This equipment is often used in the restaurant industry, allowing a restaurant to prepare food items in advance, and keep them at the proper temperature until they are sold. Examples of holding cabinets include the glass display that soft pretzels are often placed in at a concession stand, or the heated display counter in a deli.
The two main types of holding cabinet are roll-through and reach-in style cabinets.
Roll-through, also called pass-through, is used when the cabinet needs to be accessed from both sides. A roll-through cabinet has doors on both the front and the back.
A reach-in holding cabinet is accessed only from the front. This type of cabinet may be placed against a wall. A reach-in cabinet may have full clear doors, full solid doors, or dutch clear doors. Full clear doors allow the contents to be viewed without loss of warm air. Full solid doors are usually constructed from stainless steel. Solid doors are well insulated and allow for easy cleaning. Dutch clear doors are only available on full height models because of height restrictions. Two smaller doors allow for separation of products, such as pizza and breadsticks.
Holding cabinets reduce wait time for customers. Catering companies, buffets, and restaurants use holding cabinets to store food cooked in bulk, providing the ability to keep the most popular food hot and ready at all times.