Fast-food giant Burger King has announced plans to launch a home delivery service.

Burger King, the US second largest burger chain, has been quietly testing the home delivery service at four of its restaurants in the greater Washington area.

For decades burger restaurants have resisted introducing home-delivery services as the snacks don’t travel well and tend to go soggy when warmed up in a microwave.

But Burger King claims to have solved the problem by developing what it calls “proprietary thermal packaging technology”, which ensures the food won’t arrive cold and congealed.

According to chief brand and operations officer Jonathan Fitzpatrick, the new packaging “ensures the Whopper is delivered hot and fresh, and the french fries are delivered hot and crispy”.

Burger King charges an additional $2 delivery fee with minimum orders varying from $8 to $10 depending on the store.

They claim stores try to deliver within 30 minutes of ordering but customers must live within a 10-minute drive of the store.

Drinks are delivered in bottles and the service does not extend to breakfasts. Delivery times are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

If successful it is expected they will roll the service out nationwide.

Fast-food giant Burger King has announced plans to launch a home delivery service

Rivals McDonald’s currently offers a delivery service from two of its branches in Manhattan, New York, but it is only open to businesses and the company say they have no plans to expand the service.

However Pizza firm Domino’s, for which delivery accounts for 70% of all business, told ABC News via spokesman Tim McIntyre: “We wish them luck.

“There is a reason that not all pizza places deliver: It isn’t easy.”