The chafing dish, also called a chafer, is an essential item of cookware for any restaurant chafing dishes that values the safety of its customers’ health and the quality of its food.
The French word chauffer, meaning “to heat,” is where this category of restaurant appliances takes its name, and it’s not hard to see why. But how can you pick the perfect one for your restaurant?
The three main components of this piece of restaurant equipment are the frame, water pan, and top. It is possible to heat food without having it dry out by using a fuel that boils the water in the pan to produce steam. Because it maintains the food at the appropriate temperature through a function, this specific kind of restaurant equipment is the perfect combination for a chef who works in the catering industry.
When using a chafing dish, you don’t have to stress about your meal being at the right temperature. They are also a low-maintenance and simple-to-operate item of restaurant equipment.
- Power Source
Various heating methods are available for chafing dishes, a kind of restaurant equipment. We recommend using electric or inductive heated chafers in areas that have access to power outlets. However, standard fuel chafers are adaptable units that may be used in any place without the need for access to electrical outlets, so long as you are comfortable using an open flame.
- Chafer Construction
Most restaurant equipment is made specifically for high-end users, whereas other machinery items are for low-end users. However, stainless steel is the standard material for chafing dishes. Durable and lightweight 18/8 stainless steel is used to make economy chafers. Stainless steel 18/10 is another option for this commercial kitchen apparatus. Steel chafers that are more sturdy and elegant in design are also available.
- Shape
It’s important to think about how the chafer will fit into your kitchen’s style before buying. You can find chafing dishes in a wide range of shapes, such as oval, circular, rectangular, and round. The final deciding factor in your chafing dish selection will be the contents and decorative worth it brings to your buffet table.
- Size and Volume
Do you want to serve a large amount of food at once? When selecting a chafer, you must consider this important question. There are 1.75-quart models, 5-quart models, and 9-quart models available for this restaurant utensil variety.
- Design and Styling
There is something about a chafer’s design and quality that can really set the mood at a table. There are several additional excellent options, including satin, matte, and hammered copper finishes, in addition to certain chaffers’ appealing, metallic mirror shine finish. It’s also important to consider the lid, legs, and handle trims. You also have various options for this, such as chrome, brass, and gold.
- Covers
Cover material should be one of several factors considered when buying restaurant supplies. The style of cover you choose for this restaurant appliance can significantly increase its usability and ease the preparation and presentation of your dishes. A variety of cover options are available. There is a significant need for various cover types, including roll top, hinged, glass, and retractable. There are also covered handles and caps that can be removed.
