Soup Warmers

Serve soup at the perfect temperature every time with our range of commercial soup warmers, designed for cafés, restaurants, and catering operations. Whether you're holding chowders, consommés, or curries, our soup bain maries and kettles ensure consistent heat without scorching.

Explore electric and wet-well options built for demanding foodservice environments—easy to clean, energy-efficient, and reliable shift after shift.

No products found
Use fewer filters or remove all

More About Soup Warmers

Types of Commercial Soup Warmers

Commercial soup warmers come in two primary types—electric countertop kettles and bain marie style wet-well warmers. Electric kettles offer targeted heat and fast recovery times, ideal for front-of-house display and self-serve setups. Bain marie warmers use indirect moist heat to gently hold multiple pans at food-safe temperatures, making them popular in back-of-house or buffet service.

Installation & Power Requirements

Most commercial soup warmers are plug-and-play 240V single-phase units, requiring a standard GPO (General Power Outlet). Some higher-demand models, especially multi-well units, may require 15-amp outlets or dedicated circuits. Unlike combi ovens or fryers, soup warmers rarely require a hood or direct water connection, although wet well models need manual filling with water to create steam heat.

Capacity and Portion Planning

Capacity is typically measured in litres or GN pan compatibility. A standard soup kettle holds around 10 litres (roughly 35 x 280ml servings). For buffet or back-of-house holding, a double well unit can fit two 1/1 GN pans with inserts for multiple soups or sauces. Assess usage volume and peak demand before selecting capacity.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Wet well units need to be emptied and wiped down daily to prevent lime scale and corrosion. It’s also crucial to regularly descale the heating element depending on water hardness. For soup kettles, remove and sanitise the inner pot after each use, and avoid abrasive pads that may damage stainless steel surfaces.

Why Choose Commercial Soup Warmers?

Unlike stovetops or improvised hotplates, commercial soup warmers deliver consistent 60–85°C holding temperatures over long periods. This helps reduce food waste, avoid temperature violations, and improve presentation and taste. They're energy-efficient, require minimal staff training, and improve soup station ROI in high-volume kitchens.

WE’RE HERE TO ANSWER

Soup Warmers FAQs

What’s the difference between wet well and dry heat soup warmers?

Wet well soup warmers use a water bath to create gentle, even heat that's ideal for delicate soups and sauces. Dry heat units rely on a direct heating element underneath the pot, offering faster warm-up times but with a higher risk of scorching if not monitored. Wet well systems are better for extended holding, while dry heat models are typically easier to maintain and faster to operate.

Do soup warmers require plumbing or a water connection?

Standard soup warmers do not require a permanent water connection. However, wet well models need to be manually filled with water before operation to generate steam heat. There's no need for a plumbed-in line or drainage, but exposing electrical components or running a unit dry can cause damage. Regular monitoring of water levels is essential.

How do you clean and maintain a commercial soup warmer?

Clean soup warmers daily by removing inserts and wiping down the interior basin with warm soapy water. Wet well units should have their heating wells emptied and dried to prevent scale buildup. Avoid submerging electrical bases. Commercial descaler can be used monthly to maintain heating efficiency in hard water areas. Always unplug units before servicing.

How many servings does a 10-litre soup kettle provide?

A 10-litre commercial soup kettle provides approximately 35 servings using a standard 280ml ladle. That’s suitable for mid-size cafés or lunch rush periods. For larger operations or combo meal offerings, dual-unit setups with separate flavours can double the output and variety without taking up excessive counter space.

Why use a commercial soup warmer instead of a stovetop pot?

Commercial soup warmers maintain a precise holding temperature without constant supervision, reducing the risk of burning and food waste. They’re designed for all-day use, energy-efficient, and often feature portion-ready designs perfect for front-of-house efficiency. Compared to a stovetop, they offer better heat retention, lower energy consumption, and compliance with food safety standards.