Top 15 Best Chafing Dishes Reviews
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In the catering world, keeping the food all hot just after it was cooked is an essential aspect. Therefore, having a chef dish set is not optional anymore but mandatory.
If you wish to provide caterer-style meals daily, then you should be very careful regarding the models you pick because keeping the food at the best temperature during the entire length of an event will be your company’s card.
A chafing dish is basically a kind of indirect heat stove, that mainly utilizes a chafing fuel in order to keep the cooked food fresh, while also maintaining its delicious flavor. The best food for chafing dishes is the one that needs warm temperatures to keep its savor.
Investing in high end chafing dishes is mandatory because they will optimize your performance in delivering better-tasting food. But in the first instance, there are some simple things to keep in mind, in order to choose the top kitchen equipment.
The article today will categorize the main types of chafing dishes, as well as browsing the most high-quality products on the market and their main accessories. Keep on reading to learn more.
Types of Chafing Dishes
First things first, it is important to classify the chafing dishes. Let’s talk about their shape. This is an important aspect, as their shape is designed for an exact purpose. As such, depending on your future plan, you should not skip this factor.
Shape
- Rectangular Chafing Dishes: Could be used for entrees, and it is one of the most common shapes you will find on the market.
- Round Chafing Dishes: Suitable for sauces, desserts, and side dishes.
- Oval Chafing Dishes: Used for main entrees, come with a polished look. Very versatile.
- Soup or Marmite Chafing Dishes: Best for keeping the soups warm, as well as the sauces, hot cereals, stews and gravies.
- Square Shape: Nicely compatible with appetizers and side dishes.
Type of Unit
- Fuel: The best chafing dish fuel uses some small cans in order to warm up the water dish and also keep the food all hot. Safe to burn inside, these fuel cans come with a flammable gel, even a liquid, as well as an ignitable wick.
Moreover, as you don’t require an electrical outlet, the fuel cans are convenient to use even outdoors.
- Electric: The electric chafer has no open flames, and they are safer than fuel chafers. If you have easy and fast access to an electrical outlet, the electric buffet server is an excellent option for outdoor use.
- Induction: Very similar to the electric chafer, the induction chafers require easy access to an induction plate, induction cooker or an outlet. These induction chafers are used mainly indoor, on some induction buffet tables or venues.
The induction chafers will provide the evenest heat distribution, so there will be no hot and cold spots.
Best Chafing Dishes Chart
Before digging into the full reviews, let’s have an overlook on the top chafing dishes on the market, to observe the main differences.
What Are The Best Chafing Dish Models?
Testimonials are the best commercial, so have a look at what people have to stay about our selected products for today.
- Best Overall – Excellanté Stainless Chafing Dish
“The elegant design, as well as the best material keeps the food all clean and warm.” - Best Price – TigerChef Chafing Dish
“The set is complete, so we used it for anniversaries, at weddings, as well as for smaller parties.” - Best Quality – Old Dutch 685AC Chafing Dish
“I used this chafing dish for an Oriental-themed party and everyone was impressed.” - Best for Barbecue Parties – Party Essentials Chafing Dish
“You get all you need to start the party. And the food stays fresh for hours.” - Best for Soups – Tiger Chef Round Chafing Dish
“Very elegant, we ordered this for a birthday party and it kept the food all warm.” - Best for Elegant Dinners – Winco Round Crown Chafer
“Everyone was impressed by this crown chafer. The design is the most stylish one!” - Best 180° Opening System – Winco Winware Round Roll Chafing Dish
“The opening system makes everything more practical, you need to try it.” - Best Artisan Model – NUCU Round Buffet Chafer Dish
“The NUCU Artisan chafing dish keeps the food at the best temperature to enjoy it immediately.” - Best for Whole Chickens – Giantex Chafing Dish
“These chafing dishes are spacious enough to keep a whole chicken warm and tasty.“ - Best for Ovens – Tramontina 80205/520DS Chafing Dish
“The food is kept all safely, as we looked for a stainless steel chafer dish.” - Best Electric Model – Oster Triple Tray Chafing Dish
“The best part is that you can set the right temperature, so the food stays warm like freshly taken out from the oven.” - Best for Seafood – SUPER DEAL Chafing Dish
“Serving seafood at the right temperature isthebreslin-20 not easy, but this Super Deal Chafing Dish is bliss now.” - Best for Hotels – M.V. Trading Chafing Dish
“Our hotel clients receive tasty, warm food, and we are sure that our products stay in a safe, sterile medium.” - Best for Breakfast – Tiger Chef 3 1/3rd Size Chafing Dish
“The breakfast food remains warm and it is nicely displayed daily.” - Best for Home Dinners – Cuisinart 7BSR-28 Chafing Dish
“If you need some light warming for your food, this Cuisinart Chafing Dish is perfect.”
Top 15 Best Chafing Dish Reviews
So here they are, the reviews of all the promised products from the article. There are many types and variations of the chafing dishes.
There are models that are made for professional or personal use, and we have made empirical research to provide our readers with the best options for chafing dishes.
1. Excellanté Stainless Chafing Dish
(Best Overall)
One of the most elegant chafing dishes on the market, the Excellante Stainless Chafing Dish is a roll-top chafing dish 8 quart. Coming with a golden handle chafer, this model of chafing dish has some nice gold accents on the handles.
Therefore, if you have a very elegant event to organize, this product will fit nicely.
Key Features
- Has a dripless water pan
- Lid with handle
- Fuel holder
- Fuel plate
Pros
- Nice polished stainless steel chafing dish
- Easy to clean
- Full-sized 8 qt chafer set
- Nice to use for buffets, cafeterias, catering or cruises
- Includes a dripless water pan
- Fits any interchangeable half size or third size food pan
Cons
- Good only for a large amount of food
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 24.5 x 14 x 15.5 inches |
| Weight | 24 pounds |
| Size | 8 quart |
| Made from | Stainless steel |
| Brand | Excellante |
Personal Experience
The Excellanté Stainless Chafing Dish is the best overall in my list, as it has one of the nicest designs and also provides flavors food. The particular chafer will provide easy access to the food and will ensure the food to stay clean and warm.
2. TigerChef Chafing Dish
(Best Price)
This chafing dish is a multipurpose, yet practical chafing dish that comes with a full-sized pan that can include ½, ⅓ size food pans.
Therefore, by having a TigerChef model, you are able to present either a large food variety of dishes or a smaller one.
Don’t worry about cleaning the chafing dish, as all the food pan, cover and water pan are dishwasher safe. Don’t hesitate to include this complete set as your main solution for keeping the food in a very elegant way.
Key Features
- Has one dome cover
- Has a collapsible folding frame stand
- Has two fuel holders
- Has a slotted serving spoon
- Has two chafing fuel gel cans
Pros
- Saves 50% of space, with the collapsible legs
- Durable stainless steel NSF certified
- Versatility
- Dishwasher safe
- Ideal for a variety of events
- Folding frame
Cons
- Cannot buy one single element, but the entire set
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 25.5 x 16.2 x 15.5 inches |
| Weight | 12.25 pounds |
| Size | 8 quart |
| Made from | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Brand | Tiger Chef |
Personal Experience
This is a complete set, so you won’t need anything else. In addition, the folding frame will provide an easier setup and easier way to store. The satin finish mirror gives such an elegant look to the chafing dish.
Here is a video with a model of TigerChef Chafing dish:
3. Old Dutch 685AC Chafing Dish
(Best Quality)
If you are looking for a unique design for the future chafing dish, this Old Dutch one’s a keeper. Made of stainless steel, antique copper-plated, black iron stand and lacquered finish, the Old Dutch will last forever and keep the food uniformly warm.
Key Features
- Has a fuel holder
- Has a water pan
- Has a food pan
- Has a lid
Pros
- Steel food pan-resistant in the oven up to 350°F
- Fits a 7 Oz can of cooking fuel gel
- Nice components as water pan, food pan, lid and fuel holder
Cons
- Expensive chafing dish
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 16.5 x 14.2 x 13.1 inches |
| Weight | 13.35 pounds |
| Size | 7 oz |
| Made from | Stainless steel with copper finish |
| Brand | Old Dutch |
Personal Experience
For those who are looking for a very elegant way of keeping the food all warm, this antique copper-plated chafing dish is a dream. The water-bath is designed to keep the food at the perfect temperature.
4. Party Essentials Chafing Dish
(Best for Barbecue Parties)
Do you have a plan for a big barbeque party and don’t know how to keep the food all warm and with its nice flavors? Then the Party Essentials will be the main source for disposable party needs.
Therefore, from cutlery, dinnerware or cups to serve ware, the Party Essentials will be your solution.
Key Features
- Disposable pieces
- Rigid and durable
Pros
- Aluminum food and water pans for buffet-style serving
- Wire chafing racks for holding the food and water pans nicely over fuel cans
- Gel fuel cans with 190g of methanol fuel burn around 2 hours
Cons
- Not good if the fire is too strong
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 8.5 x 13 x 23.75 inches |
| Weight | 9 pounds |
| Made from | Aluminum |
| Burn timeframe | Up to 2 hours |
| Brand | Party Essentials |
Personal Experience
This is a complete kit, so you can start organizing the party right now. The 33 disposable pieces include spoons, forks, and tongs, all made of durable polystyrene. The water pans and the food pans are made for buffet-style serving, while the gel fuel cans are made to keep the food all warm.
5. Tiger Chef Round Chafing Dish
(Best for Soups)
The Tiger Chef round electric chafing dish is going to keep the food hot and fresh, while the dome cover is going to ensure that the moisture is nicely retained and the food is still delicious after some hours. Moreover, the attractive design will make the food presentation unique and attractive.
Key Features
- Dome cover
- Elegant design
Pros
- 4-quart chafer made of quality stainless steel with a mirror finish
- Sturdy legs with secure grip lid handle
- Stable and safe
- NSF safety
- Durable steel
- Easy to store, transport and setup
Cons
- Doesn’t come with the burners
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 14.5 x 14.5 x 9 inches |
| Weight | 6 pounds |
| Size | 4 quart |
| Made from | Durable steel |
| Brand | Tiger Chef |
Personal Experience
Most of the chafing dishes come with a regular design, but this one is special and will make a nice presentation of the food. People will be attracted and will find tasty and warm food. The convenient chafer set is very easy to store and transport.
6. Winco Round Crown Chafer
(Best for Elegant Dinners)
This is a truly unique design when it comes to chafing dishes. The Winco products are very good quality and recognized by chefs and restaurateurs. The brand offers quality food services, so if you have a very busy kitchen or you are organizing a very elegant event, then look for this crown chafer.
Key Features
- Has a water pan
- Has a food pan
- Has a dome cover
- Has a fuel holder with cover
Pros
- Elegant unique round shape
- Wooden detailing for handles
Cons
- Good only for soups or liquid foods
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 15.8 x 15.6 x 12 inches |
| Weight | 8.75 pounds |
| Size | 6 quart |
| Made from | Stainless steel |
| Brand | Winco |
Personal Experience
This chafing dish is unique, so if you are planning some elegant dinners and want to present the food in a stylish way, go for the Winco chafing dish.
This collection is designed for formal occasions, so the artfully crafted handles, as well as the cover knob will add a graceful atmosphere to your event.
7. Winco Winware Round Roll Chafing Dish
(Best 180° Opening System)
This chafing dish with a round shape has the best full opening, helping you to reach the food easily. Made of good quality stainless steel, the Winco Winware Round Roll has a multi-function tong, which is very resistant to rust and bending. Moreover, the stylish and practical mirror-finish chafer is perfect for keeping the food at the proper temperature.
Key Features
- Has a 180° full opening
- Has a 90° intermediate opening
- Has a water pan
Pros
- Made of 18-8 stainless steel with a mirror finish
- Resistant to rust and bending
- Roll-top cover with 180° full opening
- Multi-function tong for free
- Convenient serving
Cons
- Expensive product
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 19 x 19 x 18.8 inches |
| Weight | 20.2 pounds |
| Size | 6 quart |
| Made from | Stainless steel |
| Brand | Winco |
Personal Experience
I enjoyed the fact that this chafing dish comes with 2h fuels, so you don’t need to buy some separately. Now, the 180° full opening eases the access to the food, and ads more practicability.
Therefore, if you need a chafing dish that is very practical, this is the one. Also, the heavyweight utility tong is a great addition to the kitchen.
Watch this video about how roll-top chafing dishes work:
8. NUCU Round Buffet Chafer Dish
(Best Artisan Model)
Sometimes, you might need a smaller model of the chafing dish, right? The NUCU Round Buffet will maintain the proper food temperature, and keep its quality as well.
The heavy-duty 4-quart buffet chafer is easy to install, so you only need to place your heat source in the fuel holder, then install and fill the lower pan water so the heat will be distributed evenly.
Key Features
- Has a welded rack
- Has a water pan
- Has a food pan
- Has a fuel holder
Pros
- Maintains the proper food temperature
- Made of stainless steel for superior strength
- Great for buffets, potlucks and many other self-serve events
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Styles any formal and informal event
Cons
- Avoid any acidic foods
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 12.5 x 12.5 x 11 inches |
| Weight | 6.9 pounds |
| Size | 4 quart |
| Made from | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | NUCU |
Personal Experience
It doesn’t matter if you have a formal or an informal event, this chafing dish will suit any of them. Moreover, you can clean it with hot, soapy water and then rinse everything with water. The chafing dish will dry immediately. Use the Artisan NUCU chafing dish for your best meals.
9. Giantex Chafing Dish
(Best for Whole Chickens)
The best deals are here! Those who are looking for an affordable price for the chafing dishes should look for the Giantex ones. The 2 packs are constructed with a solid frame, and they come with the complete accessories set.
As such, you are sure to enjoy a delicious meal every time you are using them. Easy to maintain, you can nicely clean and wash every corner, as the whole surface is white finished and smooth.
Key Features
- Has a water pan
- Has a food pan
- Has a lid
- Has a sturdy frame rack
- Has an alcohol furnace
Pros
- Simple washing and cleaning work
- Stable and long-lasting dish frame
- Complete accessories set
- Spacious space for cooking food
- Safe to use
- Safety burners on two sides
- Easy to carry
- Powerful support for pans and lid
Cons
- Need to hand wash them
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 24 X14 X11.4 inches |
| Size | 2 * 9 quart |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Brand | Giantex |
Personal Experience
If you are an event planner, you know how important it is to have all the accessories to provide tasty food. The Giantex chafing dishes are easy to apply to a variety of occasions, from hotel breakfast to brunches, catering, parties, as well as small wedding banquets.
10. Tramontina 80205/520DS Chafing Dish
(Best for Ovens)
The best option for ovens, the Tramontina chafing dish is a great way of serving either hot or chilled food selections.
Whether you are going to serve food at a catering, restaurant or just to a small event for entertaining your friends, this chafing dish provides great versatility. A great option, this product will keep the food all tasty, due to the stainless steel material.
Key Features
- Has a lid
- Has a food pan
- Has a water pan
- Has a chafing frame
- Has side handles
- Has a fuel burner tray
Pros
- Excellent for serving hot or chilled food selections
- All food contact parts made of premium 18/10 stainless steel
- Includes all the accessories, from water pan to fuel burner tray
- NSF certified
- Food pan oven-safe up to 390 F
Cons
- Hand wash recommended
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 23.9 x 11.8 x 15.5 inches |
| Weight | 19.55 pounds |
| Size | 9 quart |
| Made in | Brazil |
| Made from | Stainless steel |
| Brand | Tramontina |
Personal Experience
When ordering a chafing dish, everybody wants to receive all the accessories needed. The Tramontina product has all of them, so you can start serving chilled dishes on the tabletop. NSF certified you are sure to keep the food all safe.
11. Oster Triple Tray Chafing Dish
(Best Electric Model)
Serving a nice, hot meal needs a good looking chafing dish. The Oster Buffet Server has a set of three separate 2-½-quart buffet warming trays, so it lets you serve up from one to three different warm dishes.
Each pan measures 5.11 W x 8.58 L x 2.44 D inches, so it is generous enough to store a nice amount of food. The temperature control knob allows you to fastly set up the perfect warming temperature, and to nicely prepare your buffet.
Key Features
- Has a lid
- Has a food pan
- Has a water pan
- Has a chafing frame
- Domed lids with handles
Pros
- Made of durable stainless steel housing
- Large heating surface measuring 20 by 13 inches
- Safe to touch handles
- Firm grip prevents burns
- Domed transparent lids with handles trap warmth and moisture
- Electric chafing dish
- Three separate quart buffet warming trays
- Adjustable level of heat
Cons
- The frame is kind of sharp
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 6.3 x 26.6 x 16.6 inches |
| Weight | 10.55 pounds |
| Size | 3 *2.5 quart |
| Made from | Stainless steel |
| Brand | Oster |
Personal Experience
It doesn’t matter if you will use the Oster Triple Tray for birthday parties, or for a nice breakfast, even for a small wedding reception.
This chafing dish from Oster is special due to the triple, separate quarts, that will keep the flavors of each meal you prepare. Moreover, you can control the temperature with a know.
12. SUPER DEAL Chafing Dish
(Best for Seafood)
One of the fanciest chafing dish recipes for parties is seafood, isn’t it? Featuring stainless steel, and mirror-polish finish look, the Super Deal chafer was designed for the finest catered events.
If you are looking to create a special buffet setting, then this Super Deal Chafing Dish will look great and keep the food hot and fresh in style.
Key Features
- Has a lid
- Has a food pan
- Has a water pan
- Has a chafing frame
- Has broad legs
- Has a fuel burner tray
Pros
- Durable construction
- Sturdy handles
- Mirror finish
- Broad legs
- Even heat distribution
- One complete kit
- Divided food pan for ultimate versatility
Cons
- Make sure you buy from a good source
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 16.1 x 13.4 x 11 inches |
| Size | 2* 5 quart |
| Made from | Stainless steel |
| Brand | SUPER DEAL USA |
Personal Experience
If you love seafood, then this divided food pan will provide the perfect medium for keeping the shells, shrimps and other seafood at the proper temperature.
Featuring heavy-duty standing, this chafing dish will provide great stability. Moreover, the elevated shelf positions heat close to the water pan, so the food’s temperature will be perfect for serving.
13. M.V. Trading Chafing Dish
(Best for Hotels)
Having a hotel means serving perfect food, at the perfect temperature. If you have a buffet, the M.V. Trading Chafing Dish will be dependable, yet an exquisite way to serve some large foods for catering events or even large gatherings and parties.
The large 8 Qt. capacity will allow the users to serve some of the most popular dishes, in larger quantities, without worrying about the food’s quality.
Key Features
- Has a lid
- Has a food pan
- Has a water pan
- Has a chafing frame
- Has a fuel burner tray
Pros
- 4 full-size folding chafer frames
- Top handle for cool-touch
- Quality-built stainless steel construction
- Complete kit with lid, water pan, fuel holders and food pan
- Durable stainless steel construction
Cons
- Need to buy the fool 4 pack kit
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 14 x 42 x 28 inches |
| Weight | 11 pounds |
| Size | 4 * 8 quart |
| Made from | Stainless steel |
| Brand | M.V. Trading |
Personal Experience
Serving food at the hotel needs good quality, durable chafing dishes. These M.V. Trading Chafing Dishes are durable enough to last even in a commercial setting and will provide a sleek presentation to fit perfectly in hotel decors, restaurants and other HORECA businesses.
This video shows the process of preparing a hotel’s buffet:
14. Tiger Chef 3 1/3rd Size Chafing Dish
(Best for Breakfast)
One of the most common times when people use chafing dishes is breakfast. The Tiger Chef 3 ⅓ size chafing dish is a complete set to help you display the breakfast food in an elegant way.
Key Features
- Has a lid
- Has a food pan
- Has a water pan
- Has a chafing frame
- Has a fuel burner tray
Pros
- Complete chafer kit
- Versatile using
- Durable stainless-steel NSF certified
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Ask for a warranty from the seller
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 23.5 x 14.2 x 13.5 inches |
| Weight | 11 pounds |
| Size | 8 quart |
| Made from | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Brand | Tiger Chef |
Personal Experience
The Tiger Chef Chafing Dish is a food warmer always considered by the professionals and caterers. A complete set, this one includes a sturdy frame, full-size pan, a water pan, as well as a lid with a plastic cool-touch handle, fuel holders with covers.
15. Cuisinart 7BSR-28 Chafing Dish
(Best for Home Dinners)
The Cuisinart Chafing Dish is made of stainless steel, and it features 11-inch round buffet servers. Elegant and easy to set, this buffet pan has an aluminum-encapsulated base, so the food will stay nice and warm. Just prepare the food and transfer it into this chafing dish for immediate serving.
Key Features
- Has a lid
- Has a food pan
- Has a water pan
- Has a chafing frame
- Has a fuel burner tray
Pros
- 18/10 stainless steel interior
- 18/10 stainless steel elegant look
- Serve directly from oven or stovetop to table
- Easy to transport
- Stainless handles
- Aluminum encapsulated bottom
- Quick and even heat distribution
Cons
- Very light warming, with tea light candles
Product Specifications
| Product Dimension | 7 x 13.5 x 13.2 inches |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Size | 11 inches |
| Made from | Stainless steel |
| Brand | Cuisinart |
Personal Experience
If you are looking for a small, buffet pan for easy food, the Cuisinart round buffet server will be perfect.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Chafing Dish
I think that you agree with me when I say that there are some important aspects to look for when purchasing HORECA equipment. As long as you want some good quality chafing dishes, and the market is already full of some junks, here is what you need to keep in mind in order to make smart shopping.
Type of Event You Are Organizing
If you are organizing large events, then you will need full-sized chafing dishes. These ones come in 8-quart capacities, so they are perfect for heavy quantities of food. If you are planning to have a small in-house get-together event at home, look for something smaller.
Cover Type
Think about this factor as you are thinking about your future guests. The audience is very important when choosing the chafing dishes. As such, you will know if you need either a roll-top lid or a lift cover.
The roll-top lid is one of the most convenient for the self-service buffets and they also offer easy access. On the other side, a lift cover will create a sense of beauty, as well as a polished presentation.
Fuel vs. Electric Heat
When it comes to the heat solution, you can be inclined to prefer one more than the other. Now, there are fuel chafers to choose and electric chafers. The fuel chafers work with fuel cans, while the electric ones need electric outlet access.
Shape
There are oval, round, rectangular chafing dishes. The most common ones are rectangular chafing dishes. If you want to go on the fancy side, choose the oval chafing dish. If you need more space for keeping the food warm, choose the rectangular ones.
Quality
Always look for stainless steel chafing dishes, as this is very good quality material. Needless to say that stainless steel is the most durable material, and will serve a longer period of time, without breaking down.
FAQ
My Top Pick
In the HORECA world, there are several elements that will make a successful buffet setup. One of the most significant ones is the chafing dish. This equipment will keep the food fresh, as good as they were just taken out of the oven. Make sure you analyze their features first, before investing in such essential equipment.
Aside from presenting the food in a stylish manner, people should also ensure that they have all the accessories for the clients to properly utilize the chafer.
Are you already using a specific model? Round, oval or rectangular? As you could see, my top favorite one is the Excellante Stainless Chafing Dish, but I wish you could tell me and the rest of the readers about your experience by using the comment section below.
