Pie Warmers, Bain Maries and Display Units: Front-of-House Equipment
If you run a café, bakery, takeaway shop, or lunch bar in Australia, front-of-house equipment is one of the most important investments you can make. The right gear keeps your food hot, safe, and looking great, which means more sales and happy customers.
But what’s the difference between a pie warmer, a bain marie, and a hot food display unit? Which one does your business actually need? This guide breaks it all down in simple terms.
What Is a Pie Warmer?
A pie warmer is a heated display cabinet designed to keep pies, sausage rolls, pastries, and other baked goods warm and ready to serve. They sit right on your counter so customers can see exactly what’s available.
Pie warmers are a staple in Australian bakeries, service stations, fish & chip shops, school canteens, and takeaway stores.
What Can You Keep in a Pie Warmer?
Despite the name, pie warmers are not just for pies! You can use them for keeping:
- Pies and party pies
- Sausage rolls and spring rolls
- Pasties and quiches
- Toasted sandwiches
- Dim sims and savouries
- Cinnamon scrolls and other baked goods
Key Features to Look For
- Glass doors: customers can see your food and you can drive impulse sales
- Internal LED lighting: makes food look more appealing
- Adjustable thermostat: gives you control over the temperature
- Removable crumb tray: makes cleaning quick and easy
- Stainless steel shelves: durable and easy to wipe down
What Temperature Should a Pie Warmer Be Set To?
Under Australian Food Safety Standards, hot food must be kept at 60°C or above. This stops bacteria from growing and keeps your food safe for customers. Most commercial pie warmers let you set the temperature anywhere between 30°C and 80°C, so you have plenty of control.
Pro Tip: Always preheat your pie warmer before loading food in. And remember! A pie warmer is for holding hot food, not for reheating cold food. Always heat your food to serving temperature first.
How Big a Pie Warmer Do You Need?
Pie warmers come in a wide range of sizes, from small countertop units that hold around 25 pies up to large floor-standing models that hold 200 or more. Think about:
- How much counter or floor space you have available
- How many pies and pastries you sell per day
- Whether you want the unit on the counter or freestanding
A small café or deli may be fine with a compact benchtop model, while a busy bakery or roadhouse might need a larger floor-standing unit.
Commercial Pie Warmers
What Is a Bain Marie?
A bain marie (pronounced ‘ban mah-ree’) is a piece of food warming equipment that uses heated water or dry heat elements to keep food at a safe serving temperature. It’s ideal for softer, saucier foods that need gentle, even heat.
You’ll find bain maries in cafés, restaurants, buffets, canteens, and catering setups across Australia.
What Is a Bain Marie Used For?
Bain maries are great for keeping the following foods warm:
- Soups and stews
- Curries and gravies
- Baked beans and scrambled eggs
- Rice and pasta dishes
- Vegetables and casseroles
- Sauces and dipping sauces
Wet Heat vs Dry Heat Bain Marie: What’s the Difference?
Wet Heat Bain Marie
Uses hot water in the base to gently heat food containers from below. This creates a moist, even heat that is perfect for delicate foods like sauces, custards, and anything that dries out easily. It takes a little longer to heat up, but it is gentler on food.
Dry Heat Bain Marie
Uses heating elements (no water) to warm the food pans directly. It heats up faster than a wet heat unit and is easier to set up: just plug it in and go. It’s a popular choice for busy takeaway shops and cafés.
Which should I choose?: If you serve saucy dishes or foods that dry out easily, go with a wet heat bain marie. If you want something simple and fast to set up, a dry heat unit is a great option.
Types of Bain Marie for Australian Businesses
- Countertop bain marie: sits on your bench, great for small cafés and pop-up stalls
- Freestanding bain marie: larger unit with multiple compartments, suits high-volume restaurants and buffets
- Drop-in bain marie: built into a servery counter for a clean, professional look
- Portable bain marie: easy to move, ideal for catering events
What Are Hot Food Display Units?
Hot food display units are heated cabinets designed to show off your food while keeping it at the right temperature. They combine function with presentation, making your food look great from the moment a customer walks in the door.
These units are popular in delis, supermarkets, bakeries, and fast food outlets. They are similar to pie warmers but are often larger and can hold a wider variety of foods.
Features of Hot Food Display Units
- Full glass panels on multiple sides for maximum visibility
- Bright internal lighting to showcase your food
- Heated shelves or heating elements to maintain temperature
- Sliding or hinged rear doors for easy access by staff
- Stainless steel construction for durability and hygiene
Pie Warmer vs Bain Marie vs Hot Food Display: Which One Do You Need?
Not sure which piece of equipment is right for your business? Here’s a simple breakdown:
Choose a Pie Warmer if:
- You sell pies, sausage rolls, pasties, or pastries
- You want to display baked goods on your counter
- You run a bakery, café, takeaway shop, or service station
Choose a Bain Marie if:
- You serve soups, curries, gravies, or other wet dishes
- You run a buffet, canteen, or catering service
- You need to keep multiple dishes hot at the same time
Choose a Hot Food Display Unit if:
- You want to show off a wide variety of hot foods
- Presentation and impulse sales are important to your business
- You run a deli, supermarket, or high-volume food outlet
Food Safety Rules for Hot Holding Equipment in Australia
No matter which type of equipment you use, Australian food safety laws require you to keep hot food at 60°C or above at all times. This is known as the ‘hot holding’ requirement under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
Here are the key food safety rules to follow:
- Always pre-heat your equipment before adding food
- Never use a pie warmer or bain marie to reheat cold food — heat food to serving temperature first
- Check food temperatures regularly throughout the day
- Do not hold food for more than 4 hours — after this time it should be discarded
- Clean and sanitise your equipment daily
Important: If your food drops below 60°C, it enters the ‘danger zone’ where bacteria can grow quickly. Always monitor temperatures closely.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Front-of-House Equipment
Keeping your equipment clean is essential for food safety, hygiene compliance, and making your display look great for customers.
Daily Cleaning Routine
- Remove any leftover food at the end of each day
- Empty and clean the crumb tray (for pie warmers)
- Remove and wash shelves and food pans in hot soapy water or the dishwasher
- Wipe down the interior and glass doors with a food-safe cleaner
- Remove any soap residue with a damp cloth before reloading
Weekly and Monthly Maintenance
- Check door hinges and seals for wear and tear
- Inspect heating elements and internal lighting
- Check the thermostat is reading accurately
- Look for any cracks or chips in glass panels
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guide for your specific model
Top Brands for Commercial Pie Warmers and Bain Maries in Australia
When buying commercial front-of-house equipment in Australia, quality and reliability matter. Here are some of the most trusted brands:
- Roband: Australian-made, built for tough commercial kitchens, widely used in cafés and takeaways across Australia
- Birko: Australian-made, reliable and cost-effective, popular in school canteens, bakeries, and small food businesses
- Woodson: Australian-made, known for durable and easy-to-use warmers suited to high-volume outlets
- Anvil and Semak: solid, affordable options for businesses just starting out
- FED (Federal Hospitality Equipment): wide range of food warming and display equipment at affordable prices
How Much Do Pie Warmers and Bain Maries Cost in Australia?
The price of front-of-house equipment varies depending on the size, brand, and features. As a general guide:
- Small countertop pie warmers: from around $350 to $800 Ex. GST
- Mid-range pie warmers (50 – 100 pie capacity): $500 to $1,200
- Large floor-standing pie warmers: $2,200 and above
- Countertop bain maries: from around $300 to $800
- Freestanding bain maries with multiple compartments: $1500 to $3,500+
Keep in mind that investing in quality commercial equipment will save you money in the long run. Cheap units break down faster and may not hold temperature accurately, which can lead to food safety issues.
Ready to Upgrade Your Front-of-House Equipment?
At Ben’s Hospitality Equipment, we stock a wide range of commercial pie warmers, bain maries, and hot food display units to suit Australian cafés, bakeries, takeaway shops, restaurants, and more.
Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading your existing setup, our team can help you find the right equipment for your business and your budget.
Visit us at bendgs.com.au or contact us today to talk to one of our friendly team members.
