We have a broad range of sizes, formats and brands to choose from when you’re looking for the perfect countertop hot food display for your establishment. Whether you’re serving freshly baked pies and want to keep them at that just-right temperature, crispy chips straight from the deep fryer or delicious dim sum ready to take away, we have a model to suit. 

Countertop space is at a premium in any cafe, restaurant or takeaway shop, which is why you can find ultra-compact models with just a couple of shelves, all the way up to models with space for 100 pies. Depending on how you like to present and serve your menu items, you can choose single-door or double-door access, allowing it to operate as a display that your staff will serve from, or customers can serve themselves. 

Our smallest models measure in at around 550mm wide and just 330mm high, with enough space for a single or double shelf. They’re small enough to be unobtrusive to keep by the till while still having enough space to keep a steady flow of warm menu items easily accessible.

The most common materials you’ll find in countertop hot food displays are metal, especially stainless steel, for the framing. The doors are typically made from tempered glass to ensure safety and resilience in both warm conditions and to withstand frequent opening and closing. 

Yes, modern hot food displays are energy-efficient, using less power with the addition of things like LED lighting. The key to maintaining the temperature and, therefore, keeping running costs down is making sure you’re keeping the doors closed when not in use. 

Yes, they’re designed to retain heat both to ensure your food is the perfect temperature for consumption and also for food health and safety. The best way to keep the temperature consistently warm is by ensuring you keep the door closed between serving food. 

Food safety in Australia requires compliance with maintaining temperature standards and disposing of food when it’s been in the hot cabinet for longer than a certain period. While hot food displays can help maintain the temperature, you need to regularly check the core temperature of at-risk foods to make sure the heat is maintained all the way through. 

Equally, you should use cabinets with windows or shields, separate pre-prepared foods from anything raw, and make sure your cabinets are out of the reach of children. At REO, we have a range of options that fill all of these requirements. 

Cleaning your hot food display is essential at the end of each shift, but it’s also very simple. Before cleaning, you’ll want to remove all remaining food and dispose of anything that’s been kept beyond its food-safe period. 

Next, remove the shelves and trays to give them a more thorough cleaning, either by hand or in a dishwasher if they’re dishwasher safe. Wipe down the interior, removing any crumbs or residue. You should also spray and wipe down the glass, leaving it fresh for the next shift. You may also want to wipe down the area with a clean, damp cloth to ensure you’ve removed any soapy residue. 

For longevity, make sure the seals and electrics are all in working order on a regular basis. Improperly sealed doors can let heat out, compromising the quality of your food. 

The period of time your food can last in a hot display will depend on what it is, with meat being something that requires extra care. You should follow the best-practice guidelines of HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control points) to ensure you’re serving food that’s safe to eat. We recommend regularly monitoring your food, checking the core temperature where necessary, and avoiding adding new food when a previous batch is still being kept warm. 

If you’re looking for a dedicated hot food display for a specific menu item, we stock a wide variety that’ll make it easy for you to store optimally for quality and safety. 

Yes, most models come with lighting to help attractively display your food. Each product will have slightly different specifications, so if you’re looking for some specific features, our support team will be more than happy to help you find the perfect model. 

Typically, our countertop hot food displays will come pre-assembled. Some larger models may require a few extra steps to get them fully up and running, depending on their installation needs.