How to Buy a Chafing Dish

A chafing dish is used for cooking at a dinner or serving table. It consists of a metal lid, pan and a water-filled basin heated by an alcohol lamp. If you entertain, a chafing dish lets you gently cook light dishes like cheese or cream and keeps other foods warm and ready to eat. These steps will help you buy a perfect chafing dish. Does this Spark an idea?

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Research before you buy. Go online to forums, buying guides and reviews to see if the dish you prefer is as good as its manufacturer says. Also compare price points, performance and features like roll tops and adjustable thermostats.
- 2
  
  Decide where to buy your chafing dish. Chafing dishes are found in all major department stores, discount stores and many are available online.
- 3
  
  Choose the chafing dish size that best fits your needs. They are available in large 9-quart capacities; buffet size servers offering two or more smaller dishes; and small 3-quart chafing dishes.
- 4
  
  Pick the style of your chafing dish. Choices include round, oval or rectangular. Materials consist of pottery, ceramics, stainless steel or silver. Some chafing dishes have wooden or metal handles.
- 5
  
  Pick a manufacturer. There are many national brands with prices that start low and end high.

Tips & Warnings

If you are buying a chafing dish for a particular one-time event, it may be easier and more economical to rent one.

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