How To Get Affordable Food Warmers for School Cafeterias

Keeping meals warm throughout the day in your school cafeteria is essential for food safety and student health. However, you don’t need to break the bank just to get the right equipment. If you’re searching for affordable cafeteria food warmers, our guide covers tips and recommendations from trusted vendors across the U.S.

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Here’s everything you need to know to get food warmers for schools.

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Options for getting school food warmers on a budget

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You can find affordable food warmers for your school with the right approach. Here are a few ways to get high-quality equipment:

• Second-hand options: Buying used food warmers can save your school a big amount. Check out online marketplaces like Burkett, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or even restaurant liquidation sales. Many sellers offer equipment that is still in excellent condition but at a fraction of the price.
• Cafeteria and restaurant supply stores: These stores often provide discounted food warmers and other commercial cafeteria equipment. Sometimes, they also offer refurbished models at a lower cost.
• Bulk purchasing: If your school cafeteria needs multiple food warmers, buying in bulk may help reduce costs. Many vendors offer discounts for bulk orders.
• Online stores: Several online retailers sell commercial kitchen equipment at very competitive prices. They frequently have sales, discounts, or free shipping options that make them very budget-friendly.

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Recommended vendors for cafeteria food warmers

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To help you find the best deals, we’ve curated a list of trusted vendors that offer reliable food warmers for schools:

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1. Burkett

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Burkett Restaurant Equipment is a well-known food service equipment and supplies dealer. It provides a large selection of both new and secondhand, refurbished kitchen equipment, making them a budget-friendly choice for schools.

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With Burkett, schools can easily place orders through many channels: by phone, email, their website, visiting the Ohio showroom in person, or contacting a local sales representative.

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Business Type: Equipment and supplies dealer

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Available equipment: Used units, heated holding cabinets, serving counters, countertop display cabinets, buffet warmers, warming drawers, countertop warmers, steam tables, etc.

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Average price range:

• For secondhand units: $195 - $1,695
• Holding cabinets: $3,600 - $8,697.54
• Hot food wells: $500 - $9,000
• Steam tables: $1,000 - $6,000
• Countertop food warmers: $100 - $1,000
• Heat lamps: $100 - $1,000

Available regions: Nationwide across the U.S.

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2. Hatco Corporation

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With over 70 years in the food service industry, Hatco offers a full portfolio of high-quality, durable school kitchen equipment, food-warming solutions, and cafeteria supplies. Known for their safety-first designs and innovative features like lightning-fast heat recovery, Hatco warmers are built to withstand the high demands of busy kitchens, including school cafeterias.

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To shop their available equipment, find a Hatco representative anywhere in the U.S. or get a quote via their website.

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Business Type: Manufacturer

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Available equipment: Heated holding cabinets, cafeteria food-holding lockers, food display cases, and commercial heat lamps

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Average price range: Request a quote

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Available regions: Nationwide across the U.S.

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3. Thermodyne Food Service Products, Inc.

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With over 30 years in the industry, Thermodyne Foodservice Products, Inc., is a pioneer in heat transfer technology, designing products that retain temperatures and main food quality through conduction cooking. The company offers over 35 different models, including slow cook and hold countertops, steam tables, and holding cabinets.

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Thermodyne is known for its revolutionary features that enhance food safety and extend holding times, such as its Fluid Shelf Technology.

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You can buy Thermodyne products at various locations across the U.S. To get yours today, find and contact their nearest sales representatives.

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Business Type: Manufacturer

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Available equipment: Slow cook and hold countertops, steam tables, steam griddles, holding cabinets, cook & chill equipment, blast chillers, and second-hand units

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Average price range: Request a quote

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Available regions: The U.S. and International

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4. Webstaurant Store

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Established in 2004, Webstaurant Store is one of the largest online retailers of commercial food service equipment. Their wide selection of food warmers, ranging from affordable steam tables to high-end holding cabinets, makes them a one-stop shop for schools. Moreover, their easy-to-use website, fast shipping, low prices, and dedicated customer support make it convenient for schools to find and order the right equipment they need.

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Shop and choose from over a thousand available products on their website.

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Business Type: Online retailer

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Available equipment: Heated holding cabinets, commercial steam tables, drop-in hot food wells, countertop food warmers, warming drawers, strip warmers, and heat lamps

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Average price range:

• Holding cabinets: $700 - $11,500
• Steam tables: $500 - $12,500
• Countertop food warmers: $40 - $4,500
• Drop-in hot food wells: $300 - $14,000
• Heat lamps: $40 - $7,800

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Available regions: Nationwide across the U.S., with warehouses in Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

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5. Target

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While Target is more known for consumer products, they do offer a selection of smaller food warmers and chafing dishes that can be suitable for school cafeterias, especially for smaller meal services or auxiliary use.

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Additionally, as a mainstream retail store, Target is one of the most accessible options, with nearly 2,000 physical store locations across the U.S.

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Schools can purchase equipment either in-store or through the Target website or mobile app. This gives schools and educators multiple options to buy the equipment they need depending on what’s most convenient for them.

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Lastly, Target offers discounted deals, seasonal sales, and low prices compared to other sources.

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Business Type: Retailer

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Available equipment: Holding cabinets, commercial food warmers, round and rectangle chafing dishes, commercial heat lamps, warming trays, buffet servers, and slow cookers

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Average price range: $20 - $1,600

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Available regions: Across the U.S., both in-store and online

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6. Amazon

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Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer, offering a wide range of food warmers, from basic models to more professional-grade equipment. Schools can browse through a vast selection of products, suitable for different kitchen sizes and budgets. On their website, schools can take advantage of competitive prices, frequent discounts, and convenient shipping options like Prime delivery.

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Moreover, customer reviews and ratings available on the site make it easier to evaluate products before purchasing.

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Business Type: Online retailer and marketplace

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Available equipment: Countertop food warmers, steam tables, holding cabinets, hot plate food warmers, warming trays, chafing dishes, heat lamps, and slow cookers

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Average price range: $50 - $7,000

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Available regions: The U.S. and International

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7. Schools In

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Schools In is a leading online school furniture supplier, providing high-quality equipment and supplies, including cafeteria food warmers, at great prices. They focus on school-specific products designed with educational settings in mind, making them a reliable choice for schools looking for specialized equipment.

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Schools In is based in Ohio, but schools across the country can shop through their reliable and intuitive website.

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Business Type: Supplier

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Available equipment:Food warmers, sauce warmers, soup warmers, steam table pans, lids, and adaptor plates

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Average price range: $10 - $1,000

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Available regions: Nationwide across the U.S.

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8. LTI, Inc.

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LTI is a leading designer and fabricator of custom food service equipment. They offer high-quality heated serving counters and convertible food wells that can switch between hot, cold, and frozen temperatures. They build equipment that can be customized to specific cafeteria layouts, making LTI an excellent option for schools with unique needs.

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Reach out to local sales representatives to purchase LTI’s equipment.

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Business Type: Fabricator

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Available equipment: Heated serving counters and display cases, hot food wells, and custom food holding equipment

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Average price range: Request a quote

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Available regions: Nationwide across the U.S.

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Things to consider when shopping for school cafeteria equipment

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To get the best value for your purchase, consider the following important factors:

• Energy efficiency: Energy-efficient warmers can reduce operational costs and save money in the long run.
• Size and capacity: Make sure the warmers fit your cafeteria’s available space and can handle your food volume.
• Maintenance: Choose models that are easy to clean and maintain for long-term use.
• Warranty and support: Look for products with warranties and suppliers with reliable customer support and accessible locations.

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How Ordo can transform your school food service

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At Ordo, we understand the challenges schools face when it comes to serving safe, healthy meals. That’s why we’re committed to helping you find the best solutions for your food service needs.

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Ordo has become the fastest-growing school food program in America, providing fresh meals made from scratch every day in our kitchens. Our chefs focus on cooking homestyle food that’s both nutritious and what students love.

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Students and parents can place their orders through their ordering app and choose from seasonal menus with 4 to 6 different options daily like Tex Mex Crunch Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing or Chicken Bacon Wrap with Pretzels, Carrots & Ranch. Our online platform automates compliance paperwork for reimbursable meals, tracks important metrics like daily participation rate, and handles all payment and order processing.

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Ordo offers both vended meal service where we deliver the food every day and onsite food service management with our chefs preparing food on campus. We have served all types of schools, from preschools and daycare centers to private and public schools.

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‍If you’re interested in providing fresh, healthy food for your school, you can reach out to the school partnerships team here.