Kratos 28W-168

Kratos Commercial Electric Countertop Food Warmer (Model 28W-168) User Manual

Your guide to safe and efficient operation of your Kratos Food Warmer.

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, read and understand all instructions before using this appliance.

  • Always connect to a grounded outlet.
  • Do not immerse the unit in water or other liquids.
  • Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before handling.
  • Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
  • Do not use outdoors. This appliance is designed for indoor commercial use only.
  • Keep hands and utensils out of the unit while in operation to prevent personal injury or damage to the unit.
  • Ensure proper ventilation around the unit during operation.
  • This appliance is intended for holding pre-cooked food at serving temperatures. It is not designed for cooking raw food.

Product Overview

The Kratos Commercial Electric Countertop Food Warmer (Model 28W-168) is a durable and portable unit designed to keep prepared food warm and ready to serve. It is suitable for various commercial settings such as catered events, buffets, and concession stands. The unit is constructed from stainless steel for longevity and features a simple control dial for temperature management.

Kratos Commercial Electric Countertop Food Warmer

Image: Front view of the Kratos 28W-168 Food Warmer, showcasing its stainless steel body and control panel.

Components and Features

  • Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures durability and easy cleaning for commercial environments.
  • Capacity: Designed to hold one full-size 12" x 20" steam table/hotel pan up to 4" deep, or equivalent fractional size food pans (pans sold separately).
  • Control Dial: Easy-to-use rotary dial for temperature adjustment.
  • Heat Indicator Light: Illuminates when the heating element is active.
  • Portable Design: Compact and lightweight for easy transport and placement in smaller spaces.
  • Standard Plug: Equipped with a NEMA 5-15P plug for standard 120V outlets.
Control Dial and Indicator Light

Image: Close-up view of the control dial and red indicator light on the Kratos food warmer.

Food Pan Insert Area

Image: Detailed view of the stainless steel pan insert area, designed to accommodate standard food pans.

Setup

  1. Unpacking: Carefully remove the food warmer from its packaging. Retain packaging for future storage or transport.
  2. Placement: Place the unit on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface. Ensure there is adequate clearance around the unit for ventilation (minimum 4 inches from walls or other appliances).
  3. Initial Cleaning: Before first use, wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
  4. Pan Insertion: Insert the appropriate full-size or fractional food pans into the warmer. Ensure they fit securely.
  5. Power Connection: Plug the NEMA 5-15P power cord into a standard 120V grounded electrical outlet.
Product Dimensions

Image: Diagram showing the dimensions of the Kratos 28W-168 Food Warmer: 21.5"L x 14.5"W x 9"H.

Operating Instructions

  1. Fill with Water (Optional, for moist heat): For moist heat, fill the bottom reservoir with hot water up to the indicated fill line. Do not overfill. For dry heat, no water is needed.
  2. Place Food Pans: Place pre-cooked, hot food into the appropriate food pans and insert them into the warmer.
  3. Turn On and Set Temperature: Rotate the control dial clockwise from the "OFF" position to the desired temperature setting. The red indicator light will illuminate, signifying that the heating element is active.
  4. Monitor Temperature: Allow the unit to preheat for approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the desired temperature. The unit is designed to maintain food at safe serving temperatures, up to a maximum of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Serving: Food can be held at serving temperature for extended periods. Periodically check food temperature with a food thermometer to ensure it remains above 140°F (60°C) for food safety.
  6. Shut Down: When finished, turn the control dial counter-clockwise to the "OFF" position. Unplug the unit from the power outlet.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Kratos Food Warmer.

  1. Disconnect Power: Always unplug the unit from the power outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
  2. Empty Water (if used): If water was used for moist heat, carefully drain the water from the reservoir.
  3. Wipe Surfaces: Use a damp cloth with mild, non-abrasive detergent to wipe down all stainless steel surfaces, both interior and exterior.
  4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse surfaces with a clean, damp cloth to remove any detergent residue. Dry thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth to prevent water spots and corrosion.
  5. Do Not Use Abrasives: Avoid using abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool, as these can scratch the stainless steel finish.
  6. Storage: Store the unit in a clean, dry place when not in use.

Troubleshooting

Refer to the table below for common issues and their potential solutions.

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Unit does not turn on / No heat
  • Not plugged in
  • Power outlet malfunction
  • Control dial set to "OFF"
  • Internal component failure
  • Ensure unit is securely plugged into a grounded outlet.
  • Test outlet with another appliance.
  • Turn control dial to a temperature setting.
  • Contact qualified service personnel.
Food not staying warm enough
  • Temperature setting too low
  • Unit not preheated
  • Lid not used on food pans
  • Excessive opening of food pans
  • Increase temperature setting.
  • Allow unit to preheat for 15-20 minutes before adding food.
  • Use lids on food pans to retain heat.
  • Minimize opening of food pans.
Water boiling excessively (if using moist heat)
  • Temperature setting too high
  • Overfilled water reservoir
  • Reduce temperature setting.
  • Ensure water level is not above the fill line.

For issues not listed, or if solutions do not resolve the problem, contact Kratos customer support or a qualified service technician.

Specifications

AttributeDetail
Model Number28W-168
BrandKratos
Voltage120 Volts
Wattage1200 Watts
Maximum Temperature165 Degrees Fahrenheit (74°C)
CapacityHolds one full-size 12" x 20" steam table/hotel pan (up to 4" deep)
MaterialStainless Steel
Product Dimensions (L x W x H)21.5" x 14.5" x 9"
Power SourceCorded Electric (NEMA 5-15P plug)
CertificationsNSF and UL certified
UPC840232902495

Warranty and Support

This Kratos Commercial Electric Countertop Food Warmer is designed for commercial use. Warranty information is typically provided at the point of purchase or within the product packaging. Please refer to your purchase documentation for specific warranty terms and conditions.

Important Note: The warranty is void if this product is used in a residential setting.

For technical support, service inquiries, or to purchase replacement parts, please contact Kratos customer service. You may also visit the official Kratos store for more information:

Visit the Kratos Store on Amazon

For returns, please refer to the return policy of your retailer. The standard return policy for this product through Amazon's buybox winner is 30 days for refund/replacement.

© 2025 Kratos. All rights reserved. Information subject to change without notice.

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