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Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Commercial Bain Marie | Food Warmer | 3 X GN 1/3 Pans & Lids | Modena TBM3. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

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Modena In Stock

Commercial Bain Marie | Food Warmer | 3 X GN 1/3 Pans & Lids | Modena TBM3

SKU: TBM3
£89.99 / exc vat
£107.99/ inc vat
£160.99 / exc vat
£193.19/ inc vat
  • Wet Heat Operation
  • Front-Facing Drain Tap
  • Six Power Settings
  • Durable Stainless Steel Build

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Product Overview

Here’s a fantastic piece of kit that every professional kitchen needs for keeping food perfectly ready for service. The Modena TBM3 is a countertop commercial bain marie food warmer designed to hold everything from gravy and  sauces to beans and  curry at the ideal serving temperature. It’s a straightforward, reliable workhorse built for the hustle and  bustle of daily use, taking the stress out of keeping dishes consistently delicious for your customers.

This electric bain marie food warmer is perfectly suited for cafes, takeaways, pub carveries, and  mobile catering setups. With three included GN 1/3 pans, you have the flexibility to offer multiple options at once. Its smart, water-heated design ensures food stays moist and  appetising without drying out or burning, which is a common problem with harsher dry heat models. It's the kind of practical, no-fuss equipment that just works, letting you focus on the food.

What really makes the Modena TBM3 stand out is its blend of simplicity and  performance. Featuring an easy-to-use dial with six heat settings, a front-facing drain tap for quick cleaning, and  a robust stainless steel build, it’s designed with the busy caterer in mind. It can even be used as a cold well by adding ice. If you need a dependable, compact, and  efficient way to hold food, this triple pan bain marie unit is an absolute must-have.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Wet Heat Operation: Gently keeps food moist and  delicious, preventing any drying out.
  • Front-Facing Drain Tap: Makes emptying and  cleaning the unit incredibly quick and  simple after service.
  • Six Power Settings: Gives you simple, effective control over the holding temperature for different foods.
  • Durable Stainless Steel Build: Built to withstand the demands of a busy kitchen and  cleans up beautifully.
  • Includes 3 x GN 1/3 Pans & Lids: Arrives ready to go straight out of the box, no extra purchases needed.
  • Versatile Hot or Cold Use: Use it as a standard bain marie or fill with ice for a cold well service.
  • Standard 13 Amp Plug: No special wiring needed, just plug it in and  you're ready to start.
  • Compact Countertop Design: Fits neatly into any kitchen layout without taking up valuable floor space.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Modena
  • SKU: TBM3
  • Dimensions: 240(H) x 360(W) x 590(D) mm
  • Weight: 10 kg
  • Power: 0.6 kW
  • Power Supply: 13 amp plug fitted
  • Temperature Range: 30°C to 90°C
  • Capacity: 3 x GN 1/3 Pans
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Heating Type: Wet Heat

Expert Review and  Insights

The Modena TBM3 is a brilliant example of doing the simple things right. It’s not cluttered with digital displays or complicated settings; it’s a robust, reliable warmer that delivers consistent wet heat. For small to medium-sized businesses that need a dependable unit for sauces, sides, or breakfast items, its straightforward functionality is a massive plus. It's a proper workhorse.

Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment Expert View Profile →

  • Top Feature: The front drain tap is a thoughtful touch, making end-of-day cleanup much faster.
  • Minor Drawback: The dial control is simple but lacks the precise temperature feedback of a digital display.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Old Ship Inn in Padstow needed a more reliable solution for their popular fish supper service. Their old bain marie was inconsistent, often leaving their mushy peas and  curry sauce either too hot or lukewarm. They invested in the Modena TBM3 to ensure consistency.

"Honestly, this Modena unit has been brilliant. It holds the temperature perfectly all evening, and  our customers have noticed the improved quality. It’s simple to use, easy to clean, and  just gets the job done without any fuss. A top bit of kit for the price."

Michael Davies – Proprietor

The change resulted in smoother service flow and  a noticeable 30% reduction in food wastage from inconsistent heating.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Find a flat, stable, and  heat-resistant countertop with good ventilation around the unit.
  • Before switching on, fill the water well with clean water, ensuring the level is between the 'MIN' and  'MAX' indicators.
  • Simply plug the fitted 13 amp plug into a standard wall socket.
  • Turn the dial to your desired heat setting and  allow 15-20 minutes for it to pre-heat before adding your food pans.

Keeping It Going

  • At the end of each day, turn the unit off and  allow the water to cool slightly before draining.
  • Place a suitable container under the front-facing drain tap and  open it to empty the well completely.
  • Wipe the interior and  exterior with a soft, damp cloth and  a mild detergent. Avoid abrasive scourers.
  • Depending on your area's water hardness, periodically descale the unit to maintain heating efficiency.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Bain Marie

Not sure which model is right for your kitchen? Here are a few key things to consider when choosing a countertop food warmer.

Wet Heat vs. Dry Heat

Wet heat models, like this one, use hot water for gentle, moist heat – ideal for liquids, sauces, and  delicate foods. Dry heat is faster but can dry food out over time, better for items like pastries or pies.

Capacity and  GN Pans

Consider how many different food items you need to hold at once. This model comes with 3 x GN 1/3 pans, a versatile setup for holding three different sauces or sides in a compact space.

Countertop vs. Freestanding

Countertop units are perfect for smaller kitchens, mobile setups, or adding holding capacity where you need it. Freestanding units offer much larger capacity but require dedicated floor space.

Power Supply

Always check the power requirements. A unit with a standard 13 amp plug, like the Modena TBM3, can be used in almost any commercial kitchen without needing an electrician to install it.

Ease of Cleaning

Look for features that make your life easier. A stainless steel body is easy to wipe down, and  a front-facing drain tap is a non-negotiable feature for quick and  hassle-free emptying.

See all Wet Heat Bain Maries with GN Pans

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this bain marie come with the gastronorm pans and  lids?

A: Yes, it comes complete with 3 x GN 1/3 pans and  their lids, so you can use it straight away.

Q: What kind of power socket does it require?

A: It comes fitted with a standard UK 13 amp plug, so you can plug it into any regular socket.

Q: Can I use this unit to keep items cold?

A: Absolutely. Simply leave the unit turned off and  fill the water reservoir with ice and  a little water to create a cold well, perfect for salads or desserts.

Q: How do I control the temperature?

A: It features a simple rotary dial with six different power settings to give you straightforward control over the heat.

Q: What is the maximum temperature it can reach?

A: The temperature range is from 30°C up to a maximum of 90°C.

Q: How do you drain the water after use?

A: There is a convenient drain tap located at the front of the unit for easy, mess-free emptying into a bucket or container.

Q: Is this unit heavy or difficult to move?

A: It weighs 10kg, making it sturdy enough for countertop use but light enough to be moved for cleaning or for mobile catering events.

Q: What is the main body of the bain marie made from?

A: It is constructed from durable and  hygienic stainless steel, designed for longevity in a commercial environment.

What Customers Are Saying

"An absolute essential for our mobile catering van. Heats up quickly, holds the temp well and  is a doddle to clean. Comes with the pans which is a huge bonus!"

Sarah L – Mobile Caterer, Bristol

"Really solid bain marie. We use it daily in our cafe for soups and  jacket potato fillings. The front drain tap is the best feature by far."

Tom P – Cafe Owner, Manchester

"Does exactly what it says on the tin. No complicated nonsense, just a reliable food warmer. The triple pan setup is great for our takeaway sauces."

Chen W – Takeaway, Birmingham

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The Modena Promise: Reliable Kit for the Real World

In a professional kitchen, the most valuable equipment isn't always the most complicated; it's the most reliable. That's the core philosophy behind Modena. This bain marie isn't just a collection of specs; it's an investment in smoother service and  operational peace of mind. Modena specialises in creating robust, no-nonsense catering equipment that understands the pressures of a real working kitchen. The focus is on durability and  simplicity, which translates directly into long-term business value. With fewer complex electronics to fail and  a design that's easy for any staff member to operate, you minimise the risk of downtime during your busiest periods. This focus on practical, real-world engineering means you get a product that consistently performs, reduces food waste, and  simply lets you and  your team get on with the job of creating great food.

Explore more from Modena

Why a Wet Heat Bain Marie Protects Your Food

Ever wondered why some bain maries keep food delicious for hours while others leave it dry and  crusted? The secret is 'wet heat'. Think of it like a gentle spa bath for your food, instead of a harsh, direct heat source. The Modena TBM3 uses a reservoir of hot water to create a cushion of warm, moist air that surrounds the food pans. This is exactly the same principle as a chef using a 'bain-marie' (a water bath) on the hob to melt chocolate or make delicate custards without it catching or splitting.

This gentle heating method ensures the temperature is distributed evenly, preventing hot spots that scorch the food at the bottom of the pan. It also maintains the food's natural moisture, so your sauces stay smooth, your gravy doesn't form a skin, and  your vegetables remain tender. It's the key to holding food for longer periods without sacrificing quality, which is crucial during a long service.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Cafes & Breakfast Spots: Perfect for holding baked beans, porridge, or sausages, ensuring a hot and  ready breakfast service.
  • Pubs & Carveries: An essential for keeping gravy, bread sauce, and  multiple vegetable portions at the ideal temperature.
  • Mobile Caterers: Its compact, plug-and-go design makes it a reliable partner for food trucks and  event stalls.
  • Takeaway Restaurants: Ideal for holding curry sauces, chilli, or other hot toppings for rapid, consistent service.
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Keep your dishes perfect from kitchen to plate with the Modena TBM3 Commercial Bain Marie Food Warmer. Order yours now for a simpler, more reliable service.

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