Refrigeration, Storage & Handling

Hot holding cabinets are temperature maintenance units in the same vein as refrigeration equipment. And though they are heated, foodservice operators do not use this equipment for cooking.

Maintaining blast chillers is important from a safety standpoint since temperature consistency is key for HACCP reporting.

Anything from a simple 24-inch wall shelf to a 25-foot chef counter that contains several components, such as hot food tables, sinks, steam tables, dish tables, refrigerators and utility storage, can be custom fabricated.

The menu will help determine if a foodservice operation requires a blast chiller and, if so, the appropriate size. More delicate food like bakery items may be better suited for a softer, more gradual chill process, while meat and other heartier products can withstand a hard chill that brings food temperatures down to an almost frozen state more quickly.

Anything from a simple 24-inch wall shelf to a 25-foot chef counter that contains several components, such as hot food tables, sinks, steam tables, dish tables, refrigerators and utility storage, can be custom fabricated.

Blast chillers bring down food temperatures from 160 degrees F to 38 degrees F in 90 minutes or less to reduce the time food is in the danger zone of between 41 degrees F and 135 degrees F. Because this chilling method forms microcrystals on products, food retains its quality, appearance, nutritional value and flavor.