When cold, rubbery food just won't cut it (and let's be serious, it never does) having a way to conveniently and easily keep foods warm is essential. Whether you're catering an event, outfitting a buffet line, or bringing the entree for a family gathering, some reliable chafing dishes can be your best friend when the occasion calls. Easy to use and easy to clean, chafing dishes make serving up and saving something scrumptious, extremely simple. Spark up a fuel source, put your food of choice in a chafing pan, line the chafing dish with water, fit your pan inside, pop the top on, and you’re all set!
Chafing dishes keep food warm in a simple way—often utilizing a water pan that's heated by a chafer fuel candle or electric source, chafing dishes help keep your food at a consistent (and safe) temperature. Chafing dishes (also known as chafers) come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from traditional rectangular dishes found on the buffet line, to smaller, rounded dishes great for gravy and other sides. The variety of chafing dish options means you can pick and choose your style that best suits your need; it's true that the hardest question you may have to ask yourself is "Do I want a hinged lid, or a lift off lid?"
As with any food item on a buffet line, regularly check the temperature of your hot food to ensure it stays out of the danger zone (hot food should be held at a temperature of 140° or higher to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria). Heating technology for chafing dishes has come a long way from those classic fuel cans, gel chafing fuel or wick fuel. In addition to electric chafers, eliminate the need for temperamental flames, new induction chafing dishes eliminate the need of a water pan altogether. Induction cooking, used for many years in European countries, utilizes magnetic waves so that the pot heats, not the surface area. Not only is induction cooking more energy efficient because it minimizes the heat loss, it is also extremely precise, ensuring that the temperature you set remains consistent during the entire event. That means no open flame, no hot burners, and most importantly, safer warming equipment!
Chafing dishes are great not only for caterers, but also hotels and restaurants who specialize in breakfast buffets and holiday brunches like Easter Brunch, Mother's Day Brunch and Christmas Brunch. They make it easy to serve large groups of people while keeping food at safe temperatures. Don't miss out on your opportunity to host events—shop our selection of chafing dishes today!
