This buffet server turns on and off alternately to maintain the desired temperature, which keeps the food warm and also protects the device from overheating.
The cord is rather short.
The Proctor Silex 34300R is a 2-in-1 device for heating and serving ready meals. It has a thoughtful design, cool touch handles, and three separate containers with transparent lids with holders for storing cutlery. Useful for a dinner party with a large company.
Warming tray / Buffet server
~ 20" x 15" (300 sq. in.) warming surface
3 separate 2.5-quart buffet pans
140–185 °F
Variable heat control, Power indicator light
Stainless steel surface, pans, and housing
BPA-free plastic lids and handles
Cool touch handles, Convenient lid rests, Pans are dishwasher safe, Non-skid feet
25.16" x 15.71"
300 watts
3 years limited
The unit comes with three capacious pans that can be used for cooking and serving three different dishes. You can remove a pan holder to use this model as a stand-alone warming tray.
Pan lids are not dishwasher safe.
If you love family gatherings and buffet parties, this Oster model is just what you need. Capable of holding 20-50 servings, it is an ideal choice for a variety of festive occasions.
Warming tray / Buffet server
20" x 13" (260 sq. in.) warming surface
3 separate 2.5 qt. buffet pans
140–185 °F
Variable heat control,
Power indicator light
Stainless steel surface, pans, and housing
BPA-free plastic lids
Dishwasher-safe and oven-safe removable buffet pans, Dome-shaped transparent lids with grips, Black stay-cool side handles
23" х 14"
300 watts
1 year limited warranty
The surface of this warming tray is compatible with all types of heat resistant pots, containers, and baking dishes, including aluminum and glass.
The temperature control may not be as smooth as desired.
The Chefman electric buffet server + warming tray comes in handy whenever you need to keep the cooked food warm. The guaranteed timespan for warming food is 72 hours. The stainless steel surface is resistant to scratches, and therefore retains its presentable look for a long time.
Warming tray / Buffet server
14" x 14" (196 sq. in.) warming surface
3 separate 5-quart buffet pans
140–185 °F
Variable heat control, Power indicator light
Stainless steel surface, pans, and housing
BPA-free plastic lids and handles
Accessories are dishwasher safe, Cool touch handles, Non-skid feet
20.67" x 16.54"
200 watts
1 year
For safety reasons, the cool touch handles are provided both on the tray itself and on the lids. All three lids are transparent and allow you to display the cooked delicacies.
The surface is not very easy to clean.
The Elite Gourmet is designed to keep your meals fresh and warm during the event. There is only one switch, with the help of which you can set the desired warming temperature.
Warming tray / Buffet server
21" x 14" (294 sq. in.) warming surface
3 separate 2.5-quart buffet pans
140–175 °F
Low, medium, and high settings, Power indicator light
Stainless steel surface, pans, and housing
BPA-free plastic lids and handles
Accessories are dishwasher safe, Cool touch handles, Non-skid feet, Lids with slots to accommodate serving utensils
14.75" x 25.5"
200 watts
1 year limited
The heated surface is compact and ultra thin, so it does not take up much space on the countertop. The entire area heats up evenly, so your food will be equally warm whether you place it on the edge or in the center.
The tray feels flimsy but works fine.
The Ovente FW170S is perfect for putting on several plates of food. You can even go for a teapot, pastries, and other dishes. The high-strength stainless steel will not lose its qualities even with intensive and regular use.
Warming tray
17" x 9.6" (163.2 sq. in.) warming surface
~ 100–200 °F
Variable heat control, Power indicator light
Stainless steel surface, Plastic handles
Cool touch handles, Non-skid feet
21.5" x 9.62"
200 watts
1 year
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Proctor Silex 34300R
Warm & Delicious Meals
The best house parties demand food warming trays. You wouldn’t want the food and snacks to get cold – and the guests wouldn’t want to eat them this way. The solution is as simple as the Proctor Silex server & food warmer.
This amazing device combines all the perks of a traditional buffet server – and a warming tray. The 3 serving pans are oven safe, so you can easily serve the main dish along with 2 big sides at the same time. The domed lids with a spoon slot keep the moisture in and help with serving. As for the warming tray, it’s food safe and can be used to serve delicious appetizers – or as a warming base for your own heat safe pans and dishes.
Great, but will it overheat the food? Actually, no. The Proctor Silex lets you adjust the temperature by simply turning the dial. After that, the server automatically turns on and off to keep it constant for hours. Note that you can’t set the temp for each separate tray, but otherwise, it all depends on your wishes and needs.
Another pro of this food warmer is that it protects your hands from accidental burns. The cool touch handles will make sure that you stay safe while serving meals.
Convenient in Use
Just how hot can this food warmer get? It delivers around 185 °F at the max and can keep up the temp for quite a long time. If there are leftovers, no need to reheat them after the party; simply take them out and let the family enjoy them. Another life hack is to put the hot food in rather than loading the semi warm or cold. May not be perfect for the food delivery, but if you’re cooking it yourself, all the power to you.
Not only does this device work great, but it also looks great on any table or countertop where the cord can reach. Made of stainless steel with black design elements, the Proctor Silex would attract a lot of glances – and could easily become the talk of the neighborhood. Serving in style is not confined to restaurants, you know.
The party hosts know too well that cleaning up after the event can be a real pain. Not with this food warmer, though. The pans are dishwasher safe, but if there are drips, you may have to go over them manually. As for the lids, you can simply wipe or rinse them clean without any fuss.
As evident, this practical server & food warmer is a dream come true for house parties, holiday dinners, or large gatherings at home.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07822Z42L |
Oster CKSTBSTW00
2-In-1 Solutioun for Large Gatherings
The Oster CKSTBSTW00 is a functional appliance that can work as a stand-alone warming tray and a buffet server. What is more, it takes no time to modify one into the other.
Its large warming surface is perfect for serving a few plates of appetizers and other delicacies. You can also use it with the included pans filled with three different treats - just do not forget to put a pan holder on the tray before placing the dishes.
Each chafing pan has a 2.5-quart capacity, which is ample enough for serving 20-50 portions (4 oz). To help it retain heat, moisture, and aroma, each dish is equipped with a handy lid. Made of BPA-free plastic, they have ergonomic handles for a comfortable grip.
Anyone is welcome to open the lid and help themselves to a tempting hot appetizer; cover again to keep the dish warm and fresh. This awesome appliance is an excellent choice for any special occasion, buffet party, or family gathering!
Comfort Comes First
This functional device has a whole bunch of user-friendly features.
- First of all, the temperature is easy to adjust using a handy dial on the front panel. It is a useful feature when you need, say, to set lower temperature for warming foods with low liquid content.
- Next, cleaning is a breeze: just turn the appliance off, give it some time to cool, and wipe its stainless steel housing and cooking surface with a non-abrasive damp cloth. The removable pans are dishwasher safe; for the plastic lids and pan holder hand wash in warm soapy water is recommended.
- To add to its benefits, the buffet server is equipped with ergonomic stay-cool side handles for comfortable carrying around and safe room-to-room transport.
- Finally, it is equipped with a 36-inch cord on the back panel to ensure safe use and avoid trip hazards.
Cook and Serve with Ease and Convenience
We cannot help mentioning that this functional appliance is equipped with high-quality removable stainless steel pans, which can be used for warming, serving, and even cooking meals. You can prepare wholesome and delicious puddings, lasagne, meat, vegetables, and other baking dishes. These handy oven-safe pans have the dimensions of approximately 12 by 6 by 2.5 inches.
Please, keep in mind that the included plastic lids can not be used to cover pans inside or even straight out of the oven. When the dish is not too hot, you can cover it with the lid and put it on the tray to keep it warm.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $59.53 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B002FWTOQM |
What customers say about this product
Key Specs
Size & Weight
Features
Power
Chefman Electric Buffet Server + Warming Tray
Keeps It Warm
A party is not a party if you’re stuck at the microwave reheating food. Keep it warm at all times with the Chefman buffet server & warming tray.
The 3 pans of 5-quart capacity and a spacious hot plate can accommodate main and side dishes, appetizers, and just about anything that goes. Now Christmas or Thanksgiving won’t be such a chore if you’re the one responsible for cooking. Get ready to impress the guests – and make them want to get this device for their own kitchen.
You’re always in control of the warming temps with the Chefman. Although the knob can be somewhat rough, it does let you pick your own temperature that’s best for the food. Thanks to the on/off variable temp, your dishes don’t get overheated and stay just the way you want. This impressive warming tray keeps up the temp for as long as 72 hours, meaning that reheating the leftovers is no more.
The buffer server pans come with domed look-through lids. They keep the heat and moisture in while showing off the delicious meals. As for the cool touch handles, they do just what it says on the tin: keep your hands safe while you’re serving.
Use Your Own Cookware
What makes the Chefman so great is that any of your heat safe cookware can be used for warming food. Aluminum or glass, dishes or serving bowls, you’re welcome to use them all. Save time for partying by skipping the removal and leaving meals just where they were cooked. And if you want the food to warm up in a flash, simply start with a higher temp and then reduce it.
With classic stainless steel design, this warming tray will surely impress the guests – and retain the good looks without the scratches. Get ready for the questions about this party lifesaver, as many guests would want to buy one for themselves (just wait and see).
Is this appliance safe to use? For sure. The fuse safety feature will prevent it from getting overheated if you leave it on for long. The warming tray is CETL approved and will last long, don’t worry about that.
Finally, the after-party cleanup will not turn into a nightmare. Use the dishwasher for accessories and wipe clean all the sticky drips. The Chefman keeps your mood up for a little longer, which is a very nice touch in itself.
All in all, this buffet server & warming tray will be an A-tier buy for any party host or a bigger household.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07VNTFKFJ |
Elite Gourmet EWM-6171
A Party Lifesaver
Your party is what matters; don’t let it stop just because the food’s got cold. The Elite Gourmet buffer server & food warmer keeps your dishes warm for hours, and you won’t have to stuff your microwave again.
Let’s start with the 3 (2.5 qt.) buffet pans that can be used to serve the main as well as side dishes at once. Chicken, fish, or corn, all will stay perfectly warm for the guests. The 3 clear dome lids will let everyone see your delicious dishes while keeping the heat and moisture inside. The cool touch handles on the lids (and sides of the tray) will protect your hands from accidental burns.
As for the warming base, it can be used for smaller snacks and appetizers. Even better; your heat safe cookware can go straight on, and you won’t have to load and unload food. Less time for prepping and more time for partying; a great scenario for any host.
The 3 temp settings (low/med/high) help you set up a perfect warming temp. If you want the meals really hot, put them in fresh from the oven and keep them at “high”. Keep in mind that you can’t pick a separate temp for each pan, so choose the best one for all meals.
Designed to Fit
This practical device can be used straight outside the box. All you have to do is plug it in, fill the pans with food, and set the correct temp. A useful life hack: if you want to cook for tomorrow, simply put the trays into the fridge overnight – and warm up the food half an hour before the party starts.
This warming tray combines high quality with good looks. The stainless steel design will win the hearts of family and guests, and your tablecloth won’t suffer, as the device doesn’t get hot underneath. If you’re at a loss how to best serve the party dishes, the Elite Gourmet definitely knows the answer. It’s also very portable and comes with convenient handles, so you can carry it around confidently.
Is this food warmer easy to clean? The correct answer would be “yes and no”. It does come with fewer pieces and smooth surfaces, but the latter take some effort to clean up. The trays can be put into a dishwasher, but if there are some drips left from the party, you’d probably have to remove them by hand.
Summing up, this versatile and adjustable server/food warmer will save you from reheating food for in-house parties and gatherings.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B0015UUEFU |
Ovente FW170S
Portable & Effective
Not every kitchen has enough space for multiple appliances. If you need a warming tray with a smaller footprint, look no further than the Ovente food buffet warmer. It’s compact and effective, great for parties or everyday life.
To begin with, this 200W warming tray is ultra thin and doesn’t look like a battle tank on your counter. With that in mind, it spreads the heat evenly and doesn’t dry out the food or leave stains on the tablecloth. A common problem with food warmers (that the Ovente doesn’t have) is that the borders tend to get less heat than the center of the tray.
This device is just perfect for smaller parties or events. While it won’t cater to a large crowd, the warming area is quite enough for one big plate, a kettle, and a few saucepots. Don’t forget to only use the dishes and other kitchenware that are heat safe. Otherwise, absolutely no limit on your chef’s imagination.
The Ovente tray is made of stainless steel that definitely won’t deform under the impact of high temperatures. The tray may feel somewhat flimsy, but it’s nothing critical at all. It is also lightweight, so you can carry it around with ease. The cool touch handles will protect your hands from potential burns.
Pick the Right Temp
This warming tray lets you adjust the temp for all your serving needs. Just turn the control knob and pick the perfect one; it’s this level of “easy”. A useful tip for a quick warm-up would be to set the temp at high – and then decrease it as the food gets heated up. Don’t worry, the tray won’t overcook your dishes if you do everything right.
Looking for a well-designed food warmer? The Ovente gives you just that; the slim and polished stainless steel look will complement a dining table, kitchen counter, or patio furniture. Thanks to its size, the other dishes will not have to go, and the guests will feel cozy and comfortable. Exactly what is needed for an ideal house party.
We all love having fun, but hardly anyone likes the inevitable cleanup. To make things much easier for you, the Ovente is very simple in terms of cleaning with few elements and many smooth surfaces. The stale drips are probably the only thing you’ll have to deal with by hand. Other than that, your time and effort will be spared.
In conclusion, the Ovente buffet server & warming tray is your chance to impress the party – and keep the food and drinks always warm.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07MTT18NW |
Infographics
What Is a Warming Tray?
Do you know that frustrating feeling when you have cooked up a variety of dishes for your dinner party, but the guests are late? You start to worry that the food will become cold and will lose its taste... Even if the guests are on time, or almost so, there is still another concern. How to keep appetizers and other dishes warm during the party?
Well, you can get a warming tray or a buffet server. Both devices will keep your meals warm and fresh so you and your guests will enjoy them till the last bite.
In addition, they are simple in use. Just switch the appliance on and let it preheat for 5-10 minutes. Then, place dishes or pans with the food you want to keep warm and ready to eat and help yourself to fragrant and delicious meals throughout the party!
Electric warming trays can come in handy in a variety of situations: when cooking for a crowd, preparing dinner for your family or significant other. There are varied sizes and designs available, it is time to look through our review and select the one for your needs.
Throwing a barbecue party? A warming tray will keep side dishes and trimmings warm and ready to serve while you are cooking meat or vegetables with the help of an outdoor & camping grill. To accompany mouth-watering meals with refreshing drinks, we recommend buying an ice bucket that you can find in one of our reviews.
What Features to Compare
Type and Capacity
The prevailing majority of the warming trays available on the market have a rectangular serving area with a built-in heating element underneath. Some models are furnished with one or even a few hobs. There are also buffet servers, equipped with pans to serve several dishes. Usually, these pans have a standard design, with a full size of 20.75"x 12.75" (housing 70 up to 250 servings) and its smaller variations (½, ⅓ of a full size, etc.). Naturally, the larger is the tray's warming surface, the more pans it can accommodate. In most cases, it is preferable to use several pans with different foods for a more versatile menu.
As for your chosen model capacity, a portable warming tray with an approximately 120-square-inch heating surface is enough for serving a romantic dinner for a small family or a couple. For family gatherings and parties, consider units with at list 260-square-inch heating area.
Temperature Range and Controls
Most of the models have up to 200°F heating temperature, which is enough to keep foods warm. At the same time, it is not too high, to prevent drying out and sticking during long use. Thanks to this user-friendly feature, it is one of the most convenient devices to keep food warm for a long while.
A warming tray is a convenient easy-to-use appliance. Usually, it has a knob or a switch to turn on/of the appliance and adjust its heating temperature. Some models have only one heating temperature (which is quite enough for warming any dishes); some devices turn on automatically when you plug them into the socket.
Material and Conveniences
Typically, this kitchen appliance has stainless steel housing and heating surface. Devices made of this material are easy to clean, besides, they are durable and stain-resistant. However, most models were not designed for heating foods directly on their surface, that is why it is highly recommended to use dishes or pans for warming your meals.
You should also keep in mind your chosen device conveniences. It is advisable to choose the appliance with stay-cool handles for easy moving around your kitchen. A real space-saver for a small kitchen is a compact warming tray; there are even handy foldable models available on the market. Finally, if you want to get an appliance that takes no time to preheat, pick a model with a powerful heating element.
FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between a warming tray and a buffet server?
A: Well, for starters, a warming tray has a flat surface to accommodate dishes and pans. It is a perfectly suitable appliance for serving family dinners as well as warming appetizers for a crowd. The second of the two usually comes with pans and a pan holder and can be used as a stand-alone warming tray, which makes it an excellent choice for serving various treats at rowdy parties. Some models have several hobs (sometimes with different temperature settings) for convenient placing a few pans or platters or even casseroles.
Q: Can I put foodstuffs directly on the heating surface?
A: The prevailing majority of the models available on the market are not designed for this purpose, so it is better to use dishes and pans with them. However, with some of the devices, you can place foodstuff onto the heating surface, but it is strictly prohibited to use any plastic wrappings or plates. In any case, you should check the information given by the manufacturer and carefully follow the instructions to ensure a safe and durable use of the unit.
Q: Can I use it to keep food warm during Shabbat?
A: Warming tray is one of the most convenient devices you can use for this purpose, for it can be used for a long time without adjusting the temperature. For safety considerations, it is important to choose a high-quality unit recommended for this use.
Q: How many pans can I put on a warming tray?
A: It depends on the pans, their size and design. Most models can accommodate a couple of plates or 2-3 pans of varied sizes.
Q: What is the best material for tray's warming surface?
A: Stainless steel is the most commonly used material, and for a good reason. It is durable and stain resistant, besides it gives the appliance a classy look. However, there are many other quality materials that both look good and last long. For example, there are units with a durable Teflon or tempered glass heating surface, designed to faithfully serve you for years.
Q: Why most models come with a rather short cable?
A: A great deal of the warming trays and buffet servers available on the market are furnished with a quite short cable primarily for users safety, to avoid cable tangling and draping over your countertop. An extension cord can be used as needed, however, do not forget to arrange it safely behind the table.
Q: Can I adjust the heating temperature?
A: Some units allow you to adjust the temperature, others have only one setting available. However, for most cases, even a single option of warming your treats up to 200°F is sufficient enough to keep your meals warm and fresh during your family dinner or any other occasion. Some units provide the heating option of up to 338°F, which is truly excellent as it allows you not only keep your soups and other dishes piping hot but also cook many meals from scratch.
Sources:
1. Jeff Flowers 10 Appliances That Make Holiday Entertaining Easier, Compact Appliance. December 4, 2014.
2. Giora Shimoni What is a Shabbos Blech? The Spruce. February 29, 2016.
3. Serving Prepared Foods Safely, Whole Foods Market.
4. Megan Curley How Does a Warming Tray Work? eHow.
5. How to plan & organise your event, BBC Good Food.
6. Donna Pilato How To Estimate Party Portions, The Spruce. April 10, 2017.
7. Heather McClees Warm Foods and Drinks That Benefit Digestion, One Green Planet. January 9, 2015.
8. How to keep food warm for a crowd, Walmart.
9. Amy Fleming Hot or Not? How Serving Temperature Affects the way Food Tastes, Food.ndtv.com. September 22, 2013.
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