Hot Counter

Hot and Cold Food Display Counter (Industrial Food Topping Counter) | For Restaurants, Sandwich Shops, and Pizzerias

The hot and cold food display counter, also known as a restaurant counter, is one of the essential and necessary pieces of equipment in large industrial kitchens, catering services, sandwich shops, ice cream parlors, and fast-food restaurants. These stainless-steel counters, equipped with multiple compartments, are designed to separate and store the ingredients used in food preparation. KiTech food topping counters help improve efficiency by providing easy access to ingredients, speeding up the food preparation process, and enabling staff to handle orders with greater accuracy and speed. These counters are available in different types (cold, hot, and combined) and are chosen based on the type of food and the needs of the kitchen. Food topping counters not only improve service quality and speed but also contribute to maintaining food hygiene and safety.

Introduction to Hot and Cold Topping Counters

The hot and cold food display counter, or restaurant counter, is essential equipment in large industrial kitchens, catering services, sandwich shops, ice cream parlors, and fast-food restaurants. Made of stainless steel and equipped with multiple sections, these counters are designed to separate and store ingredients used in food preparation. KiTech food topping units enhance efficiency by providing easy access to ingredients, accelerating food preparation, and enabling staff to serve orders with greater precision and speed. They are available in different types (cold, hot, and combined) and selected according to the type of food and kitchen requirements. Topping counters not only improve service speed and quality but also ensure food hygiene and safety.

What is a Topping Counter or Food Display Counter?

A topping counter, or food display counter, is a stainless-steel table with multiple compartments designed to separate and store the ingredients used in preparing and serving various foods, such as vegetables, sauces, pre-cooked meats, and more. Each section of the counter contains a pan or container (bain-marie) for storing different food components. These units feature heating and cooling systems that play a vital role in speeding up food preparation and maintaining ingredient quality.

With a topping counter, kitchen staff can easily access required ingredients, increasing both the speed and quality of service provided to customers.

Types of Topping Counters for Restaurants, Pizzerias, and Sandwich Shops

Industrial topping counters are generally divided into two main categories:

1. Industrial Cold Topping Counter (Cold Food Counter)

Cold topping counters are used to store food at low temperatures to maintain freshness. These counters usually include built-in refrigerators or freezers and are used to store items such as:

• Seasonal salads, pasta salad, Olivier salad, chicken salad, etc.
• Sauces such as mayonnaise, ketchup, and others.
• Pickles such as cucumbers, olives, and more.
• Cut fruits such as pineapple, banana, strawberries, mango, etc.
• Sandwich ingredients such as cold cuts, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, etc.

Cold topping counters are available in different types (countertop and upright) and are suitable for both small and large spaces.

2. Industrial Hot Topping Counter (Hot Food Counter)

Hot topping counters, powered by electricity or gas, are designed as stainless-steel tables with compartments that maintain food at the right temperature. These counters are used to store ready-to-serve foods such as pizza, French fries, fried chicken, soups, stews, falafel, and other foods that need to be served hot.

These counters are typically equipped with heating systems to maintain the proper temperature. They are available in both electric and gas models, in countertop and upright forms.

How Self-Service Hot Topping Counters Work

Self-service hot topping counters operate using a heating system (either water-based or electric heating elements) under each compartment to maintain a consistent temperature. This ensures food stays hot for extended periods without losing quality. Hot and cold topping counters for pizzerias and sandwich shops can be customized with 4, 5, 6, 8, or more sections.

Applications of Hot and Cold Topping Counters

Hot and cold counters are highly practical in places that deal with a wide variety of food items requiring both cold and hot storage:

• Fast-food restaurants: for storing sandwich, burger, and salad ingredients.
• Restaurants: for storing salad components and ready-made meals.
• Hotels and cafés: for buffets and self-service areas.
• Catering services: for storing food during events and gatherings.
• Juice and ice cream shops: for storing ice cream, fruits, desserts, chocolate, etc.
• Industrial kitchens: for keeping food components hot during cooking operations.

Importance of Using Hot and Cold Topping Counters in Restaurants and Fast-Food Outlets

The use of hot and cold topping counters in restaurants and fast-food outlets is essential for the following reasons:

• Maintaining food quality and freshness: Precise temperature control prevents food spoilage and preserves flavor and texture.
• Increasing service speed: Organized and easy access to ingredients accelerates food preparation.
• Improving food hygiene and safety: Separating different ingredients prevents cross-contamination.
• Reducing food waste: Proper storage reduces food spoilage.
• Enhancing workplace appearance: Modern designs improve the attractiveness of the establishment.
• Extending ingredient shelf life: Reducing the cost of purchasing ingredients.
• Reducing customer wait time: Enabling faster food service.

Factors Affecting the Price of Hot and Cold Topping Counters

The price of hot and cold topping counters depends on several factors, including:

• Size and capacity: Larger counters are more expensive.
• Material quality: Counters made of 304 stainless steel are priced higher.
• Cooling system: Advanced systems increase cost.
• Additional features: Digital thermostats, ice-making systems, caster wheels, etc.
• Quality and brand: Well-known brands are generally more expensive.

For accurate information about pricing and professional consultation, you can contact the KiTech team. Our experts will assess your needs and recommend the best solutions.