Cooling and heating elements for thermal boxes are a simple and effective way to extend the temperature retention efficiency of a thermal box without additional electricity or complex infrastructure. They are an essential part of a HACCP compliant food delivery system in HoReCa businesses and food delivery services.
Types and operating principle of cooling elements
Cooling elements (cooling accumulators) are containers filled with liquid or gel that are frozen before use and maintain a low temperature in the thermal box without electricity. Water- or gel-based cooling elements are a standard solution, frozen in a freezer and placed in the thermal box alongside chilled food or drinks to keep them cool. PCM (Phase Change Material) cooling elements are premium elements with phase-change material that maintain a stable, pre-set temperature (e.g., +2°C or -18°C) longer than conventional cooling elements. Dry ice provides more intense cooling but requires safe handling skills. Cooling elements are available in various capacities to match the volume of the thermal box — a combination of several small elements or one large element. Explore the Thermal Boxes range to check element compatibility.
Types and operating principle of heating elements
Heating elements for thermal boxes maintain the temperature of hot food above the required HACCP threshold of +63°C throughout the entire delivery process. Electric heating plates or cassettes are heating elements connected to electricity before being placed in the thermal box, warming the food from below or the sides. Chemical reaction heat packs are easy-to-use, single-use packs activated by triggering a chemical reaction that generates heat for several hours. Thermal boxes with built-in electric heating elements offer an integrated solution where the heating element is part of the thermal box’s construction. Heating plates or bases keep food containers warm from below. Also explore stainless steel thermoses for food transport.
HACCP compliance and temperature control
Using cooling and heating elements in thermal boxes is a direct tool for meeting HACCP requirements in the food delivery chain. For chilled food delivery, cooling elements maintain the temperature of chilled food below +8°C, preventing bacterial growth during transport. For hot food delivery, heating elements keep food at a temperature above +63°C, thus meeting the HACCP requirement for a critical control point in maintaining hot food. Also explore food thermoses as the primary transport container.
Proper use and safety
Proper use of cooling and heating elements ensures both efficiency and safety in HoReCa delivery operations. Cooling elements must be fully frozen before use (typically 24 hours in a freezer) and placed in a pre-cooled thermal box alongside chilled food or on top of it to ensure even cooling. Heating elements — electric plates must be preheated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and placed in the thermal box just before loading the food. Chemical packs must be activated correctly and placed with the food as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Check element compatibility with the thermal box before purchase to ensure the element fits the specific thermal box model.
HoReCa application scenarios
A catering company with longer delivery routes can use cooling or heating elements to extend the effective temperature retention time of a thermal box, ensuring HACCP compliance even during extended deliveries. For event catering, heating elements ensure hot food remains warm for the duration of the event when stationary warming equipment is unavailable.
Frequently asked questions
How long do cooling elements keep a thermal box chilled? It depends on the element’s capacity, the thermal box’s insulation and the external temperature — typically 4–12 hours. Contact the BHS team for specific parameters. Explore the Thermal Boxes range.
Can cooling elements be reused? Yes — most gel-based cooling elements are reusable; simply refreeze them in a freezer. Also explore Food Delivery Bags.
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.
