Reliable soup service depends on more than heat. During a long breakfast, lunch or banquet session, staff must also monitor the water jacket so the warmer does not continue operating with insufficient water. Sunnex has therefore upgraded the established 81328 soup warmer to the new 81328C, adding an automatic dry burn alarm for greater operational awareness and peace of mind.

The new model retains the practical 10-litre capacity and simple countertop format of the original unit while helping buffet teams respond to the dry operation. Designed for hotels, restaurants, caterers and institutional foodservice, the 81328C combines wet-heat warming, straightforward temperature adjustment and durable food-contact components in one compact appliance.

The defining upgrade is the automatic dry burn alarm. When the water level in the jacket becomes no water, the warning function alerts staff that attention is required. This helps operators refill the water jacket promptly, supports more consistent warming and reduces dependence on visual checks alone.

The alarm should be treated as an additional warning layer rather than a replacement for normal operating checks. Staff should still add the correct quantity of water before switching on the warmer and inspect the level at suitable intervals during extended service.

The 81328C soup warmer: water surrounding the removable inner pot transfers heat more gently than direct contact with the heating surface. This indirect method helps maintain steady warmth while reducing harsh localised heating that may affect the texture of cream soups, chowders, curries and sauces.

That process relies on an adequate water level. In a busy operation, evaporation and repeated lid opening can make manual monitoring easy to overlook. By warning staff when there is no water inside, the 81328C adds a practical safeguard against unintended dry operation and helps teams maintain a more dependable service routine.

1. Automatic Dry Burn Alarm

The new warning function is the key difference between the original 81328 and the upgraded 81328C. It gives buffet staff an immediate reminder to inspect and refill the water jacket, helping prevent dry operation and supporting safer day-to-day use.

2. Steady Wet-Heat Warming

The water-jacket system distributes heat around the inner pot for gentle, stable holding. This makes the warmer suitable for soup, stew, curry, sauce and other pourable hot dishes that benefit from consistent warmth rather than aggressive direct heating.

3. 304 Stainless Steel Inner Pot

The removable food-contact inner pot is made from 304 stainless steel for durability, corrosion resistance and easier routine cleaning. Its 10-litre capacity supports breakfast buffets, self-service stations, catered events and other medium- to high-volume applications.

4. Soup Ladle Included

The 81328C includes a matching soup ladle, giving operators a ready-to-use serving setup without needing to source a separate utensil.

The 81328C is a food warmer, not a cooking or rapid-reheating appliance. Soup should be heated using suitable cooking equipment before it is transferred to the preheated warmer. Sunnex’s operating guidance for this soup-warmer family likewise specifies wet-heat operation and requires food to be heated before use.

For operations following the US FDA Food Code, hot time/temperature control for safety food should generally be held at 57°C (135°F) or above. Previously cooked and cooled food intended for hot holding must generally be reheated rapidly to 74°C (165°F) for 15 seconds before transfer. Regulations differ by location, so operators should follow the rules of their local authority and verify the actual food temperature with a calibrated probe thermometer rather than relying only on the control-dial setting.

1. Add the specified amount of water to the jacket before connecting the appliance.
2. Place the filled 304 stainless steel inner pot inside the warmer and keep the lid in position.
3. Preheat the soup separately to the temperature required by the applicable food-safety rules.
4. Transfer the hot soup to the inner pot and select a suitable holding setting.
5. Stir the contents periodically and verify the internal temperature with a calibrated thermometer.
6. If the dry burn alarm sounds, follow the operating instructions: inspect the water level and take the required action before continuing service.
7. After service, switch off and unplug the unit, allow it to cool, then remove and clean the inner pot and lid.

1. The upgraded model is a practical choice wherever soup must remain ready to serve for an extended period, including:
   • Hotel breakfast and all-day buffet stations
   • Restaurants, cafés and self-service counters
   • Banqueting and off-site catering
   • School, hospital and workplace canteens
   • Convenience, deli and grab-and-go hot-food areas

The 81328C improves a familiar Sunnex soup-warmer format with a feature that addresses a real operational risk. Its dry burn alarm helps staff react sooner, while the 10-litre capacity, 304 stainless steel inner pot, insulated lid and adjustable control continue to provide the straightforward functionality required for everyday commercial service.

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