The BEST Chafing Dishes You NEED To Buy!

Chafing dishes are the BEST invention to date...well, at least when it comes to parties! They allow us to keep massive amounts of food warm for extended periods of time with minimal set-up. They can be used for home parties or specially catered events. Check out the best chafing dishes below for your next party.

chafing dishes on a long buffet table with plates.

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Jump to:

What is the other name for chafing dish?
What is under a chafing dish?
What are the rules for chafing dishes?
Parts Of A Chafing Dish Set
How To Properly Use One
Types of Chafing Dishes
Lids and Covers
Chafing Dish Fuel
How To Set Up Your Buffet Table
Tips for Using Chafing Dishes
FAQ's
Final Thoughts
💬 Comments

Chafing dishes are special serving dishes that are designed to keep food warm over an extended period. They are often used for catering events, buffets, and other large gatherings where food needs to be kept hot and at a safe temperature.

Chafing dishes are typically made of metal and consist of a large, shallow pan that sits on a stand with a heat source underneath. The pan is filled with water and a smaller dish, containing the food, is placed inside the larger pan. The heat from the source below warms the water, which in turn keeps the food in the smaller dish warm.

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What is the other name for chafing dish?

Chafish dishes are also called food water, bain maries, water bath since they have hot water underneath (similar to a hot bath).

What is under a chafing dish?

There is a water pan under the food pan that holds JUST the water. The pan on top holds the food being warmed. Both are held in a rack over burners.

What are the rules for chafing dishes?

Do not let the water touch the BOTTOM of the food pan.
Do not expect to COOK food in your chafish dish. Food is to be kept warm only.
Add cold food at least an hour before serving food.
Add HOT water to your water pan to speed up warming.
Do not let the water evaporate.
Have a place to stash lids if the dish does not have a lid holder.
Make sure to use a large strong table that is stable.
Keep a thermometer nearby to check food tempe

Check out these 38 appetizers perfect for catering!

chafing dishes set up on a buffet table with warm food and people serving themselves

Parts Of A Chafing Dish Set

There are 5 parts to a chafing dish set.

The Chafing Pan Lid- Lids help to lock in the heat without drying out the food. They have clear lids, dome lids and even glass lids that allow guests to see what's inside.
The Food Pan- The food pan is the most important part. It needs to be large enough to hold your food so deciding which one to use can be tough. Food pans come in different sizes which makes it convenient to serve multiple foods in one pan.
The Water Pan- The water pan is slightly larger than the food pan since it fits underneath it. It's job is to hold water which will warm the pan with food above it.
The Stand/Frame- The frame holds the chafing dish upright and allows room for the fuel cans underneath. Some chafing dishes have collapsible stands which are super convenient for storage and transporting.
The Chafing Fuel- These are the heat source. Different fuel cans have different burn times so make sure to purchase ones that fit the length of your party.
Chafing Dish Covers (Optional)- These are ideal for holding heat in while allowing guests to still help themselves from both sides.

How To Properly Use One

Using a chafing dish is very simple. To set it up follow these steps:

Set up the stand (or rack) first. They will sometimes come pre-assembled.
Insert the larger pan first.
Add hot water into the pan. (About 2" high.)
Insert the second, slightly smaller, pan containing cooked food over the water and cover with lid. *The water should be touching the bottom of the pan without overflowing.
Add your heating elements underneath with Sterno fuel cans.
Light the fuel.

chafing dishes on buffet table with food inside

Types of Chafing Dishes

Chafing dishes come in all kinds of different sizes, forms and materials. The most common is stainless steel and the most popular size is an 8 qt. dish but they come in 4 and 6 quart as well.

Here is an article from Bustle that mentions the 4 BEST Chafing Dishes!

Disposable

If you are throwing a large party or hosting an event that requires warming a lot of food at once, purchasing disposable chafing dish sets are a smart, efficient and inexpensive way to get the job done. They typically come with everything you need although the fuel cans are sometimes sold separately.

They are made of aluminum and are lightweight using a simple wire rack making them easy to transport.

Here are some cheap chafing dish sets that you can throw out when you are finished using them

Full Size Buffet Set of 6 Dishes - This set contains 3 large rectangular water pans each holding TWO half-size food pans. It also comes with lids and serving utensils.

33 Piece Party Serving Kit- This set is the whole kit and caboodle! It comes with everything you need including serving utensils AND the gel fuel cans.

Setting up a buffet table? Check out my best tips for setting up a beautiful buffet for your party!

Stainless Steel

These are the top three stainless steel chafing dishes I found on Amazon. They each offer something unique but all are quality and durable.

Check it out!

High End

If you are hosting a super formal party or event like a wedding or shower, these chafing dishes would be perfect. They are classy and beautiful at the same time!

4 qt Chafing Dish with Gold Accents- This comes in round OR square and is beautiful with the gold accents.

8 qt. Rectangular Chafing Dish with Gold Accents- This one is similar to the one above but is double the size.

6 qt. Elegant Round Chafer- This one is so pretty and has decorative wooden handles.

Electric

Electric chafing dishes are my FAVORITE. Why? Well because you can easily control the temperature with a simple dial as opposed to a flame. I have two of these and ALWAYS use them! The only negative is the short cord so make sure to get yourself a 3 prong extension also.

Betty Crocker Electric Warming Dish- This is the exact one I have at home. It gets pretty hot and is the perfect size for smaller parties.

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Betty Crocker Buffet Server- This one is similar but has three warming trays which hold 2.5 qts each.

Glass

These chafing dishes are made with glass. Why would you want one that is breakable? Well...there are pros and cons to any chafing dish. Having one with a GLASS pan allows you to do one thing. Bake in it. Simply use the inside pan as a standard casserole or baking dish like you normally would use in your oven. Then transfer to the warming dock when it comes out of the oven! Genius

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Roll Top

Roll top are my second favorite because I HATE big bulky lids. If a guest has a plate full of food, trying to balance a bulky lid is not very fun. Plus, finding a place to put the lids are never easy. So these chafing dishes have an easy roll top that allows guests to open and close with one swift roll.

6 qt. Roll Top Stainless Steel- This chafing dish is simple and effective but still classy.

8 qt. Full Size Roll Top Chafing Dish- This one is like your standard 8 qt. rectangle but has a roll top!! It is definitely my favorite 8 qt. chafing dish here.

8 qt. Stainless Steel Roll Top (w/ Gold Accents)- This one is a step above the previous one with pretty gold accents.

Copper

Copper chafing dishes are BEAUTIFUL! These are the most expensive you will see but the most unique by far. I can guarantee people will compliment these within minutes of seeing them. They are a show-stopper and ideal for upscale entertaining.

Check It Out!

Other Food Warming Ideas

If you are looking for ways to warm soups or gravy, here are some options you might like:

Double Insulated Gravy Boat

Stainless Steel Soup Warmer

Triple Mini Slow Cookers

Lids and Covers

If you have a chafing dish that does not have a see-through or glass lid, it is often an inconvenience. Guests will want to take a peak at what's inside which holds up lines. It is also hard to do while juggling a plate and/or a drink. These plastic covers are so great for placing on top and can be opened from BOTH sides!

Chafing Dish Fuel

There are a few different kinds of fuel burner cans. Sterno brand is a popular one but there are many out there. These last for up to 6 hours. Also make sure you have a pair of stainless steel can holders. They are great for controlling the amount of heat and can allow you to easily and safely put out the fire.

a buffet station set up with chafing dishes on a long table.

How To Set Up Your Buffet Table

Setting up your buffet table doesn't need to be complicated. It should be clean, free of clutter and practical.

The first thing you want is a large sturdy table to place your chafing dishes on. Placing a white tablecloth is best. If you want to add color over top of this, you can to match your event or party. Decide which direction you want the buffet line to go in. Do you want guests helping themselves from both sides of the table or just one? Does direction even matter?

Placing plates on one side will help guests know where to start the line. Don't forget to add the proper serving utensils like tongs, forks or spoons on a plate near each chafing dish is a must.

Check out my best tips for setting up a rockin' buffet table!

Tips for Using Chafing Dishes

Make sure to add hot water to your water pan to speed up the heating process.
Use round chafing dishes for sauces, casseroles, vegetables or breads.
Light fuel cans 10-15 minutes prior to serving food.
Place stainless steel food pans in the oven to keep food warm prior to placing them in your water pans.
Light sterno 15 minutes before opening the buffet.
Stir the food if possible to prevent scorching and help distribute the heat.
Check the water level in your pan to ensure there is enough throughout the event.
Use lids to help to keep food moist.
If you want to keep foods cold, add ice water to the water pan without a flame.

chafing dish with green beans and veggies.

FAQ's

Can you cook in a chafing dish?

Yes! This is recommended as adding cold food to your tray is not ideal. Most stainless steel, aluminum or glass pans are oven safe.

How long can food stay in chafing dish?

Food should be able to stay in a chafing dish for 4-6 hours however the longer it is heated, the more dry the food will become.

At what temperature should my food be?

Food should be heated to 160 degree F to be safe.

How do you make chafing dishes look good?

Use a stainless steel cleaner if you have them. When setting up your serving station, add a fresh towel to the lid handle for a nice touch. Messy serving stations can be prevented by adding plates near by to place utensils on.

How do you keep food cold in a chafing dish?

Think of a cooler! Instead of adding hot water, add ice water and remove the flame!

How much water do you put in a chafing dish?

You should add anywhere from 1-3" of water depending on the size of your chafing dish.

Can you reheat food in a chafing dish?

No. Reheating food is not recommended. Food should be placed inside the chafing dish WARM as the metal pans are simply meant to maintain the food's temperature.

hand opening chafing dish at buffet table.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a good chafing dish is something you will thank your future self for 10 times over. It is important to get the best chafing dish you can afford so it will hold up a long time, through traveling, any kind of weather and hundreds of uses!