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Today, we talk about a miracle appliance that does not let your food turn cold no matter what!
Surprising?
It truly is!
Introducing to you warming trays that keep your food warm for however long you want and do not affect the taste one bit!
You do not have to have an extremely high budget for these, because they come in all price ranges.
To help you get on the bandwagon of choosing one of the best warming trays in the market, we have put together a ranked review and buying guide. We talk about their pros, cons, best features, and for whom each is best suited.
Ready to find out?
Keep scrolling!
What is a Warming Tray?
Confused about what precisely a warming tray is? Most of us were too!
Food has a way of getting ruined when we reheat it. It is also a hassle to heat them every time they turn cold in front of the guests.
To give us a perfect solution for this, warming trays were introduced. Place your food on a warming tray, plug it in, and watch the meal stay hot for a reasonable amount of time. No more cold foods for the guests!
For anyone who hates complicated appliances, warming trays are a blessing! Some of them only come with a temperature adjustability setting, while with others, all you have to do is plug them in.
Are you excited to find out the best one for you?
We are getting started on that right now!
At a Glance
Do not have time to go through it all? Here are our top picks in a few categories:
- Overall Best: Oster Buffet Server Warming Tray
- Best Budget Warming Tray: Nutrichef Portable Electric Hot Plate Tray Dish Warmer
- Best Cordless Warming Tray: Salton Electric Warming Tray
- Best Warming Tray for Small Parties: Chefman Compact Glasstop Warming Tray
Quick Summary
Here’s a quick look at some of the best-performing warming trays on the market.
- If there was one warming option you need to pick with your eyes shut, it’s the Oster Buffet Server Warming Tray. With 3 sections, temperature control, and an affordable price point, there’s nothing not to love about this warming tray.
- Want something a little more portable? The Nutrichef Hot Plate is a dish warmer you can easily lift and carry to your dinner table. You can place your serving dishes on it, so it is very convenient for everyday use.
- People who hate dealing with wires and cords will love the Salton Electric Warming Tray. Slim and modern, it is a great option for appetizers at parties like melts, fondues, and cheesy fries. Best of all, it is easy to tuck away in storage when you’re done with it.
RankPictureNameShops#1
Oster Buffet Server Warming Tray [Overall Best]
If you have been looking up warming trays for a while, the name Oster must have popped up. This company promises to bring the best of the best to the table, and their Buffet Server Warming Tray lives up to that promise.
- Dimensions: 23.3 x 15.6 x 10.3 inches
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 1 year
Read Our Review
Check Price
#2
Broil King Professional Stainless-Steel Warming Tray [Best Warming Tray for Big Groups]
The extra-large warming tray by Broil King is one of the best out there when it comes to keeping a lot of food warm at the same time. Made of the finest stainless steel, you know it will stand against the test of time.
Reaching up to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, nothing stops this one from keeping all the food warm for the longest time!
- Dimensions: 15.2 x 32.5 x 2.9 inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 2 years
Read Our Review
Check Price
#3
Chefman Electric Warming Tray [Most Visually Appealing]
If a good-looking appliance is a must for you along with efficiency, then there is nothing better than the Chefman Electric Warming Tray. At first glance, you are bound to keep staring at its sleek black glass surface sitting atop the silver bottom.
The adjustable temperature settings let you adjust the heat from low to high and keep it that way for the entire day.
- Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 14 inches
- Weight: 7.28 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel and glass
- Warranty: 1 year
Read Our Review
Check Price
#4
Deluxe Glass Buffet Warming Tray [Best Warming Tray for Shabbat]
If you are looking for an efficient yet good-looking warming tray, look no further than the Classic Kitchen Deluxe Warming Tray. With the size of 24 x 20 inches and the power of 300 watts backing it up, it is simply one of the best!
- Dimensions: 25.5 x 21.6 x 3 inches
- Weight: 15.02 pounds
- Material: Tempered glass and aluminum
- Warranty: NA
Read Our Review
Check Price
#5
Stainless Steel Chafing Dish [For Commercial Use]
Are you always looking for chances to invite over your large group of friends and family? Or do you run a small catering service?
Then the Nova Microdermabrasion Chafing Dish will come in handy when trying to keep all that food warm. Not only are the dishes large in size on their own, but there are also six of them to help you out!
- Dimensions: 25 x 15 x 13 inches
- Weight: 8 quarts
- Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: NA
Read Our Review
Check Price
#6
Nutrichef Portable Electric Hot Plate Tray Dish Warmer [Best Budget Warming Tray]
If you are looking for something that will stick with you for a long time, then the Nutrichef Electric Dish Warmer is the one! Made of high-quality stainless steel, this one surely seals the deal for durability.
Having the ability to heat food to 203F, Nutrichef Portable Warming Tray can be used by professionals and home cooks alike.
- Dimensions: 19.2 x 9.9 x 1.6 inches
- Weight: 4.1 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel and glass
- Warranty: 1 year
Read Our Review
Check Price
#7
Chefman Compact Glasstop Warming Tray [Compact and Lightweight Pick]
At first sight, the Chefman Warming Tray might not appeal to you because of its small size, but despite its size, it outperforms many large warming trays.
To heat food quickly, switch the control to high, and keep food warm throughout the day, keep it at the lowest temperature. Either way, there is no trouble with anything burning up, thanks to the fuse safety feature.
- Dimensions: 15 x 12 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 6.12 pounds
- Material: Glass and stainless steel
- Warranty: 1 year
Read Our Review
Check Price
#8
Salton Electric Warming Tray [Best Cordless Option]
https://boatbasincafe.com/easy-food-for-party/Time to introduce you to an elite-looking warming tray that leaves you and your guests impressed! The Salton Electric Food Warming Tray measures 23-3/4 by 11-3/4 inches and is great for a large party.
Made of stainless steel, the surface provides the maximum heat possible to the meals on top. And having a stainless steel build, only a wipe is enough to keep it clean!
- Dimensions: 28.4 x 14.4 x 4.4 inches
- Weight: 8.5 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 2 years
Read Our Review
Check Price
#9
Party Essentials 33 Piece Party Serving Kit [Great for Short-Term Use]
If you are someone who arranges a lot of huge parties or is involved in professional catering, then we have the perfect deal.
The unique part about this set is that you can either keep your food hot or cold. For example, we put in a few ice cubes into the base, and it kept the salad as cool as we wanted it to be!
- Dimensions: 24.1 x 13.5 x 10.4 inches
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Material: Aluminum and polystyrene
- Warranty: NA
Read Our Review
Check Price
#10
Betty Crocker Stainless Steel Buffet Server [Convenient and Functional]
If you are not looking for anything too fancy but still something that works brilliantly, then check out the Betty Crocker Warming Tray/Buffet Server. You can use it either as a buffet server or remove the dishes to utilize the flat warming tray on the bottom!
- Dimensions: 11 x 6.29 x 8.64 inches
- Weight: 10.95 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 1 year
Top 10 Best Warming Trays to Buy Today [Ranked in Order]
The majority of the households, as well as restaurants, use a warming tray today. And why won’t they? Warming trays just make lives easier!
From stainless steel to aluminum, and small to big, below we have ranked the best warming trays for you to buy today!
01. Oster Buffet Server Warming Tray
Oster
[Overall Best]
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 23.3 x 15.6 x 10.3 inches
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 1 year
If you have been looking up warming trays for a while, the name Oster must have popped up. This company promises to bring the best of the best to the table, and their Buffet Server Warming Tray lives up to that promise.
With three pans set on the 20 x 13-inch heating tray, this is great for keeping the right amount of food warm. Each container has dimensions of 5.11 x 8.58 x 2.44 inches, making them ideal for large parties and gatherings.
There is also a temperature knob that lets you adjust it from low to high. The stainless steel housing and lid work together to prevent any heat from escaping. No, the food does not become dry, no matter how long you leave it in the pans!
This might be a substantial warming tray, but the cool-touch handles on either side make moving a breeze. However, it does require quite some space in the cabinet. On the other hand, the stainless steel construction ensures it lasts for years without rusting or damage.
But that’s not all. You can even remove the pans and use the stainless steel base as a warming tray. So you can use your regular serving platters with this warming tray as well!
Keeping all the wonderful features aside, Oster locked a bit of enthusiasm when making the cord. Being too short, it is hard to find a convenient place to place it on. Keeping this in mind, the Oster Warming Tray might not be for the outdoors.
Why You’ll Love It:
If space is not a concern for you, there is no reason to not get the Oster Buffet Server Warming Tray. It will keep your food hot for a long time and prevent it from going dry. To top it all off, it looks excellent on any table!
In all honesty, it should be worth way more than it is priced to be. Grab it before you regret not getting it! This dish warmer will be an important part of your dinner parties for years to come.
Pros:
- Ideal warming tray for buffet or a big party.
- Keeps food warm for a long time without drying it out.
- The temperature knob for temperature adjustment lets you pick the perfect temp for a dish.
- The base can be used as a warming tray separately.
- Easy to carry and transport as the handles stay cool to touch.
Cons:
- A short cord makes it difficult to find an appropriate place to set it up.
- Needs a lot of cabinet space.
Check the Latest Price for Oster Buffet Server Warming Tray
02. Broil King Professional Stainless-Steel Warming Tray
Broil King NWT-28S
[Best Warming Tray for Big Groups]
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 15.2 x 32.5 x 2.9 inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 2 years
The extra-large warming tray by Broil King is one of the best out there when it comes to keeping a lot of food warm at the same time. Made of the finest stainless steel, you know it will stand against the test of time.
To give you the best experience with warming trays, the Broil King Professional Warming Tray comes with temperature adjustability settings. Reaching up to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, nothing stops this one from keeping all the food warm for the longest time!
Are you worried about the hot surface staining your table? Don’t be! The non-skid feet make it convenient for standing up without damaging any surfaces.
Additionally, there are cool-touch handles on either side to keep your hands safe as well! This means that you won’t have to worry about burnt fingertips when handling your food.
One thing to keep in mind when using this warming tray is that the temperature will not reach 150 degrees if the food is left uncovered. Once you cover the food, it does not even take an hour to climb to the optimal heat level.
Also, since there is no signal light, you have to be careful when holding the tray even after it has shut down. Trust us; it stays hot for a long time after shutting down!
Why You’ll Love It:
All in all, Broil King Stainless Steel Professional Warming Tray is an excellent investment to make. If you can handle it with care, then its ability to heat up for a prolonged time, not stain surfaces and be easy to use is something you want in the house.
If you want a cheaper dupe for the Cuisinart warming tray, this one’s it. Besides, if you are a sucker for large parties, there is nothing better than this because it is huge!
Pros:
- Keeps food warm for a very long time.
- It has a non-skid bottom that does not scar surfaces.
- Cool-touch handles to keep your hands safe.
- Fits in three professional-sized pans.
Cons:
- No signal light for alerting when the tray is hot.
Check the Latest Price for Broil King Professional Stainless-Steel Warming Tray
03. Chefman Electric Warming Tray
Chefman RJ22-BLACK-TC-CA
[Most Visually Appealing]
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 14 inches
- Weight: 7.28 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel and glass
- Warranty: 1 year
If a good-looking appliance is a must for you along with efficiency, then there is nothing better than the Chefman Electric Warming Tray. At first glance, you are bound to keep staring at its sleek black glass surface sitting atop the silver bottom.
But, it surely is not all about looks!
The adjustable temperature settings let you adjust the heat from low to high and keep it that way for the entire day.
How do you ask?
Chefman very conveniently put in a fuse button that keeps the tray from overheating and burning up. Ergo, be it 10 minutes or 5 hours, you can safely leave your food warm on the warming tray! Although keep in mind that 72 hours is its limit.
The best part is that you can use it for all kinds of heat-safe bowls and pots. From aluminum to glass, this baby got you covered.
We might have called it a baby, but the large 21 and 16 inches surface says otherwise. It is the perfect companion for a big party when you need to keep a lot of hot food together. Besides, it looks excellent on your table, so that is something to consider!
Remember to read the instructions on controlling the temperature properly because it can be tough. The heat sometimes reaches a boiling point, and we do not want that! Once you have the manual clear, you should be good to go.
Speaking of manuals, Chefman says not to use it over concrete tops, but we had to test that out. To our surprise, there was no problem with any surface when used over concrete on medium heat. It might differ for the high temperature, and we would not recommend that either.
Why You’ll Love It:
Chefman Electric Warming Tray is a gem to have around the house. The high temperature, easy-to-clean glass surface, and adaptability with all kinds of bowls make it worth every penny. Because it is quite petite as well, it won’t use up much room on your table or cabinets. Your dinner guests will love how it looks too!
Pros:
- Adjustable temperature makes it convenient to keep any food hot.
- The fuse button keeps the tray from overheating and damaging surfaces.
- It can be used for all types of heat proof bowls.
- Easy to clean because of glass.
- Won’t scratch counters and other surfaces.
Cons:
- Temperature controls are challenging to handle at first.
- Cannot be used on concrete countertops when set at high temperature.
Check the Latest Price for Chefman Electric Warming Tray
04. Deluxe Glass Buffet Warming Tray
Classic Kitchen CK2420
[Best Warming Tray for Shabbat]
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 25.5 x 21.6 x 3 inches
- Weight: 15.02 pounds
- Material: Tempered glass and aluminum
- Warranty: NA
If you are looking for an efficient yet good-looking warming tray, look no further than the Classic Kitchen Deluxe Warming Tray. With the size of 24 x 20 inches and the power of 300 watts backing it up, it is simply one of the best!
Do not want the heat to be very high? Just turn the dial and adjust it according to your preferences! It warms up quite slowly so that your food does not burn no matter how long you keep it on.
One of the most convenient features of this is the glass surface that helps the temperature to be evenly spread over all the food—additionally, it, which prevents any of it from having too much or too little heat.
Speaking of the fantastic glass surface, the Classic Kitchen Buffet Warming Tray is super easy to clean. After you are done using it, use a wet cloth and wipe it down. For greases, you can always dab a bit of detergent or glass cleaners on them to make them squeaky clean!
The fun doesn’t end here, though!
There is an easy on/off switch for anyone who is not all that comfortable with the manual handling or instant plug-in. However, the switch is on the rear rather than the front, which is a slight inconvenience to this otherwise handy aspect.
Why You’ll Love It:
This Deluxe Aluminum Warming Tray by Classic Kitchen is a must-have for an aesthetically pleasing serving experience. Its sizable sleek glass surface and adjustable temperature setting are worth the premium price tag. Whether you are arranging a big family dinner or community event, this tray will always come in handy.
Pros:
- Temperature can be adjusted.
- Comes with a red signal light.
- Easy to clean because of the glass surface.
- On/off switch gives you better control over temperature and timing.
- Large enough for a good amount of food.
Cons:
- Heating up is quite slow.
- It can be cumbersome for some people to move the tray.
Check the Latest Price for Deluxe Glass Buffet Warming Tray
05. Stainless Steel Chafing Dish
Nova Microdermabrasion
[For Commercial Use]
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 25 x 15 x 13 inches
- Weight: 8 quarts
- Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: NA
Are you always looking for chances to invite over your large group of friends and family? Or do you run a small catering service?
Then the Nova Microdermabrasion Chafing Dish will come in handy when trying to keep all that food warm. Not only are the dishes large in size on their own, but there are also six of them to help you out!
There are two burners on the plate below each, that help keeps food warm for much longer. These give almost direct heat to the food inside, evenly warming them up and keeping them that way.
To provide its users with supreme comfort, the lid stands up straight without any support while you and your guests take food on your plate. Additionally, the ergonomic handles and strong feet make it safe and stable.
You must be thinking that it will be difficult to move around six dishes at once? It is time to bury that thought right there because these six warming trays can easily be stacked atop each other!
Made up of stainless steel, cleaning the Nova Chafing dish is a breeze. Just pour a dash of dishwashing liquid, swirl it around, scrub and rinse with water. And there you have your speckless beauties good as new!
The one thing that does bother some users is the setup. Since this is no ordinary food warming tray, the assemblage can be hard the first time. It is pretty pointless explaining it in words, so click here to watch a tutorial.
Why You’ll Love It:
The price of these Stainless Steel Food Warming Chafing dishes is set much lower than its worth. With the ability to fit in warm food for so many people, be easily movable, and keep food warm for a long time, it is undoubtedly one of the best party warming trays on the market.
Pros:
- Two burners allow heating up without burning the food inside.
- The lid does not need support to stay upright.
- Sturdy feet keep it stable.
- It can be stacked, making storage and moving easy.
- Easy cleanup because of the stainless steel surface.
Cons:
- Assembling can be complicated.
- Prone to rusting after a few uses.
Check the Latest Price for Stainless Steel Chafing Dish
06. Nutrichef Portable Electric Hot Plate Tray Dish Warmer
Nutrichef PKWTR15
[Best Budget Warming Tray]
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 19.2 x 9.9 x 1.6 inches
- Weight: 4.1 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel and glass
- Warranty: 1 year
If you are looking for something that will stick with you for a long time, then the Nutrichef Electric Dish Warmer is the one! Made of high-quality stainless steel, this one surely seals the deal for durability.
Having the ability to heat food to 203 degrees Fahrenheit, Nutrichef Portable Warming Tray can be used by professionals and home cooks alike. Furthermore, it keeps the food warm for a long time!
It might look all fancy, but it is straightforward to use. Just press on the power switch and watch the light indicator illuminate. That right, there is your sign to start warming up the food.
From the name itself, you must have guessed that this is portable. Being only 14.5 x 8.6 inches and 4.1 pounds, it is almost like moving a feather! The cool-touch handles are also there to provide further support.
Unlike most other warming trays, the Nutrichef Hot Plate Dish Warmer does not consume much energy. Using only 130-watt power, it provides you an efficient heating experience!
You might miss the temperature controls in this one, but we assure you the heat reaches what it is supposed to. For the best experience, let it preheat for at least 5 minutes before placing the dishes.
Why You’ll Love It:
If affordability and efficiency are what you look for, then it is guaranteed that you will fall in love with the Nutrichef Portable Electric Warming Tray. It is bound to leave you impressed with its super-high heat, compact size, and energy-efficient trait!
Pros:
- Keeps food warm for an extended period without overheating.
- Has light indicators to show you what’s happening.
- Easy to store because of the small size.
- Lightweight nature makes it a breeze to move.
- Consumes very little electricity and is energy efficient.
Cons:
- The on/off switch is at the back and difficult to reach.
- No temperature control, so you have less control over the warming process.
Check the Latest Price for Nutrichef Portable Electric Hot Plate Tray Dish Warmer
07. Chefman Compact Glasstop Warming Tray
Chefman
[Compact and Lightweight Pick]
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 15 x 12 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 6.12 pounds
- Material: Glass and stainless steel
- Warranty: 1 year
At first sight, the Chefman Warming Tray might not appeal to you because of its small size, but despite its size, it outperforms many large warming trays.
This small warming tray comes with adjustable temperature controls, which heat your food well and keeps it that way for a long time!
To heat food quickly, switch the control to high, and keep food warm throughout the day, keep it at the lowest temperature. Either way, there is no trouble with anything burning up, thanks to the fuse safety feature. However, do not keep it on for more than 72 hours if you do not want trouble!
Having the most exceptional quality glass top, this little tray can accommodate all sorts of heat-safe bowls, plates, pans, etc.
All things apart, do not be impatient when it does not instantly heat up. Since this one is made to keep food warm for a long time, you have to give it at least 10 minutes. A good workaround is to start it 10-15 minutes before you need to serve your meal.
Why You’ll Love It:
The Chefman Compact Warming Tray is the one to go for if you are looking for a small but efficient warming tray. Starting from adjustable heat settings to the safety features, there is nothing you will not love about this! If you want something for a small apartment, this is going to become the perfect brunch companion.
Pros:
- Perfect for small dinner parties.
- Keeps food warm for a long time.
- Fuse safety features keep food from burning.
- Fits all types of ovenproof bowls.
Cons:
- No mark on the dial to indicate what temperature you are turning to.
- A short cord means you may need an adapter or multiplug.
Check the Latest Price for Chefman Compact Glasstop Warming Tray
08. Salton Electric Warming Tray
Salton Appliances TWT-40
[Best Cordless Option]
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 28.4 x 14.4 x 4.4 inches
- Weight: 8.5 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 2 years
Time to introduce you to an elite-looking warming tray that leaves you and your guests impressed! The Salton Electric Food Warming Tray measures 23-3/4 by 11-3/4 inches and is great for a large party.
Made of stainless steel, the surface provides the maximum heat possible to the meals on top. And having a stainless steel build, only a wipe is enough to keep it clean!
Salton claims that this tray warms up within 8 minutes, but we tested it to take longer than that. In fact, patience is the one thing you need to have while using this. However, you will not mind that too much because once you go cordless, the heat stays around for a good one hour!
Yes, you read that right…cordless!
Once you turn it on, wait till the light turns green. Green means it is ready to roam around freely without a cord tugging it back.
Do not worry about scathing your hands while carrying around the hot tray because the cool-touch handles keep your precious hands safe!
Why You’ll Love It:
The Salton Electric Warming Tray comes at a low price, stays warm for a long time, heats up real fast, and is convenient to use. Is there anything that is missing from this piece?!
If you want an appliance that will enhance your dinner table’s looks and leave everyone in awe, grab hold of this one before it slips away! Thanks to the affordable price point and cordless feature, this is the ultimate convenient warming tray.
Pros:
- Transfers ample heat to the food and warms it evenly.
- Stays warm for around 60 minutes.
- Great for outdoors because of the cordless feature.
- Has indicator lights for better understanding.
- Cool-touch handles keep hands safe from the heat.
Cons:
- It takes a lot of time to heat up.
Check the Latest Price for Salton Electric Warming Tray
09. Party Essentials 33 Piece Party Serving Kit
Party Essentials UPK-33 33
[Great for Short-Term Use]
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 24.1 x 13.5 x 10.4 inches
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Material: Aluminum and polystyrene
- Warranty: NA
It is time to bring out the big guns!
If you are someone who arranges a lot of huge parties or is involved in professional catering, then we have the perfect deal…
Party Essentials Party Serving Kit that comes with 33 pieces of useful utensils for any gathering!
This set comes with 3 chafing trays, 3 aluminum water pans, 6 food pans, 6 gel fuel cans, 6 serving spoons and forks and 3 tongs.
Use the convenient food pans and burners on the bottom to keep food warm for up to two hours. You do not even need your utensils because Party Essentials come with it all!
The unique part about this set is that you can either keep your food hot or cold. For example, we put in a few ice cubes into the base, and it kept the salad as cool as we wanted it to be!
Even though the label says that these are disposable, you can easily clean them up for a second use. All you have to do is either wipe them off or give a scrub with soapy water.
Nevertheless, since the material is a little flimsy, the containers do wobble when you pour in soup or other liquid food items. Once you set it up on the rack, it is again as sturdy as ever. All you have to do is be careful when transferring from the stove to the frame, and you are good to go.
The best part is that the water pan containers are excellent for storing food. Whether you want to refrigerate the leftovers or give your guests takeaways, these will come in handy. Just cover the top with foil paper to ensure zero spillage!
Seeing all of these plans makes you feel like they are hard to set up, but they are not! All you have to do is follow the instructions on the manual, or just simply judge by looking at them because it is that simple.
Why You’ll Love It:
Serving a massive number of guests is never easy, and having to wash all those containers afterward is just a nightmare. To ease you from both these miseries, this 33 serving party kit is perfect.
With the full catering essentials, the ability to keep food warm, and keep the tongs and spoons for further use, this one is a must-try product. Even if you need to replace any parts, you can easily find them by clicking on the links attached and use them with the rest of the items in it.
Pros:
- The food inside stays warm for two hours.
- Great for catering and family events.
- Can be used to keep food hot or cold.
- Easy to clean by hand.
Cons:
- Containers for liquid ingredients are not robust.
- Large tins for water get easily burnt and are not reusable.
Check the Latest Price for Party Essentials 33 Piece Party Serving Kit
10. Betty Crocker Stainless Steel Buffet Server
Betty Crocker RA39978
[Convenient and Functional]
FEATURES
- Dimensions: 11 x 6.29 x 8.64 inches
- Weight: 10.95 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Warranty: 1 year
If you are not looking for anything too fancy but still something that works brilliantly, then check out the Betty Crocker Warming Tray/Buffet Server. You can use it either as a buffet server or remove the dishes to utilize the flat warming tray on the bottom!
Keeping in mind that we need to keep different kinds of food warm, Betty Crocker placed the controllable temperature settings. Whether you are heating soup or meat, this one’s got your back!
To make it flexible, the company also made it pretty lightweight. And to top it off, there are the cool-touch handles as well!
For further convenience, there is a place for keeping your used spoon on the top so that your table is not all messy!
Being made of stainless steel just adds to the advantage of an easy clean-up afterward.
Why You’ll Love It:
There are hardly any drawbacks to this one, and that is what shows how great of a warming tray/buffet server it is! Having the two-in-one feature is the cherry on top for its amazing healing and easy-to-use features. It may be a little flimsy, but careful handling will ensure you a solid warming tray for the long haul.
Pros:
- Keep food warm without drying them out.
- Adjustable heat settings add control and convenience.
- Cool-touch handles and lightweight makes it easy to carry around.
- Budget-friendly and affordable.
Cons:
- The large pan can feel flimsy.
Check the Latest Price for Betty Crocker Stainless Steel Buffet Server
Four Features to Look Out for When Buying Warming Trays
The best warming tray reviews can be an excellent way to kickstart your journey in finding the best food warming tray, but you also need some general guidelines for it.
Here we present to you four considerations before purchasing your very own warming server tray:
Big or Small?
Whether you want to serve a lot of food together or only a small batch will determine the size of the warming tray you need. But, be it small or big, there are warming trays for everyone!
Warming trays with large dimensions are great when you want to cut down your trips from the kitchen to the dining, but it also comes with a price. Before buying a big warming tray, consider the size of your table as well. In case your dinner table is not that big, the decoration will just look congested and unattractive.
If you are after a bigger warming tray, Oster Buffet Server Warming Tray and Broil King Professional Stainless-Steel Warming Tray are your best options. Meanwhile, the Chefman Compact Glasstop Warming Tray is ideal if you’re short on space.
What is It Made of?
Durability is the one aspect that most of us look for when buying any items, and this feature is a must for warming trays. They usually come in stainless steel and aluminum, and the choice rests on you.
Stainless steel warming trays are the most commonly used ones because they are mostly rust-proof and long-lasting. However, we cannot guarantee that all stainless steel warming trays would be better than aluminum warming trays.
It is best to look at the material for yourself to judge if it will last for a long time or not. After all, stainless steel items can also feel flimsy to the touch!
Can the Temperature on Warming Trays be Adjusted?
Yes and no.
Some warming trays give you the option of choosing between Low, Medium, and High, while others only have low and high. These are convenient for when you know what temperature you want the food to stay on.
The MyHotMat Modular Electric Warming Tray is one such tray that lets you set the temperature to either a warm or a high with its button labeled I and II.
On the contrary, there are warming trays that do not have any adjustability features at all. You plug them in, turn on the switch (or not), and let it do its thing! Mostly, these food warmers reach the optimal temperature to keep your food safe, so there is nothing to worry about.
How User-Friendly is the Tray?
You got your warming tray, but you are not comfortable using it. A total waste of money!
It is best to grab a warming tray that you can conveniently use to save you from that thought. If you are not a big fan of switches, you could get one that gears up only by plugging in. The Salton Electric Warming Tray is one of the top choices when it comes to no switch functionality.
Contrarily, if switches feel more comfortable to you, then the Deluxe Glass Buffet Warming Tray has a reliable power on/off switch on the back. All you have to do is turn it on and wait for the heat to gear up!
Also, for first-time users, we recommend buying a food warming tray that comes with a light indicator. This makes it easy to figure when it is on and when it is done, keeping the food to the optimal temperature.
Small Bonus Point to Look Out:
This is not a very important feature, but it is wise to have a warming tray with a cool-touch handle. Since warming trays are all about that path from the kitchen to the table, it is convenient to have cool handles so that you do not burn your hands.
Nevertheless, if your favorite warming tray does not have a cool-touch handle, you could always use heat-resistant gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we answered the most asked questions by warming tray users.
01. Can I Use a Warming Tray in Place of an Oven?
Most people have this common misconception that warming trays can be used in place of ovens. However, warming trays are only there to keep your already hot food warm.
Since your oven does not have the option of serving the food plate directly, you need a warming tray when serving guests. Using the modifiable heat settings, you can keep food warm for a long time.
02. How Long Does a Warming Tray Keep the Food Warm?
Typically, the shortest amount of time that a warming tray keeps food warm is an hour. Nevertheless, some trays take it up a level and keep your delectable food heated up to three hours!
This does not always relate to how high the temperature is, but instead takes into account the wattage of the heating element. It is best to remember that some warming trays take a lot of time to heat up initially, but that is sometimes a good sign because they keep the warm food longer.
03. Does a Warming Tray Require Foil Paper?
No, and we do not suggest using it under any circumstances!
Warming trays are meant for plates and bowls only, and not for food wrapped in aluminum foils. Using this can reduce the integrity of the tray and cut down the taste of the food.
Now, who wants to waste their money, right?!
04. Do Warming Trays Stay Hot Even After Unplugging?
Yes and no. This one depends on which tray you got. From our list, the Salton Electric Warming Tray is the only one that works even after you unplug it. However, most electric warming trays do not come with this option.
Keeping that in check, warming trays are mostly meant for serving in places with power outlets available, so this is not a very common feature in them.
Bottom Line
The best warming tray must be easy to use, have a good-sized cord, and be durable. To top it all off, it must suit the purpose you are buying it for!
You know what they say, “You can never have enough comfort in your own house!”
And to make your lives easier and a little less hectic, having one of the best warming trays is a must!
Need more help in deciding? Leave a comment below, and we will try our best to help you out!
Oster
Our No. 1 Recommendation
When all is said and done, we must admit that the Oster Buffet Server Warming Tray takes home the award for the best warming tray. This company promises to bring the best of the best to the table, and their Buffet Server Warming Tray lives up to that promise.
This might be a substantial warming tray, but the cool-touch handles on either side make moving a breeze. However, it does require quite some space in the cabinet. On the other hand, the stainless steel construction ensures it lasts for years without rusting or damage.
There is also a temperature knob that lets you adjust it from low to high. The stainless steel housing and lid work together to prevent any heat from escaping. No, the food does not become dry, no matter how long you leave it in the pans! But that’s not all. You can even remove the pans and use the stainless steel base as a warming tray. So you can use your regular serving platters with this warming tray as well!
Check the Latest Price for Oster Buffet Server Warming Tray