Kinds of Chafing Dishes
Commonly used in restaurants and homes for food storage and buffet tables, chafing dishes are a staple in chefs' cookware. The goal of chafing dishes is to keep food at a temperature of 141 degrees Fahrenheit or more for serving by placing the dish over a pan of water heated either by electricity or Sterno fuel. Chafing dishes are available in a variety of shapes, such as oval, round, rectangular or square. They are also made for various budgets and tastes, making it easy to find a chafing dish to suit your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Disposable or "Kitchen" Chafing Dish
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Often found for purchase in food supply stores, grocery stores, super centers, party supply stores and even dollar stores, disposable chafing dishes are a low-cost serving option. These disposable containers are made from a strong wire frame and aluminum, and are common for home holiday get-togethers, picnic settings and informal barbecue parties. Promoting ease in clean-up, the chafers may be thrown away or washed for another use, but are not a permanent solution to cookware needs.
Stainless Steel
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Stainless steel chafers are the most common option for commercial use as they are readily available in kitchen and restaurant supply stores and are priced competitively. Matching lids or covers can be purchased when using for events such as buffets to keep the food's warmth from escaping prior to enjoying the cuisine. When planning a formal party and catering the event yourself, rent stainless steel chafers to keep with the more exquisite theme.
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Copper
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Potentially adding and "old world" feel to your party, copper chafing dishes may be your best bet. Copper chafers are expensive and rare to find, but if your restaurant warrants them, it may be the added touch you want. However, copper chafing dishes may be challenging to keep clean, as copper tends to tarnish. Additional supplies are necessary to polish the chafer back to its original gleam.
Silver Chafers
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Often used in formal weddings and corporate functions, silver or silver-plated chafing dishes promote a modern and luxurious feel. For those venue clients who feel that buffets are less formal but prefer to have a variety of choices for their guests, silver chafers may be the compromise necessary to keep everyone happy. Although more expensive than stainless steel chafing sets, silver chafers are often purchased by high-end restaurants and banquet facilities.
Tips for Use
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Prepare the food to the adequate temperature prior to placing over a heating element in chafing systems. Chafer heating is not adequate to bring food up to the 141 degree Fahrenheit serving temperature, but helps to keep it there. Use ice water under chafing dishes instead of heated water to serve cold dishes in a buffet. When using a chafer heating system, cover the food with chafer lids or roll-top chafer sets to keep the food from drying out. Inspect food temperatures to ensure the food does not over cook by reaching 160 degrees Fahrenheit, or more.
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