Screw-on lamps typically have a maximum of two bulbs and require access to an electrical outlet. They are available in a variety of attractive finishes since they are commonly used in dining rooms or catering venues.

Hanging Heat Lamps

Hanging heat lamps are mounted to the ceiling and suspended directly over the area you want to keep warm. They're mostly used in the front-of-house, so you can find hanging heat lamps in many different designs, colors, and finishes. Unlike freestanding or screw-on lamps, hanging lamps must be hard-wired into your electrical system. This means they are permanent fixtures that can't be easily moved around, but they can be adjusted for height.

Types of Strip Warmers

Strip warmers have many different features that can be customized to suit your specific needs.

Usage / Wattage

The wattage of the strip warmer heating elements dictates the level of usage. Choose a low-wattage unit for small spaces and light-duty use. Level up the wattage for high-volume kitchens that require heavy usage.

Double vs Single

Strip warmers come in two styles: single-element or double-element. A single unit has one heating element and a dual unit has two. Consider the depth of coverage that you need before choosing. A single-strip unit will heat a narrower surface, while a double-strip unit provides heat to a wider surface area.

Heat Source

There are two common types of heating elements in strip warmers. Metal-sheathed elements are comprised of wires encased in metal. They're effective and economical, which makes them popular for most foodservice applications. Ceramic heating elements provide more intense heat for covering greater depth and height clearance. However, they do come with a higher price tag than metal-sheathed strip warmers.

Installation

Strip warmers are available with different mounting hardware. For permanent installation, use mounting brackets to attach the strip heater over a food pickup area. Support chains can be used to hang the strip warmer from the ceiling. To create a portable solution, a leg stand can turn a strip warmer into a mobile food heater that you can use on any countertop.

Electrical Connection

Hardwired strip warmers are permanently connected to your electrical system. If you plan on moving the warmer around, choose a cord and plug option for greater mobility.

Control Type

Choosing strip warmer controls can be a little bit confusing. We'll walk you through the four types of controls and explain the benefits of each one.

Attached Toggle - An attached toggle control has a simple on/off button on the strip warmer. The unit is either turned on or it's turned off. There is no temperature control with an attached toggle button, which makes it simple for anyone to use.

Attached Infinite - An attached infinite control is a dial located on the unit. You turn the dial to power on the unit and also to adjust the heat level. This gives the user more control over the amount of heat being applied.

Remote Toggle - A remote toggle switch is located in a different location than the strip warmer, which is useful for a couple of reasons. The heat from a strip warmer can take its toll on attached controls. Placing the remote control box in a cooler location can extend the life of the components. This toggle control is limited to powering on or off and has no temperature control.

Remote Infinite - The remote infinite control is a great option if the strip warmer is located in the dining room. You can power it on from a distance and turn the dial to control the temperature. This also prevents guests from tampering with the controls.

Food Warmer FAQ

If you still have questions about strip warmers and heat lamps, check out the information below.

How Do You Keep Buffet Food Warm?

Depending on the style of your buffet, there are a couple of ways to keep food at the perfect serving temperature. On a display table with chafing dishes, freestanding heat lamps or hanging heat lamps can be placed strategically to direct heat toward your hot foods. In a cafeteria setting or large buffet line, strip warmers can be installed onto your buffet equipment to provide steady warmth.

How Many Watts Is a Heat Lamp?

Foodservice heat lamps can range from 250 watts to 2000 watts. Strip warmers cover an even greater range at 250 watts to 8000 watts.

How Long Can You Keep a Heat Lamp On?

Heat lamps and strip warmers for foodservice are designed for continuous use, so they are safe to leave on throughout service. That being said, they are meant to heat dishes of food for a short time before they are served. Being held under a heat lamp for too long will cause foods to dry out. Always remember to turn off heat lamps and strip warmers before closing to prevent a fire hazard.