Hold Energy Costs Through Better Use of Cabinets

By Ira Krepchin, Associate Director, E Source -- Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, 7/7/2008 10:59:00 AM

Hot food-holding cabinets represent a great opportunity for cutting energy consumption because they are in almost constant use. Used for keeping prepared food at safe serving temperatures during restaurant operations, these units often operate up to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Commercial kitchens also use these cabinets for other purposes, including keeping service plates warm and transporting food for catering events. Typical applications of these carts store food for long periods with few door openings.

To cut energy use, look for energy-efficient products, and in the case of this product category an Energy Star rating is a good indicator. Energy Star cabinets can reduce energy use by more than 65 percent compared to conventional, uninsulated models. To earn an Energy Star status, cabinets must keep their idle energy rate at no more than 40 watts per cubic foot (W/cu ft). The idle rate is defined as the rate of cabinet energy use while it is holding temperatures at the control set point. Typical models use 60 (W/cu ft), while the best available models use as little as 5 W/cu ft. These Energy Star levels are primarily achieved through better insulation.

Although these energy-efficient products cost more, the annual savings can be significant. The actual savings will depend on usage. For units that operate 15 hours/day, 365 days per year, a model that just meets the Energy Star requirement will cut energy use by almost 2800 kWh/yr, saving close to $300 per year in energy costs. The best available models do even better — cutting energy use by 7500 kWh/yr and savings $750/yr. Many municipalities offer utility rebates to help defray the costs.

Beyond selecting an Energy Star-qualified product, foodservice operators can reduce energy consumption in other ways while using these cabinets. First, use the right size cabinet for the amount of food typically served. A cabinet that is too large will cost more and use more energy. Look for other energy-saving features as well, including magnetic gaskets, self-closing doors, temperature and humidity controls, and Dutch doors. Dutch doors allow access to part of the cabinet without losing heat by having to open the entire face. Cabinet controls, manual or electronic, can help, too. Electronic controls are available with multiple timer-setting capability. These timers can be used on separate compartments to enable first-in/first-out food storage and retrieval.

Good operating habits can also help save energy. Staff often leave hot food-holding cabinets operating overnight. Turning hot food-holding cabinets off when they are empty could cut energy costs substantially. The best approach to making sure that cabinets don’t run all night is to set up a formal shutdown schedule for the entire operation and ensure that the cabinets are on the list. Maintenance is important as well. Make sure that door gaskets and auto door closers are kept in good operating condition. Otherwise, hot air will escape from the cabinet and increase energy consumption.

The benefits of purchasing an energy-efficient model go beyond energy efficiency. The same measures that make the units more efficient also lead to more uniform temperatures throughout the cabinet. And, more insulation means that the cabinets radiate less heat into the kitchen, keeping the work environment more comfortable. 

For a list of Energy Star-qualified products, and an online calculator that help you determine savings for your particular situation, visit the Energy Star web site.