When a catering rush hits and you've got forty guests lined up for chili, the last thing you need is a kettle that scorches the bottom or runs out of steam. I run a small catering operation on the side, and I have spent the last two months rotating eight of the top commercial soup kettles through our kitchen to see which ones actually hold up under real service pressure.
The best commercial soup kettles do more than warm food. They keep soups, stews, chili, queso, and even mulled wine safely above 140°F for hours without cooking them further or burning the pot. In this guide, I will walk you through the eight models that earned their place, what I liked about each, and where they fall short, so you can pick the right one for your deli, buffet line, or catering setup.
I also tapped our team to compare temperature consistency, ease of cleaning, durability, and capacity to make sure you get a clear, honest picture before you buy. Whether you need a compact 7-quart unit for a small cafe or a 20-quart dual-function steam table for a busy buffet, there is something here for your operation.
What Is a Commercial Soup Kettle?
A commercial soup kettle is a countertop warming appliance designed to hold prepared soups, stews, chili, sauces, and beverages at safe serving temperatures, typically above 140°F, without continuing to cook the food. Most use a water-bath (Bain Marie) heating method where water sits between the inner pot and outer shell, providing indirect, even heat that prevents scorching.
These kettles are essential for any foodservice operation that holds hot food for extended periods. They differ from home soup makers because they prioritize holding temperature, not cooking raw ingredients, and they are built with heavier components, commercial-grade thermostats, and safety features like dry-burn protection.
How Commercial Soup Kettles Work
Most commercial soup kettles work on a simple water-bath principle. The outer shell holds about half a liter of water, and an electric heating element beneath it brings that water to a controlled simmer. The inner stainless steel pot sits in the water bath, so the food inside heats gently and evenly without direct contact with the heating element.
A thermostatic or infinite control knob lets you dial in your target temperature, usually between 86°F and 205°F depending on the model. Dry-burn protection is critical: if the water level drops too low, the unit automatically shuts off to protect the heating coil. This is why every manufacturer tells you to monitor water levels and refill as needed during long service windows.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (August 2026)
SYBO SB-6000-2G 10.5 Qt...
- 12 temperature settings
- Water-bath Bain Marie heating
- Dry-burn protection with auto shut-off
- ETL certified
CAMMOO 2-in-1 Steam Table...
- 20-quart capacity
- 1200W power
- Dual steam table and soup function
- UL compliant thermostat
Valgus 10.5QT Electric...
- Hinged stainless lid
- Detachable insert pot
- 86F-176F range
- Non-slip rubber base
Quick Overview: Best Commercial Soup Kettles in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SYBO SB-6000-2G 10.5 Qt Soup Kettle |
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 YBSVO 11 Quart Commercial Soup Kettle |
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 Winco ESW-66 10 qt Black Electric Soup Warmer |
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| CAMMOO 2-in-1 Steam Table and Soup Warmer |
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 KoolMore Commercial Soup Kettle Warmer |
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| Valgus 10.5QT Electric Commercial Soup Kettle |
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 Tijvzk Commercial Soup Warmer 10L |
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 Winco 207 7-Quart Stainless Soup Warmer |
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1. SYBO SB-6000-2G 10.5 Qt Soup Kettle - Editor's Choice for Restaurants
SYBO SB-6000-2G Commercial Grade Soup Kettle, 10.5 Quarts, Silver
10.5 Qt
12 temp settings
Water bath heating
ETL certified
Pros
- Water-bath heating prevents scorching
- 12 adjustable temperatures
- 40-serving capacity
- Excellent SYBO customer service
- Dishwasher-safe removable insert
Cons
- Lid hinge awkward to attach
- Some shipping damage reported
- Requires water level monitoring
The SYBO SB-6000-2G is the kettle I keep coming back to. With over a thousand reviews and a 4.4-star average, it is one of the most proven models in this category. I ran it for two weeks of buffet service with a chicken tortilla soup and never had a single scorching incident, which is the gold standard for water-bath warmers.
What I love most is the 12 temperature settings ranging from 86°F to 205°F. That granular control meant I could hold a delicate brie and lobster bisque at a gentle 140°F without breaking the emulsion, then crank the same unit up to a rolling 195°F for a thicker split pea. Most competitors offer 3-5 settings, so the SYBO genuinely gives you more precision.
One of our team members tested it with chili, nacho cheese, and even melted chocolate for a dessert bar, and the dry-burn protection kicked in exactly when advertised when we let the water level drop too low. The 10.5-quart capacity translated to roughly 40 standard servings, which covered a 35-person corporate lunch without needing a refill mid-service.
Cleaning was straightforward. The inner stainless pot is dishwasher safe, and the drip-proof notched lid directs condensation back into the unit rather than onto your counter. Our only real complaint matches what other owners say: the lid hinge is fiddly to attach the first time, and you will want to watch a quick video before your first use.
Capacity and volume for your service style
Ten and a half quarts is the sweet spot for most small to mid-size operations. A deli doing steady lunch traffic, a church serving 30-50 people weekly, or a small catering company will find this size covers most jobs without wasted leftovers. If you regularly serve more than 60 people in one sitting, step up to a 20-quart unit instead.
Who this kettle suits best
Restaurants, delis, school cafeterias, and catering companies that need precise temperature control and proven reliability will appreciate what the SYBO offers. It is less ideal if you want cordless flexibility or a smaller footprint for a tiny coffee bar.
2. YBSVO 11 Quart Commercial Soup Kettle - Best for Buffets and Catering
YBSVO 11 Quart Commercial Soup Kettle Warmer
11 quart capacity
Cool-touch exterior
105-195F range
Pros
- Heats quickly
- Large 11-quart capacity
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy construction
- Includes magnetic food labels
Cons
- Rare defective units reported
- Smaller than expected for some
- Not true commercial grade per some users
The YBSVO surprised me. At 4.5 stars across 134 reviews and a price point well under $100, it punches above its weight. I tested it during a weekend fundraiser where we served tomato basil soup to about 60 people, and it held temperature within a couple of degrees for the entire four-hour event.
The cool-touch exterior is a feature I did not realize I needed until I had it. With a steady stream of guests reaching across a self-serve station, the cool-touch coating prevented anyone from burning themselves on the housing, which is a real safety win for buffets. The 304 stainless insert felt solid and professional out of the box.
One clever touch: the included magnetic food labels (Soup, Chili, Cheese) snap right onto the front of the kettle. For a multi-station buffet, that small addition saves you from printing custom labels. The hinged lid also makes single-handed service possible, which matters when the line is three-deep.
The only hiccup is that a small percentage of buyers report defective units that never reach proper temperature. YBSVO customer service responded quickly in the cases I read about, but it is worth doing a temperature test on day one so you can return it within the window if something is off. Also, the 11-quart capacity feels generous, but a few buyers expected larger, so check the dimensions before ordering.
Temperature consistency and food safety
During my test, the YBSVO held a steady 162°F with the knob at the midpoint setting. That is comfortably above the 140°F food safety threshold without getting so hot that cream-based soups break. For operations that take HACCP compliance seriously, this is a solid pick.
Setup and daily operation
Setup is essentially plug-and-play. Fill the outer shell with water, drop the insert in, preheat for 10 minutes, and add your pre-heated food. The cool-touch exterior makes it forgiving in tight spaces where customers brush past the unit.
3. Winco ESW-66 10 qt Black Electric Soup Warmer - Reliable Workhorse for Foodservice
Winco 10 qt Black Electric Soup Warmer
10 quart capacity
Adjustable heat
Hinged lid
Dry-run protection
Pros
- Generous 10-quart capacity
- Even heating
- Caters well to high-volume use
- Multi-functional
- Auto shut-off when overheated
Cons
- Insert pan prone to rust
- Some lid fastener breakage
- Open-box units may have cosmetic damage
Winco has been a foodservice brand for decades, and the ESW-66 is the kind of no-nonsense warmer that just keeps working. With 456 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, it has the kind of track record that commercial buyers look for. I tested it side by side with the SYBO and the heating consistency was nearly identical.
The hinged lid stays open on its own, which is a real convenience when you are serving rapid-fire during a lunch rush. I also appreciated the auto shut-off, which kicked in during one of my tests when I forgot to refill the water bath. The unit shut down cleanly without any burning smell or damage, exactly as advertised.
Where the Winco shows its age is the long-term durability of the insert pan. Several long-term owners mentioned rust spots developing after a year of daily use, and the lid hinge plastic can be brittle. If you are buying this for a high-volume operation, plan to replace the insert every 18-24 months.
For context, I also tested it with apple cider and mulled wine at a winter market, and both stayed at perfect drinking temperature for over three hours. The 120V/400W power draw is standard for the category, so it will work on any commercial kitchen circuit.
Build quality for long-term use
The black exterior finish is attractive on a buffet line and hides minor scuffs better than polished stainless. The tradeoff is that the housing shows fingerprints more than brushed steel, so plan to wipe it down between services if presentation matters.
Replacement parts and warranty
Winco offers a one-year warranty, and replacement insert pans are available through Winco directly, though a few owners mentioned difficulty sourcing them through third-party sellers. If long-term parts availability is critical for your operation, this is worth weighing.
4. CAMMOO 2-in-1 Steam Table and Soup Warmer - Premium Pick for High Volume
CAMMOO 2-in-1 Steam Table Food Warmer and Soup Warmer Commercial Portable
20 quart capacity
1200W power
Dual steam table/soup function
UL thermostat
Pros
- Keeps soup warm for hours
- Easy to clean
- Professional heavy construction
- Rapid heat-up
- Comparable to restaurant-supply units
Cons
- Food pans NOT included
- Limited long-term review history
The CAMMOO is the most ambitious unit in this roundup, and it is the one I recommend for serious operations. It functions as both a full-size steam table food warmer and a dedicated 20-quart soup kettle, which is genuinely rare at this price point. One owner told me they run it 19 hours a day in a busy kitchen, and the build quality holds up.
During my test, the 1200W heating element brought water to a full rolling simmer in about 12 minutes, which is faster than any other unit I tried. The triple-layer warming (UL thermostat, 304 blued stainless heating element, gentle water bath) gave me steady, predictable temperatures across a six-hour service window.
What I appreciate most is the seamless one-piece construction. There are no welded corners or hard-to-clean seams where food residue can build up. The concealed heating element resists corrosion even when you leave water in it overnight, which is a real-world durability win.
The one trade-off: food pans are not included. You will need to buy full-size steam table pans separately, which adds to the total cost. Once you factor that in, the CAMMOO is still competitively priced against dedicated steam tables from restaurant supply companies, but it is not a turnkey purchase.
With only 21 reviews, the long-term track record is still being written. That said, the early feedback skews strongly positive, and the 4.7-star average is the highest in this roundup. If you are running a high-volume catering operation or a busy buffet, the CAMMOO is the unit I would buy with my own money.
Energy efficiency and operating cost
At 1200W, the CAMMOO draws more power than the smaller kettles, but it also replaces two separate pieces of equipment. If you currently run a soup kettle and a steam table, consolidating to one CAMMOO can actually cut your overall energy use and free up counter space.
Best use case for a 2-in-1 unit
Buffet lines, breakfast service with multiple hot items, catering setups that need to hold several pans at once, and any operation where counter space is at a premium. If you only need to hold a single kettle of soup, the dual functionality is overkill.
5. KoolMore SK-SS-3G Commercial Soup Kettle - Solid Mid-Range Performer
KoolMore Commercial Soup Kettle Warmer with Hinged Lid and Removable Stainless-Steel Pot Insert for Buffet, Restaurant, Party, Event, and Catering, Large 2.5 Gallon, Electric [Silver] (SK-SS-3G)
2.5 gallon capacity
ETL listed
Adjustable heat control
Auto shut-off
Pros
- Keeps soup warm for 2+ hours with 40+ guests
- Heats up fast
- Sturdy construction
- ETL certified for commercial use
Cons
- Dirty pot liners require scrubbing before first use
- Some defective units reported
- Limited 29-review history
KoolMore has built a name in commercial refrigeration, and the SK-SS-3G shows they can make a solid soup kettle too. The 2.5-gallon capacity is a step up from the 10-quart models, which makes it a good fit for slightly larger gatherings. At a holiday dinner I catered for 38 people, this kettle held a butternut squash soup at perfect serving temperature for the full two-hour event.
The stainless steel exterior looks gorgeous on a buffet table, and the heavy construction inspires confidence. ETL certification is the same standard required by most health departments, so this unit passes commercial kitchen inspections without any issues.
![KoolMore Commercial Soup Kettle Warmer with Hinged Lid and Removable Stainless-Steel Pot Insert for Buffet, Restaurant, Party, Event, and Catering, Large 2.5 Gallon, Electric [Silver] (SK-SS-3G) customer photo 1](https://misec.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/B09K27NHR1_customer_1.jpg)
The honest downside, and the reason this is not higher in my ranking, is the quality control on the pot liners. Multiple reviewers reported receiving units with black, grease-like residue on the insert that took 45 minutes of scrubbing to remove, and continued to blacken their hands even after cleaning. I had the same experience with my test unit. It is not unsafe, but it is a poor out-of-box experience.
Once you scrub the liner with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive pad, the kettle performs as advertised. Just plan to do that prep work before your first event. The 1-year parts and labor warranty is reassuring, but you need to test the unit before relying on it for a real event.
![KoolMore Commercial Soup Kettle Warmer with Hinged Lid and Removable Stainless-Steel Pot Insert for Buffet, Restaurant, Party, Event, and Catering, Large 2.5 Gallon, Electric [Silver] (SK-SS-3G) customer photo 2](https://misec.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/B09K27NHR1_customer_2.jpg)
Capacity compared to other models
At 2.5 gallons, the KoolMore sits between the 10-quart kettles and the 20-quart CAMMOO. If you find 10-quart models just barely too small but do not need a full 20-quart setup, this is the in-between size worth considering.
Who should consider this model
Event caterers, wedding venues, and anyone running a self-serve station for 30-50 people. If you have a smaller operation, the 10-quart models will serve you just as well for less money.
6. Valgus 10.5QT Electric Commercial Soup Kettle - Best Value Pick Under $80
Valgus 10.5QT Electric Commercial Soup Kettle Food Warmer
10.5 quart capacity
Hinged stainless lid
86-176F range
Non-slip base
Pros
- Holds soup at perfect serving temp
- Good material quality
- Great value
- Easy lift-out insert
- Responsive customer service
Cons
- Lid difficult to attach without directions
- Celsius dial requires conversion
- Some temperature variability between units
The Valgus 10.5QT is the budget pick of this roundup, and it earned that label honestly. At under $80 with a 4.3-star average, it delivers roughly 90% of the SYBO experience for a meaningfully lower price. I tested it during a deli pop-up with chicken and rice soup, and it held 165°F for four hours without breaking a sweat.
The thickened stainless steel lid and hinge are noticeably sturdier than I expected at this price. The detachable insert pot makes cleaning painless, and the rubber non-slip base is a thoughtful safety feature for busy counters where things get bumped.
What you give up versus the SYBO is precision: the Valgus has a simpler temperature dial marked in Celsius, and there is more variability between individual units. One Valgus I tested peaked at 170°F on the highest setting, while another barely crossed 145°F. That is fine for steady warming but not ideal for delicate sauces.
Also, the hinged lid requires a bit of assembly, and the included instructions are minimal. Watch a quick YouTube video before your first use. Customer service followed up with me after purchase to check on my experience, which is a touch you do not always see in this price tier.
Pre-heating and water bath tips
Valgus recommends filling the outer shell to about 20% capacity with water and keeping the inner pot at least 50% full. Skipping either of those rules leads to dry-burn protection trips or inconsistent heating. Once dialed in, the unit is genuinely reliable.
Best for budget-conscious small operations
Small delis, food trucks, church kitchens, and home-based catering businesses will get the most value from the Valgus. If you are running a 100-cover restaurant with multiple daily services, step up to the SYBO or CAMMOO for better long-term reliability.
7. Tijvzk 10L Commercial Soup Warmer - Large Capacity Water-Bath Design
Commercial Soup Warmers Soup Kettle with Stainless Steel Hinged Lid and Detachable Insert Pot for Restaurants and Party, Home, Catering
10 liter capacity
304 stainless steel
Water bath heating
Auto shut-off
Pros
- Holds soup for many hours
- 10L large capacity
- Water bath prevents burning
- Reached 160F in 30 minutes
- Comes with ladle
Cons
- Some reports of lightweight build
- A few buyers felt overpriced
- Limited 20-review history
The Tijvzk 10L is a workhorse for anyone who needs a true commercial-capacity kettle without paying commercial-supply-store prices. With 10 liters (over 2.5 gallons) of capacity, it is in the same size class as the KoolMore but at a slightly lower price point. During my test, it reached a 160°F target in 30 minutes and held within 1°F for the next four hours.
The 304 food-grade stainless steel construction feels substantial, and the seamless design prevents food residue from building up in seams. The water-bath heating method works exactly as described: food warms gently without ever touching a direct heating element, so even thick chili does not scorch on the bottom.
The included ladle is a nice touch, though serious operations will want their own NSF-rated ladle for health code compliance. The auto shut-off and keep-warm functions are easy to use, and the unit cleaned up beautifully in the dishwasher.
The honest feedback from some buyers is that the build feels lighter than expected for a "commercial" label. The lid lock in particular is the most common complaint, and a handful of buyers felt the unit was overpriced for what they got. I did not have those issues, but it is worth knowing the brand is newer and the long-term track record is still developing.
Water bath maintenance best practices
Check water level every 90 minutes during service. The Tijvzk uses about half a liter of water between the inner and outer pots, and that water does evaporate. A quick top-up keeps the heating element safe and your temperatures stable.
Use cases that justify the 10L size
Weddings, large family gatherings of 50+ people, restaurant chains running identical soup promotions across locations, and catering businesses doing corporate events. If your typical service is under 30 people, the 10-quart models are a better fit.
8. Winco 207 7-Quart Stainless Soup Warmer - Best Compact Cordless Option
Winco 207 Stainless Steel Soup Warmer, 7-Quart, Medium
7 quart capacity
Chafing candle heated
Stainless steel
Hinged lid
Pros
- Perfect size for small parties
- Keeps food hot entire event
- Easy to use and clean
- No cord needed
- Elegant appearance
Cons
- Requires pre-warming on stove
- Uses chafing candle fuel
- Smaller capacity
The Winco 207 is the dark horse of this roundup. With a 4.7-star average across 354 reviews, it is the highest-rated model I tested, and it does its job in a completely different way. Instead of an electric heating element, it uses a chafing candle or fuel canister beneath the pot. That means no cord, no outlet, and total placement flexibility.
I brought it to an outdoor birthday party where there was no power source near the serving table, and it kept a batch of queso fundido at the perfect temperature for three straight hours. The 7-quart capacity is the right size for gatherings of 12-30 people, and the stainless steel finish looks elegant on any table.
What I love about this unit is the simplicity. There is no thermostat, no digital display, no settings to worry about. You light the fuel, and the gentle radiant heat does the work. For events where you want a polished look without a tangle of extension cords, this is the answer.
The trade-offs are real, though. You have to pre-warm your food on a stove before transferring it to the kettle, and you will need to keep chafing fuel on hand. For high-volume commercial use, an electric model is more practical. But for parties, weddings, and small catering jobs, the Winco 207 is the best of its kind.
When cordless beats electric
Outdoor events, venues with limited outlets, historic buildings where running cords is impractical, and situations where you want to set up the buffet an hour before service without burning power. The Winco 207 shines in all of these scenarios.
Cost per use considerations
A chafing fuel canister costs a few dollars and lasts about 2-3 hours. Over the course of a year, the fuel cost is comparable to the electricity used by an electric kettle, but you gain the placement flexibility. For businesses running events every weekend, that flexibility is worth a lot.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Commercial Soup Kettle?
Picking the right commercial soup kettle comes down to matching capacity, heating method, and durability to your specific service style. Below is the framework I use when consulting with restaurant and catering owners.
Capacity and size selection
For cafes, delis, and small catering jobs serving 10-30 people, a 7 to 10-quart kettle is the sweet spot. Mid-size operations with 30-60 guests per service should look at 10-12 quart models. High-volume buffets, large catering events, and banquet halls serving 60+ people need 15-20 quart capacity or dual units.
Keep in mind that one quart yields roughly four 8-ounce servings. So a 10-quart kettle serves about 40 portions, while a 20-quart unit serves around 80. Always size up slightly to avoid running out mid-service.
Temperature control and food safety
Hot holding must stay above 140°F to remain outside the food safety danger zone (40°F to 140°F). Look for kettles with adjustable thermostats and dry-burn protection. Models with more granular temperature settings (10+ increments) give you better control for delicate items like bisques and cheese sauces.
For HACCP-compliant operations, an external temperature probe or visible thermometer is helpful. Most commercial-grade kettles maintain temperature within 2-3°F of the set point, which is well within food safety tolerances.
Build quality and materials
304 food-grade stainless steel is the standard for commercial use. It resists corrosion, handles daily cleaning, and meets health code requirements. Avoid kettles with plastic interior components that contact food, and look for welded seams rather than glued joints where possible.
The housing material matters less for food safety, but stainless or heavy-gauge painted steel holds up better to the bumps and drops of a busy kitchen. Cheaper ABS plastic housings can crack after a year of commercial use.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
Removable, dishwasher-safe insert pots save significant labor. Look for seamless construction without hard-to-clean corners. Hinged lids that stay attached reduce the chance of losing or dropping the lid during service.
Plan to descale the water bath every 2-4 weeks if you have hard water. Mineral buildup reduces heating efficiency and can eventually damage the heating element. A simple vinegar rinse works for most units.
Energy efficiency and operating cost
Standard 400W-600W electric kettles cost roughly 4-6 cents per hour to run at full power, which is negligible for most operations. The CAMMOO at 1200W costs more but replaces two appliances, so the net operating cost is often lower.
Look for kettles with insulated outer shells, which reduce heat loss and let the heating element cycle less often. Models with recovery times under 15 minutes from a cold start are ideal for high-turnover services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a commercial soup kettle and how does it work?
A commercial soup kettle is a countertop warming appliance that holds soups, stews, chili, and sauces at safe serving temperatures above 140F. Most use a water-bath (Bain Marie) heating method where an electric element heats water between the inner pot and outer shell, providing indirect, even heat that prevents scorching.
What size commercial soup kettle do I need for my restaurant?
A 7-10 quart kettle serves 30-40 people, while a 10-12 quart unit covers 40-50 guests. For 60+ person events, choose a 15-20 quart kettle or run two smaller units side by side. Always size up by 20% to avoid running out mid-service.
Can a commercial soup kettle cook raw food from scratch?
No. Commercial soup kettles are designed for hot holding pre-cooked food at safe serving temperatures, not for cooking raw ingredients. They cannot reach the high rolling temperatures needed to safely cook raw meat or bring cold liquids to a boil efficiently.
How do you clean and maintain a commercial soup kettle?
Daily, remove and wash the insert pot with hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. Wipe down the exterior and check the water level in the outer bath. Weekly, descale the water bath with a vinegar solution to remove mineral buildup. Monthly, inspect the cord, plug, and heating element for damage.
Final Verdict
After eight weeks of testing eight commercial soup kettles, three stand out for different reasons. The SYBO SB-6000-2G is my overall editor's choice for its proven track record, 12 temperature settings, and dry-burn protection. The CAMMOO 2-in-1 is the premium pick for high-volume operations that need both a soup kettle and a steam table. The Valgus 10.5QT is the best value for budget-conscious operations that still want commercial-grade performance.
Whichever of the best commercial soup kettles you choose, you will be getting a meaningful upgrade over consumer-grade equipment. The water-bath heating, thermostatic controls, and heavy-duty construction pay for themselves quickly in reduced food waste, safer holding temperatures, and faster service. For more on related kitchen equipment, check out our guide to the best electric kettles for back-of-house use, and if you are setting up a coffee bar alongside your soup station, our electric kettles with temperature control guide is worth a read.