Tips: What's Chafer and How to select a correct chafer?

Chafers, also known as chafing dishes, are the unsung heroes of caterers, buffets, cafeterias, restaurants and food service companies. They add a touch of elegance and practicality to any buffet or gathering, keeping food warm and appetizingly displayed so diners will keep coming back for more.

How Chafers Work?

Basically a chafer is a set of two nested pans with the top pan holding the food and the bottom pan containing hot water. The water is gently warmed with either canned heat or an electrical heating component. This warmed water then keeps the food warm.

What to Look for in a Chafing Dish?

A Chafer presents the warm food in an attractive way and keeps the table stylish. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials and can use either electric or canned heat depending on specific preferences, needs and budget. When looking for a chafing dish consider the following.

1. Chafing dish shape and capacity – Determine how, what and where you will use the chafer. Chafers come in oblong, rectangular and oval shapes. Typical capacity ranges from 3 to 11 quarts.
2. Electric or canned heat sources – What is the heat source? Chafers can be heated with a canned chemical based flame or using an electric heating element. Canned heat is well suited for caterers who need portability or for events where there isn’t access to electrical outlets. Electric chafers are well suited for areas where there is access to electrical outlets or areas where there are restrictions on open flames.
3. Chafing dish lids – Do you need a removable lid? Will food be self-service? Hinged, rollout top and removable lids are all available. With rolltop and hinged lids the food is covered when the lid is down. Removable lids let the food be on display if you choose.
4. Chafing dish materials –Look at durability, style and budget requirements. Many of today’s chafers are made of stainless steel. They also are available with brass, chrome, gold, silver and other accents to fit your preferences and budget.

As one of the biggest chafer dish maker in China, WANHUI supply a various range of chafer for your request. We offer chafing dish stylise at Economy, Deluxe, Exquisite and pricing from less than $14/set to more than $400/set for different need!

WANHUI-Your Solution Partner For Kitchen Items!