The short answer: Yes, most food grade rubber hoses are high temperature resistant—but the level depends on the rubber material. This trait is critical for food facilities, as they often use hot water, steam, or transfer warm food fluids.
Key Rubber Materials: How They Handle Heat
Not all food grade rubber hoses resist heat the same way. Two common safe options stand out:
Silicone food grade hoses: These are the most heat-tolerant. They handle temperatures up to 400℉ (204℃) easily. This makes them perfect for tasks like transferring hot sauces, pasteurized milk, or using steam to sanitize equipment.
EPDM food grade hoses: They’re also heat-resistant, though to a slightly lower degree. Most EPDM food grade hoses work well up to 250–300℉ (121–149℃). They’re great for hot water rinses or moving warm vegetable juices.
Why Heat Resistance Matters for Food Grade Hoses
Heat resistance isn’t just a nice feature—it’s a safety must. If a food grade pipe isn’t heat-resistant:
It might melt or crack when exposed to hot fluids. This could leak food or release toxic bits into batches.
It won’t stand up to sanitization. Food facilities need to clean hoses with hot water or steam, and a non-heat-resistant hose would break down quickly.
Check the Hose’s Specs for Certainty
To be sure a food grade hose is high temperature resistant, always check its product specs. Look for clear labels that list maximum heat limits. Also, confirm it has certifications like FDA or 3A—these ensure the heat resistance is tested and safe for food contact.
In short, most quality food grade rubber hoses are high temperature resistant. Pick the right material (silicone for extreme heat, EPDM for moderate) to keep operations safe.