Warming Trays

In addition to keeping foods warm, warming trays prevent foods from burning, drying out and over-cooking. They are available in several styles, capacities and with varying attributes. They can use an external source of heat or run off of electricity. You will also find warmers designed for residential and commercial use. To find the right one, decide on its primary use and what you want from the portable kitchen appliance. Consider a variety of designs, including pizza warmers, induction chafers, pump pot warmers and buffet servers to satisfy your needs. 

Warming Trays Are Available in Various Sizes and Styles to Meet Your Needs

Like many specialty appliances, warming trays have a specific purpose and function; to keep food ready to serve. Some small trays have an open, flat, non-stick surface, while a warming cabinet can contain two, three or even four levels in a closed environment. You will find models for home use and others designed for commercial food industries, such as restaurants, catering halls and bakeries. Some are small appliances with non-slip feet for use on a countertop, and others have a freestanding design with wheels for effortless mobility. Additionally, some warmers are specific to soups, dressings and sauces, featuring twin containers equipped with ladles with long handles and pumps for quick and easy dispensing. 

This Handy Accessory Is Useful Throughout the Year

Countertop food warmers keep meals warm. While a toaster oven will brown, cook and reheat foods, a buffet server can handle a variety of foods all at separate temperature settings. With a warmer featuring dual temperature settings, you control the amount of heat provided, preserving the food's texture and flavor. Triple buffet servers with clear lids and roll tops provide easy access and viewing. The heat in a single induction warmer only extends to the container, keeping it cool to the touch for safety.  

Warming Trays Do More Than Keep Food Warm

Warming trays are available in granite, ceramic and stainless steel. Some have non-stick surfaces that are quick and easy to wipe clean, while others contain several removable stainless steel pans that are dishwasher safe. Similar to induction cookers, warmers provide consistent, even heat. By doing this at a reduced temperature, they protect foods from drying out and over-heating. The separate containers found in a buffet server or larger commercial unit keep several dishes warm simultaneously. 

Choosing the Right Warming Tray to Suit Your Needs

Warming trays come in a single plate, large flat surface, multiple levels and open and closed styles to suit nearly every household need. The type of heating source and temperature range will vary, too. You will find models with preset temperatures for low, medium and high with a range from 120 degrees F up to 200 degrees F. The heating source can include electricity, canned fuel or batteries. Some models have large, heat-resistant handles on either side for easy lifting and transport, and other warming trays feature containers on top and a separate removable warming tray on the bottom to increase the food capacity as necessary.