Commercial Steam Tables

Best Steam Tables for Commercial Kitchens & Cafeterias

Steam tables keep cooked foods at safe holding temperatures, bridging the gap between cooking and serving in busy commercial kitchens. These essential pieces of food holding equipment use heated water or dry heat to maintain dishes above 140°F, preventing bacterial growth while preserving food quality until service. From cafeteria lines and hospital kitchens to catering operations and concession stands, steam tables provide the reliable hot holding that commercial foodservice demands.

The versatility of steam tables makes them a workhorse in back-of-house operations. Load up pans of scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast service, switch to soups and entrées for lunch, then hold sides and sauces for dinner. The open-top design accepts standard steam table pans in full, half, and third sizes, allowing flexible menu configurations. Whether you're running a school cafeteria serving hundreds or a small deli holding a few daily specials, steam tables scale to match your operation.

At GoFoodservice, we offer steam tables from trusted brands including Admiral Craft, Advance Tabco, CookRite, Cozoc, Eagle Group, and Omcan USA.

Why Choose Commercial Steam Tables?

Food safety compliance is the foundation of any hot holding solution. Steam tables maintain foods above the 140°F threshold required by health codes, keeping dishes out of the temperature danger zone where bacteria multiply rapidly. Consistent, even heat distribution across all wells ensures every pan stays at safe temperatures throughout service. This protection is critical in high-volume operations where food may sit for extended periods before being served.

Electric and gas options suit different operational needs. Electric steam tables offer simple plug-in convenience with 120V models for smaller units and 208/240V for higher-capacity tables. They work well in locations without gas lines and provide precise temperature control. Gas steam tables, available in natural gas and propane configurations, deliver powerful heat output and lower operating costs in facilities with existing gas infrastructure. Both types provide reliable performance for continuous food holding.

Well configuration affects how you use the steam table. Open (dry) wells rely on radiant heat from below and work well for pans that don't require moisture. Sealed (wet) wells hold water that surrounds the pans, providing gentle, even heat ideal for delicate sauces, gravies, and items prone to drying out. Many operations prefer wet wells for the consistent temperature control and ability to hold foods longer without quality degradation.

What to Look for in Steam Tables

Selecting the right steam table depends on your menu volume, available utilities, and how you plan to configure your serving line. Matching these factors ensures efficient food holding and smooth service flow.

Some things to consider when shopping for steam tables include:

• Power source (electric vs. natural gas vs. propane)
• Pan capacity (2, 3, 4, or 5 wells)
• Well style (open/dry well vs. sealed/wet well)
• Table width (30 to 81 inches)
• Base type (cabinet base, undershelves, open base)
• Placement (freestanding vs. mobile)
• Voltage requirements for electric models
• BTU output for gas models
• Cutting board or dish shelf accessories
• And more!

The right steam table matches your service volume and utility availability while fitting your kitchen layout. Consider peak demand and menu variety when selecting well count and configuration.

Shop Steam Tables Today

Steam tables deliver reliable hot food holding for cafeterias, catering operations, concession stands, and commercial kitchens of all sizes. Electric and gas options, open and sealed wells, and durable commercial construction keep your prepared foods safe and ready to serve.

Explore all your options, or browse our hot food buffet tables for front-of-house heated serving stations, our food warmers for countertop and drop-in options, or our steam table pans to outfit your wells. Have questions? Contact us through our contact page today. We're always happy to help you find the right food holding equipment for your operation!