Heated vs. Insulated Pizza Bags: Which is Best?
Delivering pizzas is trickier than it seems. It’s really all about timing—when a customer places an order, you not only have to make sure you get the food to their door in a reasonable amount of time, but also that it stays fresh on its journey from oven to door. The right pizza delivery bag cuts out this worry, making it possible to deliver fresh pizzas that taste just like they came out of the oven.
When it comes to pizza delivery bags, there are two chief options—heated and insulated. And while they may sound like one in the same, these two options come with their own set of pros and cons. Read on to learn about the differences between these two types of pizza delivery bags, and what makes them unique.
What is a heated delivery bag?
A heated delivery bag contains a pre-charged heating element that helps the bag—and the contents inside—stay warm during transit. Over the years, this technology has been perfected, and drivers can rely on them to maintain consistent temperature for up to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the bag, volume of food inside and outdoor conditions.
High-quality heated delivery bags rely on heating elements, along with sturdy wiring harnesses that keep cords from kinking or breaking. Some bags are even equipped with PTC technology—tiny chips that rely on an electric current to maintain a set temperature, with no fuses required. Aluminum heaters can also spread heat throughout the bag, so your driver can deliver fresh, piping-hot food for longer distances.
The pros and cons of a heated pizza delivery bag
Heated bags are something of a luxury when it comes to pizza delivery bags, but they come at a price. After all, you’re paying for that extra technology that keeps the food you’re transporting hot and fresh. Here are some of the main pros and cons of a heated pizza delivery bag:
- Pro: Heated delivery bags keep the items inside piping-hot for up to 45 minutes. That means your delivery person can travel longer distances—and even make several delivery stops—without worrying about the temperature of yet-to-be-delivered pies.
- Pro: Most heated delivery bags offer flexibility in terms of the types of items you can deliver. Many bags feature dedicated sections for hot and cold items, so you’re able to transport anything you’ve got on the menu and ensure it stays fresh.
- Con: Heated delivery bags are a big investment. They’re often priced several times what you’d pay for a high-quality insulated delivery bag. If your driver loses the bag or the heating elements get damaged, you take a big financial hit.
What is an insulated delivery bag?
An insulated delivery bag is very similar to a heated delivery bag—it’s just missing the heating element. That doesn’t mean you can’t deliver hot, fresh foods over long distances to your customers, though, since high-quality insulated bags can keep food at an ideal temperature just as long as a heated bag.
These bags rely primarily on well-insulated compartments—which generally feature some sort of thermo-reflective material. This material traps and recirculates the heat resonating off of a piping-hot pizza. And, to keep things from getting soggy, they usually incorporate venting to deal with moisture.
The pros and cons of an insulated pizza delivery bag
Insulated pizza delivery bags often work just as well as ones with heated elements, and there’s no electrical components to worry about. High-quality bags are designed and constructed to maintain a consistent temperature, using specialized linings that reflect heat and cold back into the bag. Here are some of the main pros and cons of an insulated pizza delivery bag:
- Pro: High-quality insulated delivery bags can include a hot and cold section with a heat-sealed lining to prevent leaks and keep foods at an appropriate temperature.
- Pro: Some insulated delivery bags contain breathable linings that let moisture out and keep warmth in. The bags don’t get overwhelmed with moisture and humidity, which is ideal if you’re delivering fried or crispy food.
- Con: There’s no heating element in an insulated pizza delivery bag, so the distance your pizzas can travel and stay fresh may be slightly less.
How to decide between heated vs. insulated bags
When it comes to getting the most for your money, it’s difficult to beat the value proposition of a well-constructed insulated bag. While it might seem like a smarter move to buy a bag with a heating element, you’ll end up paying a lot more for a feature you don’t really need. An insulated bag will keep pizzas warm at a fraction of the cost—plus, it’s easier to clean and there’s no need to worry about a faulty heating element.
Keep in mind that if you’re going to buy an insulated pizza delivery bag, quality matters above all. From double-stitched seams to reinforced joints, you can’t go wrong by spending a little more on a bag that’s built to stand up to thousands and thousands of deliveries.
