A food station includes a base configured to support a food product, a frame coupled to the base and including a longitudinal member having a length extending in a longitudinal direction, and a heat strip module coupled to the longitudinal member. The heat strip module includes a housing, a heating element coupled to the housing, and a reflector coupled to the housing. The heat strip module is at least one of (a) selectively rotatable relative to the longitudinal member between a first orientation and a second orientation and configured to emit the energy in both the first orientation and the second orientation or (b) selectively repositionable along the length of the longitudinal member between a first position and a second position and configured to emit the energy in both the first position and the second position.

Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to apparatuses for electric radiant heaters. An electric radiant heater may include a cavity with a radiant heating element on an inner surface of the cavity. Electric radiant heat generated by the radiant heating element may be output through an aperture of the cavity. The inner surface of the cavity may have a greater surface area than an area of the aperture. The radiant heating element may be arranged in a helical pattern in some examples. In some examples, the electric radiant heater may be arranged with a lens for directing heat from the radiant heating element to a location outside the cavity.

The present invention provides single units that contain a large lower chamber, and one or more display shelves above this chamber on the inside of the unit. A roller grill or other large appliance may be provided in the lower chamber, or the chamber may be left open to display large food products or other items. The shelves may be heated for keeping foods displayed on the shelves warm; however, the shelves need not be heated for food products that do not need to be kept warm. Heating elements, lights and sensors may be adjusted using electronic controls to provide optimum temperatures inside the various chambers of the display units. Display units of the present invention allow store owners to utilize the space above a roller grill or other appliance to merchandise additional food products as opposed to requiring a separate food merchandiser to occupy additional valuable counter space. The performance of the roller grills of the present invention is improved over stand-alone roller grills, thereby reducing the potential for lost sales due to food not being sufficiently heated.

A heating unit includes a housing defining a thermal cavity, a reflector assembly disposed within the thermal cavity, and a heating element disposed within the thermal cavity. The reflector assembly includes a first reflector coupled to an interior surface of the housing and a second reflector coupled to the first reflector. The first reflector is spaced from the interior surface forming a first air gap therebetween and the second reflector is spaced from the first reflector forming a second air gap therebetween. The heating element is at least partially surrounded by the reflector assembly.

A multi-zone food holding bin has a continuous food supporting surface with multiple food holding zones. Each food holding zone is independently controllable so that different food temperatures may be maintained in adjacent food holding zones.

A multi-zone food holding bin has a continuous food supporting surface with multiple food holding zones. Each food holding zone is independently controllable so that different food temperatures may be maintained in adjacent food holding zones.

A heat lamp is provided that minimizes visual obstructions between an individual and a food service line, while more evenly distributing heat across food. The heat energy penetrates into the food and does not merely heat the surface. Different heating capabilities can be provided by locating the lamp head at different positions over a large adjustable height range. Additional lighting elements provide illumination to heated surfaces to improve visual appeal. Each heat lamp on a service line may be connected to an adjacent heat lamp through built-in power receptacles. The surfaces of the heat lamp are sealed and/or made of easily cleaned substances and have features compliant to one or more industry standards. The heat lamp may be easily transportable and may be resistant to damage.

A method and apparatus to refresh food pieces. Food pieces (such as potato chips, etc.) can become stale when exposed to moisture for periods of time. An apparatus includes a heater and a blower which generate hot air blown into a connected container. Thus, the food pieces are rejuvenated when exposed to streams of hot air and can become unstale therefore ready for eating. A control on a base of the apparatus can separately control both the heater and the blower.

A multi-zone food holding bin has a continuous food supporting surface with multiple food holding zones. Each food holding zone is independently controllable so that different food temperatures may be maintained in adjacent food holding zones.

A food station includes a base configured to support a food product, a frame coupled to the base and including a longitudinal member having a length extending in a longitudinal direction, and a heat strip module coupled to the longitudinal member. The heat strip module includes a housing, a heating element coupled to the housing, and a reflector coupled to the housing. The heat strip module is at least one of (a) selectively rotatable relative to the longitudinal member between a first orientation and a second orientation and configured to emit the energy in both the first orientation and the second orientation or (b) selectively repositionable along the length of the longitudinal member between a first position and a second position and configured to emit the energy in both the first position and the second position.