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Steam Table Well Counts: 2 to 5 Wells Compared

Count the full size pans of hot food you need to hold at one time, then choose that many wells: our steam tables come with 2 wells at about 31 to 32 in. wide, 3 wells at 48 in., 4 wells at 60 in. and 5 wells at about 73 to 74 in. Each well takes a full size steam table pan, and as common practice smaller fractional pans share a well with adapter bars, so a line with many small items may need fewer wells than it has items.

If you only hold a few smaller pans on a counter, a countertop bain marie food warmer may be enough: our Prepline BM-01/3-4 holds four 1/3 size pans and the BM-02/4-6 holds six, both on a standard 110 V outlet. For a serving line, here is how the steam table sizes compare, with figures from our product pages.

2 wells

  • Prepline EST30-2O: electric, two open wells of 12 x 20 x 6-1/2 in., galvanized undershelf, 31 W x 30.6 D x 34.4 H in.
  • Prepline ESTC30-2S: electric, two sealed wells, enclosed cabinet base, 120 V, 1,000 W, NEMA 5-15P, 31.8 W x 30.6 D x 34.4 H in.
  • Prepline gas 2 well (32 in.): two open wells, a 3,500 BTU burner and control for each, 7,000 BTU total, undershelf and removable cutting board.

Two wells suit a small hot line, a cafe with a soup and a side, or a catering add-on.

3 wells

  • Prepline EST48-3O: electric, three open wells, galvanized undershelf, 120 V, 1,500 W, NEMA 5-15P, 48 W x 30.6 D x 34.4 H in.
  • Prepline ESTC48-3S: electric, three sealed wells, cabinet base, 120 V, 1,500 W.
  • Prepline gas 3 well (48 in.): three open wells at 3,500 BTU each, 10,500 BTU total, undershelf and 8 x 48 in. cutting board. The GST48-3O version has an enclosed base with sliding doors and is listed as available on backorder.

4 wells

  • Prepline EST60-4O: electric, four open wells, 208 to 240 V, 3,000 W, NEMA 6-20P, 60 W x 30.6 D x 34.4 H in.
  • Prepline EST60-4O-110 and ESTC60-4S-110: 60 in. models that plug into a standard 110 to 120 V outlet, with open wells on an undershelf or sealed wells on a cabinet base.
  • Prepline GST60-4O: gas, four open wells at 3,500 BTU each, 14,000 BTU total.

5 wells

  • Prepline EST74-5O: electric, five open wells, galvanized undershelf, 72.8 W x 30.6 D x 34.4 H in.
  • Prepline ESTC74-5S: electric, five sealed wells, cabinet base, 73.8 W x 30.6 D x 34.4 H in.
  • Prepline gas 5 well (73.8 in.): five open wells, 17,500 BTU total, undershelf; the GST74-5O version adds a 16.5 in. sneeze guard and a poly cutting board.

Open wells or sealed wells

Open wells can run with water or, on the gas models, dry. Sealed wells are one formed piece with no opening around the element; the Prepline pages say they hold temperature more evenly, are easier to clean and need no spillage pans.

Electric or gas, and which outlet

Check the power before you pick a width. The 2 and 3 well electric models above plug into 120 V, the EST60-4O needs 208 to 240 V on a NEMA 6-20P plug, and the 60 in. -110 models plug into a standard outlet. Several pages ask you to confirm the voltage and plug before ordering. Gas models need a licensed gas installer.

How to count your wells

  1. List every hot item served at the same time during your busiest period.
  2. Note the pan size for each: full, half, third or smaller.
  3. Add up the space: two half pans or three third pans take one full well.
  4. Add a well for a backup pan of your best seller, so a fresh pan is hot when the first runs low.
  5. Check the line length you have, including sneeze guards. Our Prepline sneeze guards come in 30, 48, 60 and 74 in. sizes to match the tables.

Holding temperature

The FDA Food Code (section 3-501.16) says hot food must be held at 135 F or above. Steam tables are among the equipment the code exempts from having a built-in thermometer, so check food temperatures with a probe thermometer during service. Virginia’s adoption uses the same rules (12VAC5-421-820 and 12VAC5-421-1320). As common practice, a steam table holds food that is already hot; reheat food on the range or in an oven before it goes in the well. Your local health department has the final say on hot holding at your line.

Frequently asked questions

How many wells do I need on a steam table?

As many full size pan spaces as you hold at once at your busiest, plus one for a backup pan of your top seller. Count fractional pans by the space they take.

Can I put smaller pans in a steam table well?

Yes. Each well is sized for a full size pan, and half, third and smaller pans fit with adapter bars or fractional pan setups.

Which steam tables plug into a regular outlet?

From our pages: the EST48-3O, ESTC30-2S and ESTC48-3S on 120 V, and the EST60-4O-110 and ESTC60-4S-110 on 110 to 120 V.

Do I need water in the wells?

Open wells can run with water, which adds moist heat; the gas open well models are listed for wet or dry use. Follow the manual for your model.

Next steps

Compare every size in steam tables, add a cutting surface or plating space with work tables, and see food storage for the line in wall shelves and chef base refrigerators. Freight to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price, powered items have a 7 day return window, and lease-to-own financing is available on items from 500 dollars.

Models in this guide at a glance

The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.

Prepline EST30-2O 31″ Two Well Electric Steam Table, Undershelf (model EST30-2O)

  • Brand: Prepline
  • 30-5/8″ deep x 31″ wide x 34-3/8″ high.
  • Two open wells sized 12″ x 20″ x 6-1/2″ for full size steam table pans.
  • Electric, undershelf type.
  • Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor

Prepline EST48-3O 48″ Three Well Electric Steam Table, Undershelf (model EST48-3O)

  • Brand: Prepline
  • 30-5/8″ deep x 48″ wide x 34-3/8″ high.
  • Three open wells sized 12″ x 20″ x 6-1/2″ for full size steam table pans.
  • Electric, undershelf type.
  • Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor

Prepline EST60-4O 60″ Four Well Electric Steam Table, Undershelf (model EST60-4O)

  • Brand: Prepline
  • 30-5/8″ deep x 60″ wide x 34-3/8″ high.
  • Four open wells sized 12″ x 20″ x 6-1/2″ for full size steam table pans.
  • Electric, undershelf type.
  • Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor

Prepline EST74-5O 73″ Five Well Electric Steam Table, Undershelf (model EST74-5O)

  • Brand: Prepline
  • 30-5/8″ deep x 72-13/16″ wide x 34-3/8″ high.
  • Five open wells sized 12″ x 20″ x 6-1/2″ for full size steam table pans.
  • Electric, undershelf type.
  • Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor

Before you order

  • Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
  • Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
  • Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
  • Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.

Delivery, warranty and payment

  • Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
  • Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
  • Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
  • Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.

Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.