Chafers Defined
Two pans, water and heat - it's the core concept of a chafer. But how exactly do they work and how do you determine which one you need?
Chafer pans are food containers that can be continuously heated by portable flame or electricity. The goal is to maintain proper temperatures (not just for taste, but for health reasons as well). A bottom pan (commonly called a water pan) is filled with water, and the steam produced by the heated water warms the inset pan, thus keeping food warm. Lids help further control the temperature - much heat escapes each time the lid is removed.
Types of Chafers:
Disposable chafers are available just about anywhere and are made of thin aluminum. They're designed for one-time use and rely on sterno fuel for keeping food warm. They are not ideal for catering or buffets, but rather for picnics and home parties.
Economy chafers are the least expensive, and commonly very light. While they do the job, the investment is not cost-effective for long-term usage. Thinner metals can mean dents and dings that can cause food pans to sit improperly, and can result in excess steam escaping. That's not to say economy chafers are a bad choice - it's really dependent upon the job, the amount of usage and the handling. ...continue reading