What is it called?

[erinmself]

What is the heat lamp type thing that they use in restaurants to keep meals warm until they are served called?

 

[mudbug]

salamander, I believe

 

[Aurora]

A salamander is a broiler.

KaTom Restaurant Supply - Restaurant, Foodservice, Concession, Catering and Home Kitchen Equipment and Supplies

The heat lamps are generally referred to as food warmers:

Food Warmers - Restaurant Equipment at KaTom Restaurant Supply

As you can see they are available as bulb type heat lamps to infrared warmer strips.

 

[Robo410]

the lamps are on flexible cords so they can be drawn close to the food when necessary

 

[kitchenelf]

the lamps are on flexible cords so they can be drawn close to the food when necessary

Ours were not on cords - they were in strips attached to the top of the shelf so the food was kept warm when placed on the shelf.

They are simply food warmers or food lamps.

 

[Corey123]

I think they're called warming lamps, since they keep the food hot until the waiter or waitress bring it to the table for the person or persons who ordered it.

And BTW, if you accidentally come in contact with one of these things, you'll be in a world of hurt!!