Alto-Shaam EcoSmart Steam Tables & Food Wells - 500-CW/R

• Advanced cold-wall refrigeration for food quality
  The Alto-Shaam 500-CW/R uses conductive cold-wall cooling instead of forced air, keeping food evenly chilled without drying—resulting in fresher appearance, better texture, and reduced waste.
• High-capacity performance for busy service lines
  Designed to hold up to five full-size hotel pans, experts consider it ideal for salad bars, buffets, and grab-and-go stations that require consistent cold holding at scale.
• EcoSmart energy-efficient operation
  The system is engineered to maintain safe temperatures (≤41°F / 5°C) while optimizing energy use—helping operators lower utility costs without sacrificing performance.
• Remote refrigeration for cleaner service areas
  The remote design removes heat and noise from the serving line, improving customer-facing environments and kitchen comfort—a key advantage in open or front-of-house setups.
• Precise temperature control & food safety compliance
  Built-in thermostatic controls and NSF compliance ensure reliable cold holding and food safety standards, critical for commercial operations.
• Flexible drop-in installation
  No complex plumbing or drainage is required, making installation straightforward while freeing up valuable undercounter space for storage or additional equipment.
• Enhanced presentation & merchandising
  Experts note its ability to keep foods visually appealing for extended periods, making it perfect for retail food displays, catering lines, and high-traffic buffets where presentation drives sales.
• Built for long-term commercial durability
  Stainless construction, insulated design, and certifications make it a reliable, heavy-duty solution for demanding foodservice environments.

Q: What is the Alto-Shaam 500-CW/R EcoSmart used for?
A: It is a drop-in refrigerated cold food well designed to keep chilled foods like salads, desserts, and grab-and-go items at safe serving temperatures in buffets and commercial kitchens.

Q: How does EcoSmart cold-wall technology work?
A: It uses conductive cold-wall cooling instead of forced air, delivering even refrigeration across the pan surface without drying out food.

Q: What is the capacity of the 500-CW/R?
A: It holds 5 full-size 12" × 20" pans (up to 6" deep), with flexible configurations for smaller pan sizes.

Q: Does it require plumbing or water connections?
A: No. It is a waterless drop-in unit, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for drains or plumbing.

Q: What is “remote refrigeration” in this model?
A: The 500-CW/R uses a remote refrigeration system (compressor not included), reducing heat and noise at the serving line.

Q: How energy efficient is it?
A: The EcoSmart design operates at approximately 600 watts, helping reduce energy usage and operating costs.

Q: What controls does it offer?
A: It features a digital thermostat with precise temperature control, ensuring food stays at safe cold-holding levels (≤41°F / 5°C).

Q: What are the main benefits over traditional cold wells?
A: It provides better moisture retention, consistent cooling, quieter operation, and lower energy consumption, improving food quality and reducing waste.

Q: Where is it best used?
A: Ideal for buffets, hotel service lines, cafeterias, catering setups, and deli counters needing reliable, high-capacity cold food display.