Why the Metro HotBlox is More Than Just a Holding Cabinet

In today’s fast-paced foodservice industry, maintaining the quality and temperature of food while optimizing kitchen space and efficiency is essential. This is where the Metro HotBlox™ shines. Designed to hold a variety of foods with unmatched flexibility, Metro HotBlox isn’t just another holding cabinet; it’s a game-changer for kitchens everywhere. Here’s a closer look at what makes the HotBlox more than just a holding cabinet.

Flexible, Space-Saving Design

Unlike the bulkier, single-placement options of standard holding cabinets, the Metro HotBlox offers three compact, flexible sizes that fit seamlessly into any kitchen layout. Designed for maximum space efficiency, it can be placed in narrow spaces, under counters, or on top of existing setups. Stackable for vertical efficiency, HotBlox allows you to double or triple your holding capacity without occupying additional floor space—an invaluable feature for kitchens where every inch counts.

HotBlox also offers modular and versatile holding options with reach-in and pass-thru configurations, making it adaptable to unique space and menu requirements. These configurations enable seamless placement throughout the kitchen, even as part of an assembly line, so that HotBlox becomes an integral part of the food preparation and serving process, rather than just a storage solution.

Moist or Crispy Holding with Hybrid Convection-Radiant Technology

One of the biggest challenges in food holding is preserving texture. Some foods need to stay moist and tender, while others should remain crispy. Thanks to Metro’s innovative hybrid convection–radiant heating technology, the HotBlox offers both.

• Keep It Crispy: The convection system draws excess humidity out, releasing it through a rear vent to keep crispy items at their best.
• Keep It Moist: For items that need a more humid environment, simply place a pan of water on the floor of the cabinet. The radiant element creates a gentle, moist heat that helps retain food moisture, perfect for items like pasta or meats that can dry out easily.

This unique flexibility allows kitchens to use a single holding cabinet for multiple types of food, streamlining kitchen operations and cutting down on the need for additional equipment.

Digital Controls for Precision and Safety

The Metro HotBlox is equipped with digital controls that allow for more precise management of temperature and humidity. This includes:

• Humidity Display: The digital control panel shows the cabinet’s humidity levels, so you know exactly what environment your food is in at all times.
• Timers and Alarms: Built-in timers and alarms let you set alerts for food rotation, ensuring that items are served at peak freshness and never overheld.
• HACCP Data Logging: HotBlox even provides HACCP data logging, a critical tool for tracking food safety and maintaining health code compliance.

For kitchens on the go, such as food trucks or catering setups, Metro HotBlox also offers an “always-on” thermometer for easy temperature monitoring during transport, ensuring food stays safe and delicious from the kitchen to the customer.

Whether you’re holding crispy fries, moist pasta, or any food in between, the Metro HotBlox is versatile enough to handle it all. Its compact design fits virtually anywhere, so you’re no longer constrained by traditional holding cabinet limitations. In this way, HotBlox meets the needs of modern kitchens that are agile, fast-paced, and focused on quality.

Ready to upgrade your food holding solutions? Reach out to your Sam Tell rep today!