CAT // 5311 — CATEGORY
Bain maries
Bain-maries keep food at safe serving temperatures without overcooking or drying it out. Whether you're holding sauces, proteins, vegetables, or prepared dishes, an electric bain-marie maintains consistent heat in a water bath, ideal for service lines, buffets, and pass systems.
Choose from compact tabletop models for smaller kitchens or larger units with multiple GN pan capacity for high-volume operations. All units feature precise temperature control and are built for continuous commercial use.
Electric bain-maries maintain food at safe holding temperatures using water-bath heating. Suited to hotels, restaurants, and catering operations needing to keep sauces, soups, and prepared dishes warm during service. Choose based on GN capacity (1/1, 1/2, 1/3), power rating (1.2–2 kW), and bench or tabletop footprint (400–900 mm).
When selecting a bain-marie, consider the number and size of GN pans you need to hold simultaneously, the available counter or floor space, and your power supply (most electric units run 1.5–2 kW). Tabletop models suit cafés and smaller kitchens; larger base units work well in restaurant prep areas and banqueting kitchens.
Look for units with adjustable thermostats, durable stainless-steel construction, and easy-drain taps for cleaning. Check water capacity and heating time to match your service rhythm.
- GN pan capacity (1/1, 1/2, 1/3 sizes) and number of wells
- Tabletop versus base-mounted footprint
- Power rating and warm-up speed
- Temperature range and control accuracy
- Stainless-steel construction and drain accessibility
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Common questions
What GN pan sizes do these units accept?▾
Models hold full-size 1/1 GN, half-size 1/2 GN, or third-size 1/3 GN containers. Check product title for capacity—larger units (700, 900 mm bases) typically take 1/1 GN; smaller models (600 mm) take 1/2 GN.
What's the power requirement—single or three-phase?▾
All units listed are electric and rated 1.2–2 kW. Confirm with your supplier whether your model is single-phase (standard 230V) or three-phase, as this affects installation and circuit sizing.
How much does a typical unit cost?▾
Entry-level tabletop models start around €178–€232. Full-size bain-maries with 1/1 GN capacity range €1,390–€1,617 including Irish VAT. Cost depends on width, capacity, and control features.
Will this fit a standard 600 mm kitchen line?▾
Yes. The 400×600 mm and Combisteel Base 600 models are designed for standard 600 mm line spacing. Larger units (700, 900 mm) require wider benches and will not fit standard 600 mm gaps.
How does the water-bath heating work operationally?▾
Water in the outer jacket heats and circulates around GN pans inserted from above. You set the temperature; the thermostat maintains it. Ideal for holding sauces, soups, and vegetables during service without direct heat damage.
What's the difference between a tabletop and base unit?▾
Tabletop models sit on existing benches (compact, portable). Base units include integral stands, freeing bench space and providing better ergonomic access. Both offer the same holding capacity and heating performance.