All you need to know about Chafing dishes

Chafing dishes are metallic utensils that keep food hot for a long time. A gentle, low flame is used at the bottom of the utensils to maintain the food’s hot temperature.

This article will discuss chafing dishes and the factors you must consider before buying one. These utensils come in different shapes and sizes and are primarily used in buffets during ceremonies.

Types

Chafing dishes come in various shapes and sizes, and we are going to look at them with their multiple classifications briefly.

1. Rectangular shaped: this is the most common shape of utensils. Many of them come in rectangular shapes. This is because the rectangular-shaped ones tend to be large and hold a large food capacity. Many people prefer rectangular-shaped ones because of their capacity, and most ceremonies usually have a large gathering. Thus they find it more convenient.
2. Round shaped: the round shaped ones are ideal for serving foods without leaving any leftovers. Their ideal surface area makes efficiently serving every last bit of food possible. They are also suitable for serving soups. Their round shape offers optimal stability while serving.
3. Square-shaped: the square-shaped ones tend to be smaller than their rectangular counterparts. They are mainly used to serve appetizers and side dishes. They are also efficient regarding space since it doesn’t take up much space on the table.

Material

A good dish should be made of aluminum or stainless steel. These materials don’t rust, keeping the food safe as rusty materials make the food unsafe. The metal should be strong and heat resistant.

Most chafing dishes are made of stainless steel, as they are a good conductor of heat and don’t rust. The apparatus can’t be made of cast iron as this material rusts easily. The device should have a shiny silvery color to maintain heat. Shiny materials are good at conducting heat.

How they work

The apparatus mainly uses fuel to heat the food served at the buffet. The fuel heats the water using a gentle flame. The hot water, in turn, heats the food being served so as to keep the food safe. Heat generally kills harmful microorganisms that may have formed during the cooling process, keeping the food fit for consumption. One of the disadvantages of these apparatuses is that they emit fumes when the chaffing fuel burns, which is potentially harmful to the health when inhaled.

Conclusion

Chafing dishes are one of the most helpful food apparatuses, if not the most useful ones. It keeps the food safe and hygienic, which pleases the guests. If you are organizing an event, buy one of these apparatuses, as it will keep your food safe and fit for consumption. Their prices are fair; hence you should look for one if you want to host a special occasion.

As a result, if you plan to start a catering business, it is advisable to assess the various chafing dishes in the market. It is always essential to conduct ample research before buying any product.