What Equipment Should You Use To Reheat Food

Reheating food is an excellent way to avoid food waste, whether you’re eating leftovers in your own home or reheating bulk food like soup or stew to serve to customers in the food service industry. However, reheating food can come with risks, especially when you’re not aware of appropriate food safety temps, the max time for safe reheating, storage, and the equipment you should use.

Safe reheating can be crucial for avoiding foodborne illnesses, so learn more about the best equipment to use, the minimum temperatures, and more below: 

Which Equipment Is Approved for Reheating Food? 

You may be surprised to learn that you can’t just use any method for reheating food. Some are more effective than others for fast heating to destroy harmful bacteria and ensure uniform cooking.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends using a stovetop, oven, or microwave to reheat food, depending on what it is and how it can best retain its desirable properties. 

You can safely reheat frozen leftovers without thawing them in a saucepan, in a microwave, or in the oven. Soups and stews are typically easier to reheat from frozen in a saucepan or microwave, while casseroles and combination meals may thaw and reheat more effectively in an oven or microwave. 

Consider reheating sauces, soups, and gravies on a stovetop by bringing them to a rolling boil. Measure the temperature with a food thermometer and ensure they reach a minimum temperature of 165°F. 

If you’re reheating food in the microwave, cover it and rotate it to ensure even heating. Let the steam escape by venting the lid or wrap. The moist warmth inside the microwave will help ensure even cooking and destroy harmful bacteria. 

Which Equipment Should You Not Reheat Food In? 

While there is plenty of kitchen equipment approved for reheating food, there are also some that aren’t. The USDA does not recommend the use of steam tables, chafing dishes, and slow cookers to reheat food. This is because the food stays in the ‘danger zone’ of 40°F to 140°F for too long. At these temperatures, bacteria can multiply rapidly and put consumers at risk of foodborne illnesses. 

What Is the Ideal Temperature to Reheat Food in the Oven? 

If you’re reheating food in the oven, either at home or in a food business, set the oven’s temperature to no lower than 325°F. You can then use a food thermometer to ensure the food is at a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. 

How Many Times Can You Reheat Food? 

You may store leftover cooked food in the refrigerator for three to four days and reheat it during this window to 165°F. If any of the portions you heat are unused, return them to the fridge within two hours. 

Each time you reheat food, you can store the food in the fridge for an additional three to four days. However, the quality of the food can decrease each time it’s heated, so it’s recommended that you only reheat as much as you need. Always use cooked foods within four days or freeze them for longer, safer storage. 

Learn Safe Reheating with the Texas Food Handler Card

Do you want to learn more about safe reheating and food practices in the food industry? You’re in the right place. TABC Pronto is proud to be 100% approved by the Texas State Board of Food Handlers for the Texas food handlers card. 

Learn more about food safety temps, the equipment you should use to reheat food, and other safe food practices for consumer safety. Enroll in our 100% online course today and start serving food confidently.