A commercial soup warmer holds soups, curries and sauces at serving temperature. It is a standard piece of equipment on buffet lines, staff canteen serveries and restaurant back bars. Start with one decision: a countertop unit that sits on the counter, or a drop-in well built into it. Then look at capacity, temperature range and power.
1. Countertop warmer or drop-in well?
A countertop soup warmer works wherever you place it, so it can move as the menu changes. A drop-in heated well is installed below the counter, leaving only the food pans visible on the serving side. It suits fixed buffet and service lines.
| Model | Type | Power | Temperature control | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatco RHW2-1 / RHW2-2 | Countertop round heated well | 110V or 220V single phase / 1250W, 2725W | Three ranges, 40–95°C | RHW2-2 has dual heaters; cook and hold modes |
| APW Wyott CW-3Ai | Countertop soup warmer | 220V single phase | 38–100°C | 26.97 L capacity; heats water to 100°C in about 10 minutes |
| Hatco HWBH-FULD | Drop-in heated well | 110V / 220V single phase / 1650W | Thermostatic control | Fits a full-size food pan; built-in drain |
Specifications are taken from each product page. Final configuration is confirmed in the quotation.
2. Capacity: size it to peak service
Size a soup warmer to the volume you need ready at peak, not the total for the day. The APW Wyott CW-3Ai holds 26.97 litres and suits lines with high soup demand. The Hatco RHW series comes as the RHW2-1 and RHW2-2; the RHW2-2 has dual heaters, which makes it easier to handle different items at once.
3. Temperature range and modes
Different foods hold best at different temperatures, and a clearly defined range makes texture easier to keep. The Hatco RHW series offers three ranges (40–65°C, 65–80°C and 80–95°C). The cook timer runs from 1 to 120 minutes, then switches automatically to hold mode, which can be set from 1 to 360 minutes. The APW Wyott CW-3Ai has a recommended range of 38–100°C and a protective guard over the control knob.
4. Power and installation
The Hatco RHW series is available in 110V and 220V versions; the APW Wyott CW-3Ai runs on 220V single phase. Check the outlet before you order. For a drop-in well, confirm the cutout before the counter is fabricated. The Hatco HWBH-FULD needs a 321–328 × 524–531 mm cutout in non-combustible counters such as stainless steel or stone, and 356–362 × 559–565 mm in combustible counters such as wood. Top-mount installation requires the manufacturer’s mounting kit.
5. Cleaning and close-down
How easy it is to close down at the end of the day affects how willingly a team uses the equipment. The Hatco HWBH-FULD has a drain with a flat screen, so staff do not need to scoop water out of the well. The Hatco RHW and APW Wyott CW-3Ai both have stainless steel bodies that are easy to wipe down.
FAQ
What is the difference between a soup warmer and a drop-in well?
A soup warmer sits on the counter and can be moved. A drop-in well is installed below the counter for a cleaner serving face. It suits fixed buffet and service lines, but the cutout must be confirmed before the counter is built.
What size commercial soup warmer do I need?
Work back from the volume you need ready at peak. For high-volume lines, look at the APW Wyott CW-3Ai (26.97 L). To handle different items at once, look at the Hatco RHW2-2 with dual heaters.
Can a soup warmer cook soup?
It depends on the model. The Hatco RHW series has cook and hold modes for soups, curries and gravies. The APW Wyott CW-3Ai is designed for fast heating and long holding. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for each use.
Do soup warmers run on 110V or 220V?
The Hatco RHW series comes in 110V and 220V versions, the APW Wyott CW-3Ai runs on 220V single phase, and the Hatco HWBH-FULD is available in 110V and 220V. Confirm the outlet and circuit on site first.
How should a buffet line be set up for hot holding?
Fixed hot food lines work well with drop-in wells installed side by side for a clear flow. Venues with changing menus are better served by countertop soup warmers. For canteen planning, see Staff Canteen and Contract Catering Kitchen Planning.
Next step
Book an equipment planning consultation: share your menu and service volume, and Applied Kitchens will recommend models based on placement, power and counter conditions.
Related reading: Commercial Cooking Equipment, Hotel Kitchen Equipment Planning, Staff Canteen and Contract Catering Kitchen Planning
Applied Kitchens supplies hot holding equipment from international brands including Hatco and APW Wyott, with commercial kitchen planning, supply, installation and after-sales service.