Winco ESH-60 60in Electric Strip Heater - Commercial Infrared Food

Our review of the Winco ESH-60 finds it best suited to commercial kitchens and foodservice counters that need reliable, even holding heat without bulky lamps. The 60 tubular heating element and aluminum reflectors deliver steady infrared warmth across a broad area, making it a convenient fit for pass-through stations, under-shelf mounting, or hanging installations. Installation hardware and a simple toggle switch with a full-view indicator light keep operation straightforward, and the 1400W output balances power and running draw for busy service lines.

Key Features

• 60 Tubular Heating Element: Provides constant, even infrared heating across the length of the strip to reduce hot spots and keep plated food at serving temperature.
• Undermount Design: Installs under shelves or at pass-through stations using the included mounting hardware or hanging chains for flexible placement.
• Aluminum Heat Reflectors: Focus heat patterns toward the food so holding times are maximized without wasting energy into the surrounding area.
• Toggle Power Switch: A single toggle with a 180 degree full-view indicator light makes it easy for staff to confirm the unit is on at a glance.
• Commercial-Grade Frame: Extruded aluminum construction is built to withstand the daily rigors of a restaurant or cafe environment.
• 1400W Output: Delivers substantial holding power while running on typical commercial circuits without excessive current draw.

Who It's For

The Winco ESH-60 is aimed at restaurants, cafeterias and quick service kitchens that need a low-profile, continuous infrared warmer for pass-throughs and service counters. It works well where even coverage across a long run is more important than directional spotlight warming.

Operators who want a lightweight, easy-to-install holding solution will appreciate the undermount option and included hardware. However, those who require precise temperature control, programmable timers or heavy-duty long-term durability guarantees may want to evaluate higher-end food lamps or heated cabinets instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Even infrared heat over the full 60in element reduces hot spots and helps maintain consistent serving temperature.
• Flexible undermount or hanging installation with included hardware simplifies placement at pass-through stations.
• Durable extruded aluminum frame and focused reflectors improve holding efficiency in busy commercial settings.
• Simple toggle switch and visible indicator light make operation foolproof for staff.

Cons

• Some users report inconsistent long-term reliability after several months, so frequent heavy-use environments should monitor performance.
• There is no thermostat or variable output, so fine temperature tuning is limited.

Specifications

Brand	Winco
Model	ESH-60
Length	60 in heating element
Power	1400W
Current	12A
Frame	Commercial extruded aluminum
Certifications	ETL

Our Verdict

The Winco ESH-60 is a practical, value-focused infrared strip heater for foodservice operators who need even, straightforward holding heat in pass-throughs or under shelves. It offers solid construction, focused reflectors and easy mounting, making it a good choice for busy counters, though those wanting precise temperature control or guaranteed long-term reliability should weigh alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this be mounted under a shelf?
Yes, the undermount design includes mounting hardware and hanging chains to install under shelves or at pass-through stations.

Does it have adjustable temperature control?
No, the unit uses a fixed infrared element and does not include a thermostat or variable power control.

Is the unit suitable for heavy commercial use?
It is built with a commercial-grade aluminum frame and ETL certification for foodservice, but some users have reported reliability issues after months of heavy use, so monitor performance in demanding environments.