Counters with Hot Ceramic Surface — BHS offers canteen modular systems counters with an actively heated ceramic surface for corporate canteens, restaurants, hotels and other HoReCa businesses: a counter with a hot ceramic surface is an element of the canteen modular systems, whose ceramic surface is electrically heated and provides even bottom heat for products placed on it; the ceramic surface is smooth, dense and non-porous, making it easier to clean and more hygienic than a natural granite surface, while ensuring good heat accumulation and even heat distribution; counters with a hot ceramic surface are suitable for pizza, flatbread products, pastries, flatbread and other dishes that require bottom heat; BHS offers counters with a hot ceramic surface together with a wide range of Canteen Modular Systems.
See also the Counter with Hot Granite Surface with a natural granite surface option and the Counters with Hot Bain-Marie for bain-marie heat retention.
Counters with Hot Ceramic Surface — counters with a hot ceramic surface in canteen modular systems provide active heat retention through bottom heat from the ceramic surface; the smooth, dense structure of the ceramic material combines good heat distribution with easy hygiene maintenance for HoReCa businesses.
Heating principle of the ceramic surface
Counters with Hot Ceramic Surface — the ceramic surface is heated by built-in electric heating elements beneath the ceramic plate; ceramic as a material heats up evenly and accumulates heat, providing stable warmth for products on the surface. Electric heating elements — beneath the ceramic surface layer are spiral or plate-type electric heating elements; the heating power is determined by the size of the ceramic plate and the set temperature; a thermostatic regulator maintains the surface temperature within a stable range. Heat transfer to the product — ceramic transfers heat mainly by conduction (contact between the ceramic surface and the product’s base); a flat base on the product ensures better contact with the surface = more efficient heat transfer; thin, flat products gain heat across the entire surface area; see Canteen Modular Systems.
Difference between ceramic and granite surfaces
Counters with Hot Ceramic Surface — the hot ceramic and granite surfaces are functionally similar, but their material properties and maintenance differ — both are suitable for keeping flat dishes warm in a canteen modular system. Ceramic surface — a synthetic material with a dense, smooth, non-porous structure; easier to clean as food residues do not become embedded in the porous structure; more hygienically advantageous; a wider range of colours and sizes is possible. Granite surface — a natural stone with characteristic aesthetics; the porous structure of granite requires more careful maintenance (impregnation); visually more attractive for presentation; see Counter with Hot Granite Surface and Hot/Neutral Cabinet with Hot Granite Surface.
Maintenance and hygiene of ceramic surfaces
Counters with Hot Ceramic Surface — the hygiene of ceramic surfaces is easier to maintain than that of granite, as the dense structure of ceramic prevents the absorption of grease and food residues into the material. Daily cleaning — clean the ceramic surface after each shift with a food-safe disinfectant; the smooth surface allows cleaning with a dry or slightly damp cloth; for stubborn food residues, use a soft sponge or scraper. List of prohibited agents — abrasive cleaning powders and metal scrapers are unsuitable for ceramic surfaces, as they scratch the smooth surface; abrasive scraping also destroys the ceramic surface glaze; see Canteen Modular Systems. BHS provides counters with a hot ceramic surface across Europe.
Most suitable products for ceramic heating counters
Counters with Hot Ceramic Surface — a hot ceramic surface is ideal for products with a flat base that benefit from bottom contact heat. Pizza and flatbread products — pizza, flatbread, naan, focaccia, quesadilla; products with flat bases make maximum use of ceramic contact heat; the visual advantages of granite are not essential here; ceramic is a practical, hygienic solution. Pastries and bakery products — hot pastries, hot sandwiches with baked fillings; the product base retains heat on the ceramic; see Hot Cabinet with Neutral Countertop and Counters with Hot Bain-Marie.
HoReCa usage scenarios
Corporate canteen with counters with a hot ceramic surface — in the serving area, a hot ceramic surface keeps pizza and bread products warm; the easy-to-clean surface simplifies daily hygiene protocol compliance; BHS equipment provides a professional solution. Pizza restaurant with a ceramic heating surface — ready-made pizzas on a hot ceramic counter before serving; ceramic contact heat prevents rapid pizza cooling without the need for additional covering. Hotel breakfast buffet with a ceramic counter — warm bread and bakery products in the buffet area on a hot ceramic surface; the smooth ceramic surface is easy to keep clean even during intensive breakfast service; BHS supplies the products. BHS offers counters with a hot ceramic surface to HoReCa businesses across Europe.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ceramic surface more resistant to temperature fluctuations than granite? Counters with Hot Ceramic Surface — specially prepared commercial ceramic plates are designed to operate at high temperatures and withstand cyclic heating/cooling cycles; the thermal shock resistance of ceramic depends on the material quality and manufacturer; commercial-grade ceramic plates are made for use in commercial catering environments; see Canteen Modular Systems.
Can the ceramic surface also be used cold (as a display surface without heating)? Counters with Hot Ceramic Surface — if the heating system is switched off, the ceramic surface cools to room temperature and can be used as a neutral display surface; however, the design of hot surfaces is not intended for active cooling; see also Counter with Hot Granite Surface.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.