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ASAP

Hot Food Holding Cabinets

Last Updated: October 2007
See the federal standards main page to view current status

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.

California became the first state to adopt efficiency standards for hot food holding cabinets, which are products used in hospitals, schools and other applications for storing and transporting food at a safe serving temperature. In 2004, California adopted EPA's ENERGY STAR performance criteria, which sets maximum idle energy rate of 40 Watts per cubic foot of measured interior volume, effective January 2006.  Similar standards have been enacted in Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island and Oregon. DOE is not currently required to set standards for these products.

There is no recent ASAP activity regarding hot food holding cabinets.