CHICAGO — Alto-Shaam Inc. showed off the latest versions of its HSM Series Heated Shelf Merchandisers at the 2018 National Restaurant Association Show.

The 2018 iterations of the merchandisers, which come in regular and countertop versions,  feature pass-through capability, allowing food to be loaded from the front or back of the unit, Rachel Roskopf, communications specialist for Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin-based Alto-Shaam, said at the show.

The merchandisers are heated by wiring cables, which hold temperatures longer and preserve quality by not drying foods out, as fan-based heating units can, Roskopf said. In addition, she said, the latest merchandisers make it easier to add customized signage.

The units are perfect for instore prepared food items including rotisserie chicken, pizza and sandwiches, Roskopf said. Temperatures can be customized for individual shelves within the merchandiser and customers can see up to 50 percent cost savings compared to traditional models, she said.