Insulated box HENDI 707968

An insulated transport box keeps food at its serving temperature while it moves from kitchen to service point. The box does not heat or chill; it traps the temperature the food already has. A thick layer of insulation slows the transfer of heat through the walls, lid and base. When hot food is loaded, the insulation slows the escape of warmth; when chilled food is loaded, it slows the entry of room heat. The result is a longer holding time without reheating or re-chilling, which protects texture and flavour and reduces food waste.

To use the box, the operator first pre-conditions it: hot water or ice is placed inside for a short time to bring the interior to the target temperature. The food is then loaded in standard gastronorm (GN) containers, which slide into the box on an internal frame. The lid is closed and latched, sealing the interior. Ergonomic side handles allow one person to carry the box even when it is fully loaded. At the destination the lid is opened and the GN containers are lifted out without tilting, so sauces and liquids stay level.

The box is built from injection-moulded plastic with a closed-cell foam core for insulation. The walls, base and lid form a single shell that resists impact and is easy to wipe clean. The handles are moulded into the sides and are large enough for gloved hands. A wide temperature range from -20 °C to +110 °C allows the box to transport frozen, chilled or hot food without warping or cracking.

The footprint of 600 mm by 400 mm matches the standard GN 1/1 container size, so the box fits neatly on a worktop, in a van rack or on a serving trolley. The 46 litre volume shows how much food the box can hold at once, while the 320 mm height determines the clearance needed above it. The weight of the empty box is light enough for one person to lift, yet the construction is strong enough to stack several boxes when they are empty.

Cleaning is done with warm water and a mild detergent. The smooth plastic surfaces shed food residue and do not absorb odours. The lid seals tightly, so no liquid enters the insulation layer. After washing, the box is left open to air-dry before the next use.

An optional extension frame raises the internal height to accommodate taller GN containers. A separate cooling element tray can be added to extend the holding time for chilled food. Neither accessory is included with the box.