| abstract |
A rethermalization system for storage of prepared meals in a refrigerated state, rethermalization of the meals in accordance with a rethermalization program, and maintenance of the rethermalized meal at a desired serving temperature is disclosed. Refrigerated meals are placed within racks in a rethermalization cart that is retained in a refrigerated area. Beneath the trays are located heater shelves containing one or more heating elements to heat selected food items located on the tray. The carts incorporate controllers which, upon receiving a start signal, provide power to the heater shelves of the cart in accordance with a rethermalization program. The controllers are specially adapted to enable a user to provide various heater shelves on the same cart with different programs to compensate for temperature stratification and warm and cool areas within the refrigerated environment. In an embodiment, the rethermalization program is a three stage rethermalization cycle with the food first heated to a temperature greater than the desired cooking temperature, the food is then maintained at the desired cooking temperature for a period of time and finally, the temperature is reduced and maintained at a desired serving temperature until the tray is removed from the cart or the system is turned off. |