Skip to content 
Whether for grills, ovens, or steamers, choosing the right element ensures consistent results and energy efficiency. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of heating elements, key factors to consider when selecting them, and tips for evaluating suppliers to meet your kitchen’s needs.
Table of Contents
The Role of Heating Elements in Commercial and Industrial Kitchen Appliances
Heating elements are essential in commercial and industrial kitchen appliances, providing reliable heat for tasks like baking, grilling, and frying. In food processing environments such as bakeries, restaurants, and food production facilities, consistent heat is crucial for efficient operations.
At ELEKHEAT, we specialize in high-quality heating elements designed to meet the unique needs of commercial kitchens. By selecting the right heating element from ELEKHEAT, businesses can improve equipment efficiency, durability, and overall performance. Our products enhance energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the lifespan of kitchen equipment.
Types of Common Kitchen Appliance Heating Elements
1.Grill Heating Elements
Industrial grill heating elements are typically made from ceramic or metal alloys, chosen for their ability to withstand thermal shock and high temperatures. These elements ensure consistent heat, crucial for grilling meats and vegetables. Ceramic heating elements, for example, heat up quickly and evenly, maintaining high heat retention. Grill heater elements are designed for durability, withstanding repeated heating cycles, which is essential for commercial grilling applications. As a FOR GRILL Manufacturer Part, they are designed to meet industry standards for performance and durability.
2.Rotisserie Heating Elements
Heating elements for rotisserie machines need to endure high temperatures and provide even heat distribution for optimal meat roasting. Infrared heating elements heat quickly and maintain consistent temperatures, perfect for high-volume cooking. Commercial rotisserie oven heaters made from metal alloys are ideal for maintaining heat stability and ensuring a crisp, evenly cooked exterior while keeping the meat moist on the inside.
3.Steamer Heating Elements
In food steamers, stainless steel or titanium-based heating element of steamer units are preferred due to their corrosion resistance in high-humidity environments. These elements must provide stable heat to generate steam efficiently. Commercial food steamer heaters are designed to operate effectively in moist conditions, offering rapid steam generation for large-scale food preparation. Corrosion-resistant materials help extend the lifespan of the steam heating elements, ensuring consistent performance.
4.Baking Heating Elements
In bread machines and commercial bread ovens, Bake element (tubular heating elements) are commonly used for their ability to provide uniform heat and precise temperature control. Made from high-quality metal alloys, these bake Elements can withstand the high demands of large-scale bread production. Uniform heating is essential to achieving consistent baking results, while precise temperature control prevents overbaking or underbaking, maintaining the quality of bread. Oven heating elements for bakeries, particularly bake Elements, are key to consistent and efficient baking in industrial ovens.
How to Choose the Right Heating Element for Commercial Kitchen Equipment?
Match Power Requirements with Heating Efficiency: High-power elements are necessary for equipment such as ovens and grills to ensure consistent heat output. Low-power elements may be suitable for smaller appliances like food warmers or fryers where less heat is required.
Voltage and Safety Compatibility: Ensure the heating element is compatible with the voltage and adheres to safety standards for industrial use. Compliance with electrical and safety regulations is essential for safe and reliable operation in commercial kitchens.
OEM vs. Custom Heating Elements: The choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and custom heating elements depends on the specific needs of the kitchen equipment. Custom heating elements may be required for specialized applications or to optimize space, energy efficiency, and performance in industrial settings.
Choosing the Right Industrial Heating Element Supplier: Selecting a reputable industrial heating element supplier ensures reliable performance, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality products, contributing to the efficiency and reduced downtime of commercial kitchen equipment. Proper procurement lowers maintenance costs and enhances the overall longevity of equipment.
Click here. Learn about “How to Choose the Best Heating Element Material for Your Industry?”
Need to order high-quality heating elements for commercial and industrial kitchen equipment?
What Factors Should Be Considered When Purchasing Heating Elements Made from Different Materials?
When purchasing heating elements, key factors include operating temperature, corrosion resistance, and energy efficiency. For high-temperature applications, such as industrial ovens in regions like the US or Europe, nickel-chromium alloy (NiCr) or iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) elements are ideal due to their high heat resistance.
In humid environments like food processing in Asia or Latin America, stainless steel (SS304/SS316) is preferred for its excellent corrosion resistance. Additionally, for energy-conscious markets such as the EU or Japan, energy-efficient materials like ceramic heating elements and infrared heaters are increasingly required for compliance with energy efficiency standards.
What is the Lifespan and Maintenance Cost of Heating Elements for Commercial Kitchen Equipment?
The lifespan and maintenance costs of heating elements for commercial kitchens vary based on material and location-specific standards. Nickel-chromium alloy (NiCr) elements last around 5-10 years but require maintenance, especially in high-usage areas like the US or Canada, where commercial kitchen regulations emphasize long-lasting performance. Iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) elements typically last over 10 years, especially in regions with humid climates like Southeast Asia. In countries like the UK or Germany, where sustainability is a top priority, stainless steel (SS316) heating elements are favored for their durability and lower maintenance costs in food processing equipment.
How to Choose the Right Heating Elements for Commercial Ovens?
For commercial ovens in regions like the US or EU, choosing the right heating element depends on the cooking requirements. Nickel-chromium alloy (NiCr 80/20) is suitable for conventional baking, ensuring stable temperatures ranging from 200°C to 450°C. For high-temperature grilling, such as in pizza ovens in the Middle East, iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) elements are recommended, as they can withstand temperatures exceeding 900°C. In markets like the US, regulations for replaceable tubular heating elements are commonly enforced to ensure ease of maintenance and compliance with operational safety standards.
How Should Food Processing Companies Choose Energy-Efficient Heating Elements?
Food processing companies, especially in Europe or North America, are increasingly adopting energy-efficient heating elements to meet environmental regulations. Selecting heating elements with low power density and high thermal efficiency is crucial to meet stringent energy standards like EU Ecodesign regulations. Ceramic heating elements or infrared heating elements are highly favored for their energy-saving potential in European markets, where reducing energy consumption is a key focus. Implementing smart temperature control systems, such as PID control, is a common requirement in industries across the US and Japan, ensuring better energy management and reduced operational costs.
Do Commercial Kitchen Equipment Heating Elements Need to Comply with Food-Safety Standards?
Yes, heating elements for commercial kitchen equipment must comply with food-safety standards, which vary by region. In the US, FDA and NSF certifications are required to ensure materials are safe for food contact. European Union standards like RoHS and REACH govern the use of hazardous substances in food-related equipment. Stainless steel (SS316) is a widely preferred material in regions like North America and Europe for direct food contact applications, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations while maintaining durability and corrosion resistance in humid environments.
How to Evaluate the Product Quality of Heating Element Suppliers for Bulk Purchases?
When evaluating suppliers for bulk heating element purchases, companies in Asia and Eastern Europe must ensure that ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications are in place, which indicate adherence to international quality and environmental standards. Suppliers should provide material composition reports for nickel-chromium alloy (NiCr), ensuring optimal performance in high-heat environments. For regions like Germany or Japan, life cycle testing and compliance with local environmental certifications like RoHS are essential to meet market-specific demands for sustainability and long-term reliability.
