All about chafing dish
What is the purpose of a chafing dish?
The professional chafing dish is simply the essential device for a successful buffet.
Whether you are a hotelier, owner of a guest house, a B&B, a charming house and you offer your guests a catering service, this device is made for you.
Typically made of stainless steel with a lid, the chafing dish, literally translating to "dish warmer," is a device that will elegantly display hot preparations on a self-serve buffet, while keeping them at the right temperature, so your guests can help themselves.
The dishes are delicately heated by the principle of bain-marie, which has for main advantage to release a soft heat by the intermediary of a water tank located in the lower part of the device. The product will not be attacked or burned, and will keep an optimal humidity to avoid the drying of the dishes.
You will be able to present an infinite choice of recipes such as gratins, vegetables, meat, fish, scrambled eggs, brochettes, samoussas, fries... The more choices you have, the more your guests will be delighted!
What different models of chafing dishes are there and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
Several kinds of chafing dish models exist on the market.
There are round models, but the most common models remain the rectangular plate warmers, most often equipped with a GN 1/1 gastronorm tray, which offers the advantage of being able to replace the trays very easily once empty.
Besides the shape, there are 2 main families of chafing dishes: the electric chafing dishes and fuel gel chafing dishes.
As their name indicates, the electric devices will require an electrical connection to operate, while the gel fuel models can be used absolutely anywhere, and will therefore be autonomous.
But then, how to choose the right chafing dish?
- First of all, you have to think about the main use you will make of it. This point is essential and will be decisive in your choice. If you regularly organize outdoor buffets for weddings, birthdays, christenings, seminars, as caterers do for example, opt for a gel fuel model, which will allow use without an electrical connection, even in the most remote locations. The autonomy of the fuel cans is generally 2h30, and the combustion is not toxic and does not give off any smell. In addition electric hot plates are compatible in case of need, which will allow you to transform your device into an electric dish warmer.
If on the other hand the professional chafing dish is intended to remain on a buffet table for the self of a breakfast for example, opt for an electric model, which will allow to heat without interruptions, and especially which will allow you to regulate the temperature thanks to the thermostat button.
- Select the right size: Depending on the model, the depths of the bins vary, so take this into account
- Choose a model with the cover that best suits your service: standard cover or sliding rolltop cover
Finally, please note that a chafing dish is only designed for keep dishes warm, and not for cooking and preparing food directly inside!