Hot Food Holding Cabinets

Last Updated: December 2009
See the federal standards main page to view current status

THE PRODUCT: Hot food holding cabinets are used in hospitals, schools and other applications for storing and transporting food at a safe serving temperature. They are freestanding metal cabinets with internal pan supports for trays. Most are made of stainless steel and are insulated; however, there are some models that are non-insulated and are often made of aluminum. The main energy-using components include the heating element and the fan motor.

THE STANDARD: The ENERGY STAR specification sets a maximum idle energy rate for hot food holding cabinets of 40 W per cubic foot of measured interior volume. In December 2004, the California Energy Commission adopted this level as a statewide minimum standard. The same standard has subsequently been adopted by Connecticut, Washington D.C., Maryland, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington.

KEY FACTS: Appropriate insulation in hot food holding cabinets is the key mechanism to meet the proposed standard. Insulated cabinets also have the advantage of quick preheat times, less susceptibility to ambient air temperatures, and a more uniform cabinet temperature. The incremental cost for insulation is roughly $450 (PG&E 2004a). Other features that reduce heat loss include automatic door closers, magnetic door gaskets, and Dutch doors (half-doors). The recommended maximum idle energy rate translates to over 75% annual energy savings of 1,815 kWh relative to a basic, inefficient model (PG&E 2004a). These energy savings, approximately $185 per year at average commercial energy costs (e.g. 10.3 cents/kWh), cover the estimated additional cost of more efficient units in less than three years. EPA estimated a 2008 market share of 79% (LBNL 2008).

Most Recent Activity

Federal: DOE is not currently required to set standards for these products. Standards for hot food holding cabinets are included in legislation being considered by the U.S. Congress.

State: Compact audio products are included in the ASAP 2010 Model State Standards bill and state bills based on this model such as one pending in Massachusetts