A heated display case holds food that is already hot at serving temperature while customers look at it. Choose by service style (staff serve or self-serve), the depth of counter you have, and the temperature range on the product page, then keep the food at 135 F or above.
Shop the equipment in this article: bain marie food warmer, heated display cases and food warmer and proofer cabinets. Freight is included on every order.
We carry countertop cases from Migali, Marchia and Hatco, open grab and go merchandisers, and a rotating pizza warmer. Every model is listed further down with a link to its page.
The rule to plan around
Under the FDA Food Code (section 3-501.16), hot food that needs time and temperature control must be held at 135 F or above. A display case is for holding, not for heating food up. Several of our product pages say so directly, for example the Migali C-HCT34 page: use it to hold food that is already hot, not to cook or reheat it. Food that is reheated for hot holding has to reach 165 F for 15 seconds within 2 hours under the code (section 3-403.11), and that happens in an oven or on a range first. Your local health department has the final say.
Full serve, self-serve or open
- Rear doors only: staff serve from behind the case. The Migali C-HCT27, C-HCT34 and C-HCT47 have straight glass and rear sliding doors.
- Front and rear doors: customers can open the front while staff restock from the back. The Migali C-HCT14-S, C-HCT27-S, C-HCT36-S and C-HCT48-S and the Marchia SHCC series have sliding doors on both sides.
- Open front grab and go: the Marchia MHS900 and MHS1200 are floor standing open merchandisers, 80 in. tall, with heated shelves on several levels for packaged hot food.
Temperature ranges from our product pages
- Migali C-HCT series and Marchia SHCC and MHC series: 86 to 194 F.
- Hatco GRBW buffet warmer: base 80 to 200 F, with infrared heat above.
- Marchia MHS4 pass-through take-out shelf warmer: 86 to 194 F, with independently controlled shelves.
A wide range lets you hold dense items like fried chicken and lighter items like pastries in the same model. Check each item with a probe thermometer at the coolest spot in the case rather than trusting the dial.
Humidity and drying out
Breads, pastries and fried items react differently to dry heat. The Migali C-HCT series and the Marchia HSA50 have a removable water pan for humidity, and the Marchia MPC158 rotating pizza warmer lists humidity control. Product pages advise keeping the water pan filled during long holds.
Size and counter depth
| Model | Size from the product page |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| Marchia HCA45 and HSA50 | about 22 in. wide, under 15 in. tall |
| Migali C-HCT36-S | 33.5 W x 19 D x 27.3 H in. |
| Migali C-HCT34 | 33.7 W x 23 D x 27 H in. |
| Marchia MHW65, MHW102, MHW138 | 24, 38 and 50 in. wide, about 28 in. deep |
| Hatco GRHD-2P | 32.5 W x 26 D x 25 H in. |
| Marchia MHS900 | 34 W x 29.4 D x 80 H in. |
The Marchia MHW pages warn that the case is about 28 in. deep, so check your counter depth before ordering. Leave room above the case for doors that open upward, as the HSA50 page notes.
Power
The countertop cases we list plug into a standard 110 to 120 V outlet; several pages recommend a dedicated circuit. The Marchia MHC121 draws 9.6 A and the MHC161 draws 13.1 A, so do not share their circuit with a coffee brewer or another heater. For the larger open merchandisers, the product pages ask you to confirm the voltage and plug with us before you order.
Mistakes to avoid
- Loading food that has cooled below 135 F and expecting the case to bring it back up.
- Letting the water pan run dry during a long hold.
- Placing a case in a draft from a door or an air vent.
- Overfilling shelves so heat cannot reach the back of each tray.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should a heated display case be set to?
High enough that the food itself stays at 135 F or above, checked with a probe. The dial setting that achieves this depends on the food, the case and the room.
Can I use a heated display case to reheat food?
No. Reheat to 165 F on cooking equipment first, then move the food to the case to hold it.
What is the difference between a heated display case and a bain marie?
A display case holds food behind glass on shelves. A bain marie food warmer holds food in pans over hot water, which suits sauces, soups and wet foods.
Is delivery included?
Yes. Freight to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price, and powered equipment has a 7 day return window from delivery.
Next steps
Compare all heated display cases, and for back of house holding see food warmer and proofer cabinets. For a buffet or pass line, steam tables and heat lamps and strip warmers are often the better fit.
Every Model We Carry
Each model number below links to its product page with full specs, current price and shipping details.
Marchia Models
- Marchia HCA45 22″ Curved Glass Countertop Hot Food Display Warmer
- Marchia HSA50 22″ Straight Glass Countertop Hot Food Display Warmer
- Marchia MHS1200 46″ Open Heated Display Warming Case
- Marchia MHS4 43″ Pass-Thru Heated Take-Out Shelf Warmer
- Marchia MHS900 34″ Open Heated Display Warming Case
- Marchia MHW102 38″ Heated Display Merchandiser
- Marchia MHW138 50″ Heated Display Merchandiser
- Marchia MHW65 24″ Heated Display Merchandiser
- Heated Countertop Display Case with Front Slanted Glass
- Heated Countertop Display Front, Rear Doors
Migali Models
- Migali C-HCT14-S 14″ Heated Countertop Display Case Straight Glass Front
- Migali C-HCT27 27″ Heated Countertop Display Case Straight Glass Rear
- Migali C-HCT27-S 27″ Heated Countertop Display Case Straight Glass Front
- Migali C-HCT34 34″ Heated Countertop Display Case Straight Glass Rear
- Migali C-HCT36-S 36″ Heated Countertop Display Case Straight Glass Front
- Migali C-HCT47 47″ Heated Countertop Display Case Straight Glass Rear
- Migali C-HCT48-S 48″ Heated Countertop Display Case Straight Glass Front
Prepline Models
- Prepline GST30-2O 32″ Two Well Gas Hot Food
- Prepline GST48-3O 48″ Three Well Gas Hot Food Steam Table
- Prepline GST74-5O 74″ Five Well Gas Hot Food
- Prepline MPN1836 Full Size Heated Warming Holding Cabinet
- MPN1836 Full Size Heated Warming Holding Cabinet
Hatco Models
- Hatco FDWD-1 Rotating Heated Pizza Merchandiser
- Hatco GRBW Buffet Warmer with Sneeze Guards Lights
- Hatco GRHD Full Service Countertop Heated Display Case
Express KitchQuip Models
MPC158 Countertop Pizza Warmer
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.
Marchia HCA45 22″ Curved Glass Countertop Hot Food Display Warmer (model HCA45)
- Brand: Marchia
- Hot Food Display Warmer
- Adjustable Temperature Controller
- Chrome Plated Shelves
Marchia HSA50 22″ Straight Glass Countertop Hot Food Display Warmer (model HSA50)
- Brand: Marchia
- Hot Food Display Warmer
- Tempered glass display
- Two shelves, four doors
Marchia MHS1200 46″ Open Heated Display Warming Case Grab and Go (model MHS1200)
- Brand: Marchia
- Grab-and-Go Convenience: Open-front design allows effortless self-service access for customers, perfect for busy cafes, convenience stores, and supermarkets.
- Brilliant Visibility: Equipped with bright, energy-efficient interior lighting that highlights your food and increases impulse purchases.
- Precise Temperature Control: Features an advanced heating system that distributes warmth evenly across all levels, keeping food fresh without drying it out.
Marchia MHS4 43″ Pass-Thru Heated Take-Out Shelf Warmer, 4-Shelf (model MHS4)
- Brand: Marchia
- Pass-Thru Heated Take-Out Shelf Warmer
- Independently Controlled Shelves
- 86 to 194 degrees F
Marchia MHS900 34″ Open Heated Display Warming Case Grab and Go (model MHS900)
- Brand: Marchia
- Open-Front Grab & Go Design: Encourages self-service and speeds up checkout lines in busy commercial environments.
- Multi-Tier Heated Shelving: Independent temperature controls or uniform heating across multiple levels to keep various food items perfectly warm.
- High-Visibility Glass Sides: Crystal-clear glass panels maximize product visibility from multiple angles.
Marchia MHW102 38″ Heated Display Merchandiser (model MHW102)
- Brand: Marchia
- Commercial Heated Display: Marchia 38″ full-service countertop heated display merchandiser designed for professional foodservice applications.
- Slanted 2-Shelf Design: Two slanted shelves provide organized food presentation and improved visibility.
- Tempered Glass Sides: Tempered glass sides provide a clear view of displayed hot foods.
Marchia MHW138 50″ Heated Display Merchandiser (model MHW138)
- Brand: Marchia
- Commercial Heated Display: Marchia 50″ full-service countertop heated display merchandiser designed for professional foodservice use.
- Slanted 2-Shelf Design: Two slanted shelves provide an organized presentation and improved visibility of displayed hot foods.
- Tempered Glass Sides: 50″ Heated Display Merchandiser has c lear tempered glass sides allow customers and staff to view displayed products easily.
Marchia MHW65 24″ Heated Display Merchandiser (model MHW65)
- Brand: Marchia
- Heated Display Merchandiser: 24″ countertop unit designed to keep prepared foods warm while providing an attractive display.
- Slanted 2-Shelf Design: Angled shelves improve visibility and organization of displayed foods.
- Full-Service Design: Front and rear openings provide convenient staff access for serving and restocking.
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.