No one can overlook the shiny, sparkling chafers lying beautifully at the food corner of a party with the responsibility of serving hot food even to the last guest of a party. Crafted particularly for caterers, restaurants, buffet parties, and large gatherings, chafing dishes hold large amount of varying cuisines and keep them as hot as freshly cooked meals for as long as you need.
Generally made with stainless steel material, chafing dishes ensure the contained food remains warm throughout the event and embellish the atmosphere with its glossy and gleaming outlook.
Although all the chafing dishes look similar in appearance, difference in functionality, features, and design make some of them better to work with. Here, we’ve picked 10 best chafing dishes buffet set to assist you in your search for the best one and collected all the information you need to know regarding chafing dishes. Have a look!
Why Should You Use Chafing Dishes?
One of the major benefits of using chafing dishes is that it not only ensures hot, warm, and fresh meal to the customers/guests, but also guarantees a properly maintained hygienic presentation of food. Hygiene is something everyone expects no matter where or what they eat. Chafers store cooked food with appropriate cover keeping them safe from germs or dust.
We know that appearance matters when it comes to hosting a party or organizing a catering business. Chafing dishes save you from this nuisance, upgrade the face of your party and provides a long-time service with their strong and durable material.
Types Of Chafing Dishes
Almost all the chafing dishes are quite similar in function and usability, their only difference lies in their heating technique. Whether they are heated by fuel, electricity or other induction power sources, it doesn’t affect their functionality at all. But depending on the situations they are being used, you might want to switch one for another better option.
Fuel Chafers
Fuel chafers depend on fuel cans to heat the water tray and keep the stored food hot. Fuel cans are either filled with flammable gel fuel, wick fuel, or eco-friendly fuel. These chafing dishes are perfect for outside parties as they don’t require an electric outlet to operate. The fuels burn for 2-6 hours allowing your food to be warm throughout the party.
Electric Chafers
If you are running a restaurant or have an electric outlet near at hand, electric chafers are the best choice for you. Since they do not have any direct flame, they are safe for regular use. Electric chafers also save you from igniting or changing fuel cans, just plugging in the chafer is what you need to do. With unlimited access to electricity, these chafers serve you way longer than the fueled ones.
Induction Chafers
Unlike the fuel and electric chafers, induction chafing dishes do not use water heating method to keep food warm, rather it depends on induction platform or plate and an outlet. It heats up the chafing tray directly discarding the hassle of water plates or open flames. Induction chafers are only suitable for previously set induction countertop and that’s why they are found in venues with fixed induction countertops or indoor buffet tables where the system is set.
Chafing Fuel Vs. Induction Heat Which Is Better For Catering
Using technology, an induction chafer transfers heat to the food storing tray. Therefore, it does not require any fuel for heat coverage, nor a water tray to maintain the food warm. Other than comfort and convenience in use, induction chafers are way safer than fuel ones. Since it works without open flames like the fuel chafers, it ensures 100% safety of its users.
Also, with the tiny amount of heat emitting from the induction heater, users definitely find it comfortable to work with. Undeniably, fuel chafers are cheap in price and affordable for everyone, but if the matter is about safety, long-term performance, and ease of use, induction chafers are preferable to fueled ones.
10 Best Chafing Dishes Review
1. ALPHA LIVING 70014 4 Pack 8QT Chafing Dish (Editor Choice)
If the matter is about finding a good chafing dish at a reasonable price, this one is a good pick. Made with stainless steel and designed to be conveniently portable, Alpha Living 4 Pack chafing dish is suitable for any restaurant cooktop or catered event.
Designed to work with fuel cans, this chafer set comes with 2 fuel holders, frame, a full-size pan tray, and a lid for each chafing dish. They also cover handles to ensure that the product can be transported with ease.
With foldable legs, the transportation gets a lot easier and you can easily place it on the countertop as the thicker stainless steel of the legs provide strong base and extra security. A package of four standard size chafers, this set is ideal for ensuring lengthy use in catering business.
ALPHA Chafing Dish-Key Features
- Item Dimension: 24 x 16.25 x 15 inches
- Capacity: With wide surface area and immense depth, it can hold upwards of 8 quarts of food/water
- Heating Style: The chafers function using fuel cans
- Components: 4 chafing dishes having 2 fuel cans, lid, foldable legs, handle, separate trays for heating water and food storage, stove holder and stove tray each.
- Material: Stainless steel
- Packable Design: Its foldable design allows all the chafing dishes to be stacked and packed together for convenient transportation.
- Maintenance: Dishes are easy to clean, rust-resistant, and durable.
Pros
- Collapsible/foldable legs
- Packable design
- Easy maintenance
- Affordable
Cons
- The edges are too sharp
Bottom Line
The Alpha Living 4 pack chafing dish set lets you to serve variety of dishes with 4 options and that too, at one purchase. Customers admired the foldable legs and easy cleaning features.
2. Nova Microdermabrasion Rectangular Chafing Dish (Customer’s Choice)
Like the previous one, this stainless steel 8 quart rectangular dish set is ideal for buffets, hotel breakfast areas, brunches, catering, parties, wedding banquets and self-service environments.
It comes with 4 chafing dishes packed with considerable design for outstanding outlook and collapsible legs for easy transportation. The mirror finished surface and strong stainless steel material guarantees long lasting performance and enhanced glamor of your buffet countertop.
The chafer also has the ability to hold the lid in an upright position while the stored food is being served.The added fuel tray ensures proper maintenance and distribution of fuel heat allowing your food to just sit there and stay warm.
Nova Microdermabrasion Rectangular Chafing Dishes-Key Features
- Item Dimension: 25 x 15 x 13 inches
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Heating Style: Uses fuel cans
- Capacity: 8 quart space can hold enough food for party serving
- Components: 4 chafing dishes, handle, lid, foldable legs, storage tray, water tray, fuel tray, 2 fuel cans
- Mirror Finished Surface: Mirror polished surface with matte stainless steel stand.
- Convenient Use: Stackable pans, easy transportability with cool touch plastic handle.
Pros
- Stackable design
- Attractive looks
- Proper heating maintenance
- Fixed lids
Cons
- Trays can get stuck if stack together for a long time
Bottom Line
The foldable legs allow you to store this chafer using 50% less space. The frame provides an easier way to store and is also easy to set up. Constructed with a stable, solid frame and an all-inclusive equipment set, you can enjoy your party after setting the chafing dishes properly.
3. SUPER DEAL 8 Qt Chafing Dish 4 Pack (Best Overall)
This comprehensive chafing dish set comes with everything you need: pan, food pan, lid, frame and two fuel burners. The fuel burners ensure your cuisines maintain temperature with even, consistent heat distribution compared to other fuel burners available in the market.
4 standard sized chafing dish with 8 quart capacity are ideal for serving the crowd without making the food management tough. For a customized set up, you can also go for your own fractional pans instead of the added ones.
Its double stainless steel construction provides durability and extended service and the strong legs secures a sturdy placement. This space-saving, low maintenance chafing dish set has earned customers’ admiration with reliable performance. It is one of the best chafing dishes buffet set.
SUPER DEAL 8 Qt Chafing Dish 4 Pack-Key Features
- Material: Stainless steel
- Heating Style: Uses fuel cans
- Capacity: 8 quart space allows to store appetizers, curry, dessert or any other food items
- Components: 4 chafing dishes with added lid, placement stand, fuel cans, separate trays and handle
- Stackable: All components pile into each other to save space when storing
- Polished surface: smooth and mirror finished surface provides sophisticated presentation.
- Strong Frame: Matte finish steel frame is strong, durable with lid holder
Pros
- Features for professional catering
- Classy mirrored finish
- Warms food evenly
- Adjusted lid
Cons
- Stainless steel handles can cause skin burns.
Bottom Line
The moderate size allows to store plenty of foods. Despite the size, the whole set is easy to transport and the double side handles are great for moving the dishes around. Overall, this chafing dish set is an ideal choice for both indoor, outdoor, and business use.
4. Sterno 24-Piece Disposable Chafing Dishes (Best Brand)
Sterno 24-piece disposable dish set is a clever choice for entertaining your party guests. It neither causes a bulk amount of money nor high maintenance.
This party set has all the setup materials you’ll need for your event to entertain crowds, feed hungry mouths, and more! It includes three wire racks, three water pans, six food pans, six cans of Sterno Handy Fuel, three serving spoons and three serving forks.
You can utilize the dishes for keeping your food warm before disposing them. The wire racks make it easy to move, place on the countertop or dispose. Designed for buffets or any other indoor/parties, this set assists you in organizing your party like a pro!
Sterno 24-Piece Disposable Chafing Dishes-Key features
- Item Dimension: 23.5 x 13.5 x 10 inches
- Material: Disposable aluminum foil
- Heating Style: Uses disposable fuel cans
- Components: It includes (3) wire racks, (3) water pans, (6) food pans, (6) cans of Sterno Handy Fuel, (3) serving spoons and (3) serving forks
- Compatible with wide variety of dishes
Pros
- Comprehensive set
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor servings
- Disposable
- Food-grade material
Cons
- Aluminum foils can create holes.
Bottom Line
This set covers every necessary equipment for emergency catered event. You don’t have to run to different places for catering forks or spoons as they are included with the set. Moreover, who can resist the charm of disposable items when cleaning becomes a nuisance after feeding a crowd?
This chafing dish set combines both full and half size dishes giving you the chance of storing 2 different items in one dish. It includes a sturdy frame, a water pan, a full-size pan, a lid with a plastic cool-touch handle, 2 chafing fuel holders with covers to complete the set!
5. Tiger Chef Chafing Dish Buffet Set ( Best Reliability)
The foldable frame provides an easier way to store and is also easy to set up in catered events as weddings, parties, brunches, banquets, hotels and restaurants. The best part of this chafer is it works great with disposable aluminum pans too.
This package of 3 chafing dishes with 6 half size food pans maintains food warmth for up to 6 hours and works as excellent food warmers for catered parties. The food trays, water trays and lids are dishwasher safe.
Tiger Chef Chafing Dish Buffet Set-Key Features
- Item Dimension: 15.75 x 23.62 x 23.62 inches
- Material: NSF certified stainless steel
- Heating Style: Fueled chafing dishes
- Components: 3 complete chafer sets (each set contains 3 full-size water pans, 3 full size food pans, 3 dome covers, 3 collapsible folding frame stands, 6 fuel holders with covers) and 6 half size stainless steel food pans
- Foldable frame: The stand frame is foldable
- Versatility: Works well both as chafing dish and food warmer
- The pan material is dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Inclusion of multiple pans
- Collapsible legs
- Multi-tasker
- Lids with plastic handle
Cons
- With multiple parts, cleaning might get a little tough
Bottom Line
The chafer is the perfect choice as a buffet warmer, catering trays and warmers, Sterno buffet kit, for catering and food service. The foldable frame on the chafers for catering makes it easy to transport and store. Overall, this chafer set is exactly what you need save your party.
6. Giantex 2 Packs Chafing Dish 9 Quart Chafer Dishes (Best Convenience)
Equipped with sturdy frame and safe design, this 9-quart chafing dish set is made of premium quality stainless steel and adorned with smooth and white finish stainless steel surface.
This 2 pack chafer set includes set water pan, food pan and lid, sturdy frame rack and alcohol furnace. What is more, with proper set up and maintenance, you can use it both for cooking, warming and storing food.
Structured for full safety, the fuel burners are kept on a separate tray under the serving dish and burn for 3 hours straight. The handles on two sides of the chafing dish make it safe for you to carry and prevent your hand from being scald.
Giantex 2 Packs Chafing Dishes-Key Features
- Item Dimension: 39.37 x 39.37 x 19.69 inches
- Material: Premium quality stainless steel
- Heating Style: Depends on fuel cans
- Capacity: 2 chafing dishes with 9 quart capacity each
- Components: water pan, food pan and lid, sturdy frame rack and alcohol furnace
- This chafing dishes are equipped with enough space for cooking
- Durable and sturdy enough to tolerate high temperature
- Provides convenience in installment, use, cleaning, and transportation
Pros
- Elegant look
- Huge space
- Strong holding racks
- Easy maintenance, dishwasher safe material, and safety assurance
Cons
- A little heavier than other chafing dishes
Bottom Line
The dishes have very fine finishing and the quality of appearance, service and functionality is above the average chafers. They serve their purpose, store food for 30+ people and suitable for cooking also. They look professional and definitely do the job for a party that you want to dress up.
7. ROVSUN 5 Quart 4 Pack Round Chafing Dish (Most Elegant)
Popularly known for elegance and professional presentation, Rovsun 5 quart pack round chafing dish set is ideal for large gatherings, events, buffets, hotel breakfast areas, brunches, catering, parties, wedding banquets and self-service restaurant.
Constructed with 2mm thick food grade stainless steel, this set provides everything you need and all the items are tested to ensure safety and longevity. The round edge design and hollow handles are made to prevent scalding or burns and highly-polished mirror finish will shimmer in the ambient lighting of your venue.
The frame includes a bottom tray which supports 2 fuel holders to store fuels for heating food. You can also put ice in the water pan if you want to cool down the food before serving.
ROVSUN 5 Quart 4 Pack Round Chafing Dish-Key Features
- Item Dimension: 23.62 x 21.65 x 11.81 inches
- Material: Food grade stainless steel
- Heating style: Depends on fuel cans
- Capacity: 4 chafing dishes with 5 quart capacity
- Components: This chafing dish set contains 4 frames , 8 fuel holders (fuel is not included), 4 water pans, 4 food pans and 4 covers
- Non-stick material with easy dishwasher safe cleaning facility
- Each chafing dishes can serve 5 people
Pros
- Classic, refined, and decorous look
- Moderate size for not-so-large events
- Equal distribution of heat
- Safety handles for avoiding burns
Cons
- Not suitable for cooking food because the highest temperature is 100 degrees centigrade.
Bottom Line
These chafing dishes make your party a lot more formal and add a little more elegance to the buffet corner. Be careful not to put too much water as it will boil and overflow.
8. Party Essentials 33-Piece Disposable Chafing Dishes (Best Practicality)
Another addition to our disposable chafer dish collection, this serving kit contains 33 disposable pieces including serving forks, spoons, tongs, water and food pans, chafing racks, and gel fuel for serving food at parties, barbecues, and other gatherings.
The food and water pans are made with aluminum to keep up with the buffet serving style and the pans are placed upon wire chafing racks for utmost security. Like all the other disposable chafers, these beauties allow you to throw them away after using and save you from the trouble of cleaning. The kit is suitable for serving hot or cold food, snacks, appetizers, desserts or other dishes.
Disposable Chafing Dishes-Key Features
- Item Dimension: 24.1 x 13.5 x 10.4 inches
- Material: Aluminum food, water pans with serving forks, spoons, and tongs made of polystyrene
- Heating Style: Usage of fuel cans
- Number of Pans: 6 aluminum food pans
- Components: It comes with 6 gel fuel cans, 6 serving spoons, 6 serving forks, 3 tongs, 3 chafing racks, 3 aluminum water pans, 6 aluminum food pans
- The fuel cans burn for approximately 2 hours and keep the stored food warm for that time.
Pros
- All-inclusive package
- Racks for strong hold
- Inclusion of serving utensils
- Disposability
Cons
- The aluminum pans are a little flimsy for serving soup
Bottom Line
The serving utensils and holding racks are definitely for one-time use, but they can be reused for future events. The wire frames for the chafing dishes are very sturdy and holds the food-filled pans well. But you need to be careful while carrying the filled ones as the aluminum pans are not strong enough to bear the food weight while transportation.
9. NUCU Artisan Round Buffet Chafer (Best Functionality)
This chafer is designed to keep food warm once it has been cooked as opposed to being used for the actual cooking of the food. Great for buffets, potlucks, and other self-serve events, this chafer keeps food warm with a large pan and transparent lid with a steam release vent.
The 4 quart buffet chafer maintains food temperature for the best dishes and compatible with small snacks, big meals and everything in between. It ensures superior strength, rust resistance and enhanced performance with its strong and sturdy stainless steel material. The welded holder and shiny glass lid adds extra appeal to its outlook.
NUCU Artisan Round Buffet Chafer-Key Features
- Item Dimension: 12.5 x 12.5 x 11 inches
- Material: Stainless steel body with glass lid
- Capacity: 4 quart capacity
- Heating style: Fuel cans
- Components: 4 quart round chafer, water pan, holding rack, glass lid and fuel holder
- Durable stainless steel can stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
- Strict avoidance of salt solutions or acidic foods and abrasive or harsh cleansers is a must.
Pros
- Versatile use
- Low maintenance and easy cleaning
- Stylish and graceful appearance
- Effective features
Cons
- Doesn’t include fuel cans
Bottom Line
This chafer is easy to install, use and doesn’t take up a lot of space on a table or counter. Remember that this product is not dishwasher safe. Hand wash with hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly to clean. Don’t forget to towel dry immediately after washing.
10. ZENY Pack Of 4 Chafing Dish 8 Quart (Best Chafer Set)
An ideal option for large gatherings, weddings, and other catered events, this chafing dish set with 8 quart large capacity allows you to entertain more friends and enjoy the food without worrying about their maintenance.
With compact, user friendly design and food grade stainless steel with good heat resistance, the chafers are durable, corrosion-free or rust-resistant. You’ll find everything you need to serve in a buffet with this package.
Each buffet warmer has a cover handle is humanized to prevent scalding or hurt. A convenient to prepare, display and enhance your next catered event elegantly.
ZENY Pack of 4 Chafing Dish-Key Features
- Item Dimension: 24 x 14 x 11.4 inches
- Material: Food grade stainless steel
- Heating Style: Fuel cans
- Capacity: 4 chafers with 8 -quart capacity each
- Components: 4 complete 8 qt chafer sets (each set contains 1 full-size water pan, 1 full size food pan, 1 cover, 1 frame stand, 2 fuel holders with covers)
- Mirror finished smooth surface, cool touch handle, user-friendly design
- Non-stick, dishwasher safe pans and easy cleaning facility
Pros
- Ample space to cover large amount of food
- Food grade material with classy outlook
- Non-stick pans
- Suitable for larger parties
Cons
- The lids/pans can be jammed if stack together for a long time
Bottom Line
Its durable construction and material yet lightweight feature make it easy to carry and transport, provides an easy way to store and is also simple to set up. ZENY chafing dishes keep food warm, can be used for weddings, banquets, picnics, birthdays, parties, etc. to serve guests and keep food fresh and juicy.
What Are The Factors To Consider While Buying A Best Chafing Dish?
With hundreds of chafing dishes having similar features, it is quite difficult to find the right one for you. We suggest to consider some factor while buying chafing dishes.
Shapes
These humongous utensils come in different shapes, while some serve for specific purpose like storing gravy or soup, others can be used for multitasking. Based on your needs, you have to pick from oval, rectangular, round, maritime or square shaped chafers.
Size And Capacity
Quite connected to their shape, size and storing capacity of chafing dishes also matter. Produced in variety of size, some chafers are designed particularly for desserts or entrees. Some can hold enough food for feeding a crowd while others may have moderate space to serve only family members.
Fuel Source
One of the most important thing to consider in chafers is their fuel source. Buy the ones whose heating style is appropriate for your circumstance or event arrangement. It would be a total waste if you go for an induction chafer when you do not have a preset induction cooktop.
Food Pans
Although sounds unimportant, but food pans can change the whole scenario of your event food storage. Food pans come in 3 sizes, full size pans, half size pans and 2/3 size pans. Depending on the number and amount of food items you are serving, you should carefully choose the food pans. Also, check if the pans are non-stick or not.
Covers/Lids
Nothing can beat the importance of lids if you want to keep your food moist and fresh. Among a few available options, hinged lids, roll-up lids and glass lids are popular these days and effective compared to others.
Handles
These gigantic utensils require proper handles to carry around or transportation. Since they are always burning while serving food, it is preferable to go for cool touch plastic handles rather than the steel ones.
Durability
Chafers are mostly used in restaurants or catering business purposes. Hence, the importance of durability and extended service cannot be denied. Certainly you do not want to purchase these things repeatedly by costing a bank!
Warranty
Sometimes you can be unfortunate to have damage products due to bad packaging or shipping mismanagement. It is also possible that your purchased chafer has lost its functionality way before it is supposed to. It is better to find the brands that provide warranty or exchange offers for such accidents
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Chafing Dish?
A chafing dish is a multi-part food warmer/food storage system that keeps hot food hotter much longer than food stored in a traditional food pan. Chafing dishes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles, and they can be used in many different foodservice settings.
Can I Cook In A Chafing Dish?
Chafing dishes are normally used for keeping food warm. You can have the privilege of cooking but it would not be of satisfying service.
Can I Use Chafing Dish Without Water?
Yes, until the bottom of the food pan gets dry. But this isn’t recommended as it destroys the moisture and freshness of the food.
Is The Chafing Fuel Safe?
Since chafing dishes work with open flames or fire, they can be very dangerous if proper care should not be taken.
How Long Does The Chafing Fuel Last?
Chafing fuel cans normally burns for 2 hours. But the heated food inside the chafer stays warm for up to 6 hours.
Final Verdict
We hope this long informative article provided you precise knowledge and assistance. Our best picks are designed for specific occasions or purposes. Before selecting any particular one, we recommend you to reconsider the setting and style of your event or catering business. From the huge feeding trays to the classy eye-soothing elegant ones, you’ll find that one specified for your purpose only.
So, finding the best chafing dishes buffet set can make a significant difference in your next gathering or event. After conducting thorough research and analyzing various customer reviews, it is evident that there are several top contenders in the market.