Transit Box
A transit box is an item used most typically in the catering industry because it is a device used to keep food hot. A transit box is a large or medium sized metal cabinet designed to hold many full baking sheets to keep the contents hot. The caterer would simply place a few sterno cans in the bottom of the box to keep the food hot. Caterers should be aware however, that this method generates steam which continues to cook your food items.
It might be a good idea to prepare for this and undercook your food before you place it into the transit box. A transit box is very helpful when you are serving a large number of guests because it keeps large amounts of food warm while other courses are being prepared or cooked.
Usually caterers will try to cook food as it is needed but that might be impossible for a five course meal serving three hundred people. Plates of food could be prepared then placed into the transit box to keep them warm, this way the wait staff could easily serve the plates of food at the right time. The use of a transit box at a smaller event might not be as practical because the chef could be able to cook the food as needed thus everything would be served piping hot. Preheating plates in the oven is another way to keep the food piping hot.
Guests should be warned that their plates are piping hot so that they won’t accidentally burn themselves while eating. Once cold air hits a plate of food, its temperature will dramatically change so heating the plate in the oven is a great way to keep everything hotter for a longer period of time. Transit boxes can be rented from any party rental place and are a great item to use when serving a large number of people.
