Are you planning an event and wondering how to keep your food warm until it’s time to eat? You’ve come to the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renting chafing dishes. We’ll cover different styles, how they work, and give you tips on choosing the right one for your party or event.
No matter what kind of event you are hosting, we’ll help you find the perfect food warmer to make your gathering a hit.
What is a Chafing Dish?
A chafing dish is a type of dish that keeps food warm during events and gatherings. It’s not meant to cook food but to maintain its temperature after cooking. These dishes come in various shapes and sizes, and they work by using a heat source, like a flame from a small can of fuel called a sterno, placed beneath the pan holding the food.
The name “chafing dish” comes from the word “chauffer,” which is French for “to make warm.” This is exactly what a chafing dish does—it makes sure your food stays warm and tasty for your guests. Whether you’re serving a hot buffet at a wedding or keeping appetizers warm at a party, chafing dishes are an essential part of any host’s toolkit.
Types of Chafing Dishes
There are several types of chafing dishes, and they impact the way that food is presented and served. Here’s a quick look at the different types of chafing dishes and what they do:
Rectangular Chafing Dish
This is the most common type of chafing dish. Rectangular chafing dishes typically feature a large, rectangular pan and are ideal for holding large amounts of food. They are best used for buffets with items like lasagna, casseroles, or rows of grilled vegetables. Their shape allows for easy access and serving.
Round Chafing Dish
Round chafing dishes are often deeper than their rectangular counterparts and come with a lid that helps retain more heat. They are ideal for soups, stews, curries, or any dish that benefits from being stirred occasionally and kept evenly warm.
Oval Chafing Dishes
These are similar to round dishes but provide a bit more space and a distinctive presentation style. They are great for serving meats like roast beef or whole roasted chicken, as the shape of the chafing dish accommodates larger cuts.
Benefits of Renting Chafing Dishes
Renting chafing dishes offers several advantages. First, it proves more cost-effective than buying them. Chafing dishes can be pricey, and if you need them only occasionally for special events, buying may not justify the expense. By renting, you pay for the dishes only when you need them, which can significantly save money. Additionally, you avoid the hassle of storing them when not in use.
Rental companies make it incredibly convenient as well! They provide a broad selection of chafing dish styles and sizes, ensuring you find exactly what you need for any event, from a small family gathering to a large corporate function. They manage delivery, setup, and pickup, significantly reducing event planning stress.
How to Choose a Chafing Dish Rental
Choosing the right chafing dish for your event is crucial for ensuring your food service runs smoothly and your guests remain satisfied. Here are some factors to consider and tips for selecting the perfect chafing dish that complements your event:
- Size of the Event: The number of guests you expect will largely determine the size and quantity of chafing dishes you’ll need. For large events, multiple large chafing dishes might be necessary to accommodate the volume of food. In contrast, smaller gatherings might require only a few smaller dishes.
- Type of Food: Different foods require different types of chafing dishes. For instance, soups and sauces are best served in round chafing dishes that help distribute heat evenly, preventing burning. Drier foods like rice or vegetables may be better suited to shallow, rectangular dishes.
- Duration of the Event: Consider how long the food needs to stay warm. If your event spans several hours, ensure the chafing dishes you choose can maintain the appropriate temperature throughout. This might mean looking for dishes with a reliable heat source and good insulation.
Chafing Dish Rental FAQ’s
We know you might have a few questions when it comes to renting chafing dishes for your event. Over the years, we’ve gathered the most common inquiries we receive about our chafing dish rentals. Below, you’ll find clear answers to these questions, helping you make the best choices for your special occasion.
How does a chafing dish work?
Chafing dishes work by using a heat source, usually a fuel can called Sterno, placed under a water pan. The heat from the Sterno warms the water, which in turn keeps the food in the upper pan warm without direct flame.
Do chafing dishes keep food hot?
Yes, chafing dishes are designed to keep food hot for several hours. They use a water bath and a heat source to maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring your food stays warm throughout your event.
How many chafing dishes fit on a 6ft table?
Typically, you can fit three full-size chafing dishes side by side on a 6-foot table. This setup allows enough space for serving and ensures the dishes are used safely.
How many chafing dishes fit on an 8ft table?
You can comfortably place four full-size chafing dishes on an 8-foot table. This arrangement gives you enough room to operate and serve the dishes safely.
What size pan fits in a chafing dish?
Most full-size chafing dishes use a pan that is about 20 inches by 12 inches. However, the size can vary depending on the chafing dish model, so it’s always good to check the specific dimensions before preparing your food.
Can chafing dishes go in the oven?
No, chafing dishes are not designed to go in the oven. They are meant only for keeping cooked food warm using a heat source beneath them.
How do you light a chafing dish?
To light a chafing dish, open the fuel can (Sterno) and place it in the designated holder under the chafing dish. Use a long match or a lighter to ignite the fuel. Always be careful when handling fire and keep flammable materials away.
How much does it cost to rent a chafing dish?
The most common chafing dish rental is the 8qt rectangular stainless steel chafing dish which costs $18 per day, but chafing dishes come in a lot of different shapes, sizes, and styles, so take a look at your various options here.
How much food does a chafing dish rental hold?
If you are serving something that has large serving sizes, like lasagna, an 8qt chafing dish will hold approximately 24 servings. For food with smaller serving sizes, like rice, it will hold approximately 40 – 6 oz servings. For salad, it will serve 20-40 people.
How much water should you put in a chafing dish rental?
Fill the base until it is approximately 2 inches deep. Insert the food pan. When you lift it back up, it should be dry. If it isn’t, pour out a little of the water until the bottom of the food pan stays dry.
How long do chafing dishes keep food warm?
If you use them with Sterno, chafing dishes will keep food warm for 2-4 hours. Sterno is the fuel source – it’s like a little candle, but it uses jellied alcohol and puts off a lot of heat. (Note: You cannot use a regular candle as it will not heat up enough.) Typically your rental will come with 2 cans of sterno, which usually keeps your food warm for a couple of hours.
Note: chafing dishes are used to KEEP food warm, but will not bring cold foods up to serving temperature. Heat the food to the proper temperature and then add it to the pan.
Can you use a chafing dish rental to keep food cold?
Yes! Fill the water pan with ice or cold water to keep foods cold, and don’t light the sterno. 😉
High-Quality Chafing Dish Rentals — Without the Hassle
Choosing the right chafing dish is crucial for ensuring your food stays warm and inviting at your event, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. At Reventals, we are more than just chafing dishes; we are a comprehensive rental marketplace where you can find everything you need for your event. From tables and chairs to tents and sound systems, we connect you with high-quality and trusted vendors in your area who will provide everything you need.
Interested in learning more about how Reventals can simplify planning your next event? Visit us today to learn more about how our marketplace works!
