Multi-zone food holding bin

A method of maintaining different temperatures within a multi-zone food holding bin, the multi-zone food holding bin comprising a chassis having a top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a bottom panel, and a font face, the multi-zone food holding bin having a first food holding compartment within the chassis and comprising a first food holding zone and a second food holding zone, the first food holding compartment being defined by the first side panel, the second side panel, the top panel that provides a first top surface, and a first substantially planar bottom surface of a thermally conductive material being substantially unobstructed between the first side panel and the second side panel and a first opening through the front face configured to allow a tray for food items to be passed through the first opening into the first food holding compartment and onto the first substantially planar surface and a second food holding compartment within the chassis and comprising a third food holding zone and a fourth food holding zone, the second food holding compartment being defined by the first side panel, the second side panel, the bottom panel that provides a second substantially planar bottom surface of a thermally conductive material, and a second top surface, the second substantially planar bottom surface being substantially unobstructed between the first side panel and the second side panel and a second opening into the second food holding compartment and onto the second substantially planar surface, the method comprising:

• operating the first food holding zone to a first temperature setpoint by independently operating a first heating element in the first food holding zone and thermally coupled to the first top surface and independently operating a second heating element in the first food holding zone and thermally coupled to the first substantially planar surface;
• operating the second food holding zone to a second temperature setpoint by independently operating a third heating element in the second food holding zone and thermally coupled to the first top surface and independently operating a fourth heating element in the second food holding zone and thermally coupled to the first substantially planar surface;
• operating the third food holding zone to a third temperature setpoint by independently operating a fifth heating element in the third food holding zone and thermally coupled to the second top surface and independently operating a sixth heating element in the third food holding zone and thermally coupled to the second substantially planar surface;
• and
• operating the fourth food holding zone to a fourth temperature setpoint by independently operating a seventh heating element in the fourth food holding zone and thermally coupled to the second top surface and independently operating an eighth heating element in the fourth food holding zone and thermally coupled to the second substantially planar surface;
• wherein the first temperature, second temperature, third temperature, and fourth temperature are independent from each other.