How to Use Chafing Dishes to Keep Food Hot
Chafing dishes are serving equipment designed to keep food warm for extended periods of time. Modern chafing dishes have three parts: a water pan, a frame and a cover. They are useful for outdoor parties or large indoor buffets because they don't need electricity. Food to be kept warm should be fully cooked and heated to serving temperature in a stainless steel, metal or restaurant-quality disposable aluminum pan before placing it on the chafing dish. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Chafing dish assembly: frame, lid and water pan
- Hot water
- Sterno cans
- Instant read food thermometer
Instructions
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1
Assemble the chafing dish frame according to the manufacturer's instruction.
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2
Set the water pan in the frame.
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3
Fill the water pan with 1 to 1 1/2 inches of very hot water.
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4
Place the pan of cooked food above the water pan. Use the lid to cover the food pan.
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5
Open the Sterno can, light and adjust the heat cup so it is about half open.
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6
Place the Sterno can under the water pan. Depending on how heavy, or dense, the food is, you may need more than one Sterno can to keep food at a safe temperature. Hot food should be kept at 140 to 160 degrees.
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7
Uncover the chafing dish. Use the instant read thermometer to check the temperature of the food. Adjust Sterno cans as needed. Put the lid on to keep the food hot until ready to serve.
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8
Put the lid back on the chafing dish when not in use to keep the food warm.
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