Food heat lamps are found primarily in buffet lines and other types of restaurants that need to display food safely and keep foods hot until they are ready to be served. Where the lamp will be oriented along with the wattage and numbers of bulbs are all important considerations when selecting a model. Depending on your specific needs, food heat lamps can be freestanding, hanging from the ceiling or other overhead support, or they can be mounted to the counter or tabletop. Freestanding and countertop mounted models are ideal for caterers or banquet halls because they can be easily moved when the service layout is changed for the next event. Hanging lamps are ideal for static food display and service areas.

When positioning the lamp, remember, 12 to 16 inches above the food is the optimum distance a heat lamp should be. At this distance, the maximum amount of heat reaches the food, but it is not so intense that the food dries out or burns. The intensity of the bulb will also determine how much heat reaches the food. The higher the wattage, the more heat it will generate. If the infrared food lamp is going to be placed on your buffet line or in a position where it is visible to guests, consider a food heat lamp that features brass or stainless steel shades as these look a bit more special than the ordinary. Food heat lamps are a great addition to the warming and holding equipment of many professional caterers and commercial restaurants alike.