Heated table food warmers maintain the temperature of hot dishes for a long time, preserving their taste as much as possible.
At the same time, there is no cooking, nothing boils soft and does not burn. In some cases, such serving is almost mandatory. For example, for lamb, the fat of which freezes just a few minutes after serving. Before buying, study which food warmer is better to choose for your home, how they differ and how to use a fashionable device with maximum efficiency.
Device and principle of operation
A classic food warmer is a container with constant heating. Most often, heating is powered by electricity. Such devices are used in places of public catering and for transporting ready-made food. Heating helps to avoid repeated heating and preserve the taste of the dish.
The device of a table food warmer for heating second courses and side dishes is similar to a full-fledged one. The device consists of two parts: food stands and containers. Burners, candles or electricity are used as a heat source. In the new products there is infrared heating. But in this case, the heating elements are located on top.
The principle of operation is simple - the heat source constantly heats the container, keeping the snacks hot. At the same time, the heating temperature is insignificant, which eliminates the burning and digestion of the ingredients. Please note that these devices not suitable for cooking food.
Unlike professional food warmers for catering, table-top ones with a candle are more decorative. Metal stands are made curly and carved, candlesticks are decorated with various techniques. Stands are complemented by comfortable and beautiful handles.
Types of desktop food warmers for the home
As a rule, they buy one dish of such a plan for the house, so it is important to choose the most suitable and practical one.
Varieties by type of heating source
Heated tabletop food warmers for the home can be divided into groups:
- For table setting with candles or a burner - they maintain the temperature for long feasts. The dishes in this series are always beautiful. There are containers made of glass, ceramics, porcelain. The number of candles depends on the size of the bowl and the designer's idea.
- Electric to keep food hot. As a rule, such models are hermetically sealed so as not to waste electricity. Stainless steel is used as a material for electromarmites.
Heating do direct and by water bath principle to prevent overdrying. The indirect heating device consists of two containers - the lower one for water with a water heater and the upper one for the second or first courses. Hot water in a sealed pan maintains temperature even when the power is off, if you put the food warmer on the table. Taps are provided for draining water.
Candle heated models are easy to maintain. Their working principle is simple and clear. Flame lights are associated with the hearth, so a table setting with a food warmer with candles is always attractive.
In some products there is a combined stand for a heating source. You can place tea candles in it or pour hot coals if you plan a picnic or lunch outdoors.
Electrical appliances have more options - here you can set the heating temperature. To regulate the temperature, the devices are supplemented with thermostats and sensors. The temperature range depends on the brand of the product and is in the range of 30-90 degrees. When choosing, keep in mind that the optimal temperature for the first courses is 75 degrees, and for the second - 65.
Sizes and shapes
Food warmers come with one or more containers for heating appetizers, first and second courses. Containers are made very different in shape: square, rectangular, oval, round. For a family feast, models with one container, designed for one dish, are more suitable.
The shape and depth depend on the destination. Home table food warmers for second courses are smaller and wider, and for heating first courses they resemble not very deep ones. And if almost any hot appetizer can be served in a heated tureen, then soup cannot be poured into a container resembling a baking dish. Keep this in mind when choosing.
Production material
Depending on the material of the container, tabletop food warmers with a heating function are:
- steel (chrome-plated or polished);
- ceramic and porcelain;
- from heat-resistant glass;
- marble or granite.
Porcelain and ceramic candle-heated tabletop food warmers fit perfectly into the table setting and match the tableware. Porcelain and ceramics keep warm for a long time and evenly distribute it, so that the dish remains hot throughout the volume. If desired, the ceramic container can be used as a baking dish by removing it from the stand.
Food warmers made of natural stone cannot be called practical due to their heavy weight and capricious care. But such dishes emphasize the status of the owner and complement the serving of the corresponding table.
For lovers of minimalism and practical things, it is better to buy a metal table food warmer heated by electricity or a burner. Steel does not absorb fats and juices, is not afraid of acids and alkalis, therefore it is suitable for any products. Steel containers are lightweight, easy to clean and store.
Heat-resistant glass food warmers look modern and stylish. Glass is inert and easily washed from fish dishes with a persistent aroma. Of greatest interest are universal forms. For example, bain-marie pots, in which you can cook on the stove, and then put it on a heated stand and serve it to the table, like in a tureen.
Lids can be made from base material or glass. Sometimes the set includes two lids, so that it is possible to diversify the serving. In household models, the lids are hinged like bread bins, and in desktop models they often open, as in a regular pan.
Rules for using a table food warmer
Do not forget that food warmers heated by candles, burners and electricity are not intended for cooking and heating food. Their task is save the set temperature of the hot dish. However, the bowls themselves can and should even be used for cooking as a baking dish or stew.
The choice of recipes depends on the materials of the container and the decorative finish. The best for the oven are heat-resistant glass, ceramics and porcelain. But be sure to pay attention to the lid, if the handle is plastic or glued, set aside and cover with foil.
Dishes prepared in ceramic, glass and porcelain forms are similar to those baked in pots. But in a food warmer, appetizers look even more appetizing and spectacular! In addition, it is easier to divide portions right on the table.
If you do not want to cook in the form, then fill it with a ready-made hot dish and immediately place it on the stand. Using a tabletop food warmer heated by fire is simple - light candles or burners and place on the table. The energy of the flame is enough to heat the dishes, which will prevent the contents from cooling.
Overview of interesting food warmers from different manufacturers
To know what to look for in stores, get to know interesting models from the comfort of your couch.
The original six-liter Chafingdish Wok Rechauds tabletop steamer is made of stainless steel and is heated with a burner. The set includes a special grill and a stainless steel dish. Suitable for large family feasts and picnics in nature or in the country.
The Bekker food warmer tureen is made of heat-resistant ceramics. The stand is made of stainless steel in rose gold. The handle on the glass lid with a steam outlet is similarly decorated. Without a lid, a heat-resistant form can be used, like, put in the oven and microwave. The classic design fits into porcelain and earthenware sets.
A series of desktop rectangular food warmers for home Con Brio is represented by models of three sizes: 1,5,2 and 3 liters. The sturdy stand heated by two candles is made of steel, and the shape is made of heat-resistant SABINEX glass, which can withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees.
With a 1.8 l capacity, the Rosenberg steel mains steamer beautifully combines silver and gold tones. Stainless steel utensils are suitable for any dinner service, if there are cutlery on the table or from the same metal.
The Stahlberg serving set includes two molds made of heat-resistant porcelain, four lids (two porcelain and two glass) made of steel “copper-like”. Containers with porcelain lids can be placed in the oven. Glass are designed for table setting.
Serving ceramic food warmer with a lid on a chrome-plated stand heated by candles does not shine with luxury, therefore it is convenient for everyday use. Suitable for white tableware collections.
The form of heat-resistant ceramics in an openwork metal stand, stylized as patinated copper, evokes thoughts of the fabulous East. Suitable for baking dishes in the oven and heating in the microwave. Universal design is compatible with all stylistic directions.
The glass tureen with heating on a steel support holds 4 liters of a ready meal. She looks like a . The pan without a lid can be put in the microwave. Through the walls of heat-resistant glass, you can see all the beauty of the soup. The set includes a steel ladle.
On sale there are also sets with bouillon makers or. The set will simplify the selection of dishes and make an ordinary home-cooked dinner luxurious, like in a prestigious restaurant.
When choosing a heated table food table for table setting, do not be too lazy to explore the range of different online stores. If buying as a gift, give preference to neutral and versatile models.
For the prosperity of a public catering enterprise, it is necessary not only to cook tasty and high-quality food, but also to properly present it to customers. Every restaurant owner knows what food warmers are in cooking, because with the help of this equipment it is possible to maintain an attractive appearance of the dish for a certain period of time - the food does not burn, does not change the structure and color, as well as the required temperature. The contents of the container are heated by the heat carrier, which circulates between the bowl and the heat source.
Depending on the purpose, there are food warmers for first courses, for second courses, sauces, drinks, pastries. There are desktop devices - small in size, which are an integral part of the tables of distribution lines, and floor devices - independent equipment used by catering services and at mobile food outlets.
Food warmer power consumption and other characteristics
- Maintain temperature in the range from +20 to +90 degrees.
- Warm-up time to operating temperature - from 20 to 30 minutes.
- They are connected to a 220 or 380 V network.
- Rated power - from 0.3 to 4.4 kW.
The material of manufacture is thin-sheet stainless steel, but there are also devices with a ceramic or glass, marble or granite bowl. Devices are produced with 1 - 4 and a large number of bowls.
Equipment types
Electrical devices
Here, the containers are heated with heating elements. Depending on the method of heating, the devices are divided into several types:
- With a water bath - for short-term keeping dishes with a delicate texture or thick sauces hot. To set and maintain the required temperature, the equipment is equipped with a thermostat, a “dry” start (in the absence of water) is warned by a thermostat, and there is a special tube to drain the waste water. Large dimensions and weight, high power consumption - food warmers of this type are selected for canteens with high traffic.
- With a steam generator, which is located at the bottom of the device. When heating water with heating elements, steam saturated with moisture fills the space under the container with products.
- "Dry" food warmer - heating is carried out due to natural convection of air, and is considered the least sparing in relation to products.
Infrared models, or "thermal bridges", are also popular. In such devices, heating occurs with the help of infrared radiation emanating from a special lamp or tube made of quartz glass, which are placed directly above the products.
There are also combined devices, the lower part of which is heated in a water bath and is suitable for placing second courses or side dishes, and the upper lattice (for baking) is heated by an infrared lamp.
gas appliances
Here, the heating of water under the container with food occurs due to gas burners located under it. Models of this type are equipped with a flame arrester and piezo ignition.
You can buy a food warmer at an affordable price in our online store. You can get a qualified answer to the question of what a food warmer is in cooking, help in choosing, apply for the purchase of goods by contacting one of the phones with our manager.
What can you not find in a modern kitchen! Some fruits of scientific and technological progress are even difficult to recognize at first glance, let alone come up with a name for them. It is to such items that the food warmer belongs. Many of us have seen it in restaurants or on buffets in hotels, but gradually it begins to seep into ordinary kitchens, because it is a convenient and practical device. What is it, marmite?
What is a marmite and why is it needed
A food warmer is a device for storing cooked food at a certain temperature. The description is similar to a refrigerator, but the food warmer has one fundamentally different feature - it keeps the dishes warm, and the lid does not allow them to become weathered. Thus, the food in the food warmer for a long time looks like it was just taken off the stove.
The food warmer looks like an oval, round or rectangular container on a stand with a lid. Inside it there are several separate containers (rarely more than four), where the cooked food is placed. In addition, the device is equipped with a thermostat and, sometimes, a protection that prevents the device from turning on if there is nothing inside.
It should be noted that the food warmer is not intended for cooking. You can neither cook soup nor make tea in it - the degree of heating is insufficient for this. It serves exclusively to maintain the temperature of hot dishes, since repeated heating affects their taste not for the better, and this is known to any cook.
Modern food warmers are made from environmentally friendly and safe materials that help maintain the required temperature, are reliable and durable.
Types of food warmers
Food warmers can be divided into groups according to many features: shape, purpose (for first courses, for second courses, for sauces, for drinks), materials, number of working containers, and so on. However, the main classification is based on the structural features and nuances of the functioning of the devices, thanks to which the food remains warm.
To date, there are three types of food warmers:
- A variety that does not have an additional device for heating, working on the principle of a thermos. The temperature is maintained due to the tightness of the lid and the double walls of the dishes. Such a food warmer is designed for short-term maintenance of heat.
- Heating by electricity. Such models can most often be found at buffet tables, in restaurants and similar public institutions.
- Heating by a tablet candle or a gas burner - as a rule, these are compact devices that can be found in ordinary kitchens.
Depending on the installation method, the devices can be desktop and stationary. Tabletop food warmers are used both in everyday life and at outdoor events. They are distinguished by their small size, but, nevertheless, they keep well the first and second courses, as well as drinks and sauces, hot.
Heating in desktop models is carried out either due to a gas burner, or due to the presence of special heating elements. Stationary food warmers are not intended for movement. They represent a whole complex of containers where you can find several different first or second courses, as well as sauces. They are usually present in large catering outlets.
The device of food warmers
The device of food warmers affects not only the quality of their functioning, but also the convenience of using them. Therefore, we will consider some details in more detail.
Material, from which the device is made, can be very different: chrome steel, ceramics, heat-resistant glass, granite and marble. This parameter affects not only the appearance, but also the quality and duration of temperature preservation.
Lid. It can be removable, like a pan, reclining and rolling back. The last two options, as practice shows, are much more convenient, since they do not require looking for a place where to put the removed cover. And the roll-off and flip-down lids close more hermetically, keeping food warm and flavored. The only plus of a removable cover is the low cost of devices equipped with it. Among hinged covers, those that have an angle of 180 degrees are preferable - they are more convenient to use and maintain.
Thermostat. This device serves to demonstrate and maintain the optimum temperature for each dish. In some cases, it is directly related to power and can turn the heating on or off depending on whether the temperature has risen or fallen. It also prevents an empty appliance from being turned on. Ideally, the thermostat range should be between 30 and 90 degrees, narrower settings will be less convenient. One of the important characteristics is the location of the thermostat - it must be easily accessible to the chef and hidden from visitors so that no one accidentally knocks down the settings. The ideal temperature for first courses, drinks and sauces is 75 degrees Celsius, for the second - 65 degrees.
stand holder must be reliable and stable. If you plan to use the food warmer for "representative" purposes, that is, on a buffet, in the direct accessibility of visitors, then it is important that the stand complements the overall design of the appliance.
Additional elements. The food warmer can be equipped with a humidifier, lights, a fan, rotating shelves (they are often used for displaying goods), wheels for moving around the kitchen, an electric cord, drawers for storing cutlery and many other details. When purchasing, it should be remembered that most of these components do not affect the direct functionality, but at the same time increase the cost. Based on this, before buying, you first need to decide exactly what kind of food warmer you need, where it will stand, what dishes it is planned to store in it, and other important nuances. This will help you not to spend extra money on unnecessary features.
Needless to say, all parts must be securely fastened, and the device itself must not have chips, cracks, or other defects.
How food is processed in food warmers
As we mentioned earlier, heating can be carried out in many ways: due to a burner, electricity, or simply the design does not allow food to cool. However, in most cases, it is not the food container itself that is heated, but heating is carried out indirectly. For example, chafing-dish food warmers have containers with water, so the food is heated like in a water bath. In other models, air plays the role of water, but such models are less convenient, since the dishes in them can dry out and burn.
The most innovative food warmers use infrared lighting as heating, which allows for maximum heat dissipation without any disadvantages.
There are also combined options. They are the most convenient, since different technologies are more preferable for different dishes. For example, first courses are best kept warm using traditional water and dry methods. But for second courses, infrared radiation would be preferable, which will prevent them from burning or drying out.
Benefits of using
All well-known restaurateurs and hotel owners have long appreciated the advantages of acquiring such a device as a food warmer. But in home kitchens, he is still a rare guest. And in vain. What undeniable advantages do you get with this interesting piece of kitchen utensils?
- Ready meals remain fresh for a long time and do not require reheating, which would adversely affect the taste.
- It greatly simplifies the work of cooks, who can cook a large amount of a dish at once, and then serve it fresh and warm as needed.
- Food warmer saves time for catering customers who can receive the ordered dish immediately, without wasting time waiting for it to be cooked.
- The food warmer is affordable and saves electricity or gas that would have to be spent on preparing many small portions of one dish.
- At a picnic or at an outdoor event, the food warmer allows you to bring ready-made meals and maintain the temperature they need for any amount of time until the guests sit down at the table.
- These devices are easy to operate and require little maintenance.
Terms of use and care
First of all, it is worth remembering that the food warmer is designed to maintain the temperature regime of various types of food, and not to warm up. That is, only hot freshly cooked, fried or otherwise prepared dishes can be placed there. If you have frozen foods, they must first be heated in a microwave or oven, and only then placed in a food warmer.
Do not try to adapt the stationary food warmer to move. It is better to purchase a specially mobile model.
In restaurants, before each use, food warmers are carefully examined for defects and violations of sanitary and hygienic standards.
Caring for food warmers is easy. In principle, it is enough to wash it regularly. True, most appliances do not tolerate aggressive cleaning with abrasive products and hard washcloths. It is better to use soft sponges and a soda solution, which is enough to boil and soak the containers in it for a quarter of an hour so that all the burnt pieces quickly fall behind. Tabletop food warmers fit easily into the dishwasher. If you have an option with the principle of operation of a water bath, then after each use the water must be drained, rinsed and wiped dry.
Household food warmer: your assistant in the kitchen
Food warmers are not the most popular guests in our kitchens. Where there is a possibility of seeing them - in restaurants, hotels, canteens - we most often simply do not pay attention to them. However, this does not prevent us from enjoying the result of their work - food cooked some time ago, but still warm (and not reheated!) Food. Food warmers are especially popular when organizing receptions and from catering companies engaged in catering.
What is a marmite and why is it needed
A food warmer is a food container designed to keep cooked food warm. Why was there a need for food warmers at all? The fact is that repeated heating at home and at public catering outlets negatively affects the taste of ready-made dishes. Any cook and any housewife will tell you about this. As for the food warmer, it is able to keep food warm for a certain time. Most often, food warmers are used to heat second courses and side dishes. Another purpose of the food warmer is not just keeping them warm at the place of preparation, but also transporting the finished product to the place of its use.
- second courses and side dishes: 65-70 °С;
- soups and sauces served hot: 75-80 °C;
- drinks served hot: 75-80 °C.
In order to maintain a temperature suitable for a particular dish inside the food warmer, thermostats are used - one or more, depending on the number of containers used. Also, sometimes there is a protective device that will not allow the food warmer to be turned on if it is empty (without liquids and products).
It should be borne in mind that food warmers are not at all adapted directly for cooking: it is impossible to cook soup in them or brew coffee, since the temperature maintained in them will obviously not be enough.
What is especially nice, this device does not carry any particularly significant additional costs - even electric models (and they are not the only ones available for sale) consume energy very economically, while others may not use any fuel at all or work from special burners or candles.
Varieties of food warmers
There are several classifications of food warmers - they can be divided into groups depending on the type of device for keeping the dish warm, on the purpose, on the material of the working surface of the food warmer, on the shape, on the type of cover and on the number of working containers in the food warmer.
Depending on the type of device that allows you to keep the dish warm, food warmers can be of the following types:
- hermetically sealed, with a lid and without additional heating - they are able to retain heat for a certain time due to double walls with air space between them;
- with electric heating - they are most common on professional distribution lines;
- heated by a candle or a burner - they are in demand mainly in the household.
Depending on the purpose, food warmers can be:
- desktop (they are also mobile or portable);
- stationary.
Desktop models are best for use in small kitchens, as well as for field service. Stationary models are whole complexes consisting of several modules or sections. They can only be found in the kitchens of large catering outlets - in restaurants and hotels.
The material from which the food warmer container is made directly determines how well it can retain heat, as well as how safe it will be for finished products. Depending on the material of manufacture, food warmers can be of the following types:
- steel (chrome-plated or polished);
- ceramic or porcelain;
- from heat-resistant glass;
- marble or granite.
Set of four ceramic food warmers
The first three materials are most widely used, but marble and granite are used extremely rarely. It should be borne in mind that we are talking about materials that are in direct contact with food, but the external finish of the food warmer can be metal, ceramic, and even wood. Elite models of these containers can be finished with precious metals - gold or silver.
The shape of the food warmer can be very different:
- round;
- rectangular;
- oval;
- square.
Round shape food warmer
In addition, there are food warmers of non-standard shape, as well as those in which the shape of the working container and the outer contour do not match.
There are two main types of lids for food warmers:
- classic - it opens like a pan;
- type Roll Tot - it leans up just like a regular bread box (the opening angle can be 90 ° or 180 °).
Models with a 180° opening Roll Tot cover are considered the most convenient and hassle-free in maintenance: you will not need to figure out where to put the removed cover, and washing such food warmers is much easier than those where the opening angle is half that.
By the number of working containers, food warmers can be:
- with one container;
- with multiple containers.
Several containers are usually understood as two, three or four, more - much less often.
Food warmers of the "chafing-dish" type
"Chafing-dish" (chafing dish) - a special name for a whole category of food warmers, which have found a massive use in organizing receptions and buffets. These are desktop-type fixtures with a rectangular shape into which a container is inserted. The sizes of these containers are standardized - they are GN1/1, GN1/2, GN1/3. They are made of chrome-plated or polished stainless steel, and they are heated with hot water vapor (as in a water bath). Such food warmers are good for keeping warm second courses, side dishes and hot pastries.
Classic Chafing Dish
Chafing-dish food warmers are original modules that can be used both individually and in combination with several other similar modules.
Ways of thermal processing of food in food warmers
As mentioned above, the heating of the food warmer can be carried out in several ways - from electricity, from a burner (candle) or without additional devices. However, these are not all the differences associated with the method of heating.
So, in most models, it is not the body of this device itself that is heated, but a container of water located under it (as in chafing-dish food warmers). In other models, it is not the liquid that is heated, but the air, in this case it is customary to refer the food warmers to the “dry” type. The disadvantage of the latter is that the food in such devices often turns out to be overdried, and sometimes burns a little.
Recently, advanced high-tech models of food warmers have appeared - they have infrared heating. This method allows you to get the highest possible heat transfer coefficient.
In addition to the models described, there are also combined models on sale - those in which two or more heating methods are successfully combined. They can be called the most versatile options, because in each case you can choose the method that will be best suited for your dish. For example, it is believed that it is better to keep first courses warm in one of the traditional ways (dry or in a steam bath), but infrared technology is well suited for second courses.
Popular models of food warmers for home use
What model of food warmer is better to buy for home use? First of all, it will have to be practical and compact. Below are descriptions of several such models from different manufacturers.
The Vitesse VS-1534 food warmer ($35) has a useful volume of 1.9 liters, its bowl is made of heat-resistant glass, and the lid is made of stainless steel. One candle is used for heating. The bowl of this model is also suitable for heating food in the microwave.
A round-shaped food warmer from Gipfel ($110) looks original and stylish - its bowl is also made of heat-resistant glass, and the lid, legs and stand are made of stainless steel. Heating is carried out in a manner similar to the previous one, however, the usable volume is larger - 2.5 liters.
A marble container stands out for a food warmer from the German manufacturer Stahlberg with dimensions of 20x9.7 cm ($70). Handles and stand are made of polished steel. The lid is removed in the usual way, tightly adhering to the working container. The temperature is maintained by dense double walls.
A food warmer from the same manufacturer with two containers ($66) can also become a real decoration of the festive table. The capacity of each container is 0.8 liters. They are made of snow-white porcelain and placed in a beautiful forged stand.
The Bohmann bain-marie ($50) differs in larger dimensions, which also has two containers, but already 1.5 liters each. Containers are made of heat-resistant glass, handles and lids are made of stainless steel. Food stays warm thanks to two candles located under the containers.
It is impossible to call food warmers for the home essentials - after all, in our country, housewives prefer more traditional methods of heating food. However, on the festive table, food warmers will look at least original and at the same time will bring certain benefits if the celebration promises to be long.
The holiday is not complete without a feast. On the table, all dishes should be fragrant and hot. Marmite will help with this.
What is marmite?
The definition of food warmer should be understood as specialized kitchen utensils. This capacity maintains temperature of 20-80 degrees of heat and allows to keep properties of freshly prepared dishes for a short time. Food can be left in a dish with a lid for 2-3 hours and it will be hot.
The food in the container will not spoil, boil or dry out. The food warmer is used in living conditions or in places of a public catering, for example, on a buffet. The use of special dishes in restaurants facilitates the work of staff, and also helps to serve food at the right temperature. According to the norms, the temperature of the side dish and the second dish is from 65 degrees. And for sauces, soups and drinks, it is recommended to adhere to a temperature of 75 degrees.
food warmerPurpose of food warmer
By appointment, the following types of dishes are distinguished:
- multifunctional food warmer;
- chafing dish for pastries and side dishes (miniature tableware for a buffet table);
- food warmer for drinks and sauces;
- food warmer for the second dish;
- food warmer for the first course.
Food warmer power supply
Food warmers with different sources of heating differ significantly from each other. Mainly gas and electric appliances are used for catering purposes.
Gas
Food warmers on gas are convenient in application. Heating is carried out by burning liquid gas. This type of device is appropriate in the field of catering, because such dishes are the most compact.
During operation, you can not think about safety, as this will be done for you by automation. The design features of this device are such that the gas stops flowing into the working part when the burner is deactivated.
Electricity
To use an electric food warmer, you need to connect to a network with a voltage of 220-380 V. Such a device is optimal for implementation in a catering distribution tape or for installation as a stationary heater in the kitchen. The electric warmer is heated by a small heating element.
Alternative heat source
In addition to electric and gas food warmers, there are devices that operate on alternative heat sources. For heating, a candle, combustible mixture or gel can be used. Check information from the manufacturer. Burning conditions and duration should be written on the package. Usually this time is from 3 to 6 hours.
The method of heating the food warmer
True gourmets and catering workers know that the method of heating directly affects the taste of food and the design characteristics of the device.
dry heat
In the case of dry heating of a dish, the temperature inside the container is maintained by a uniform, rapid distribution of hot air flows. This phenomenon is called convection. It is reasonable to use such a device for short-term storage of sauce or soup. A food warmer with dry heating works economically, which outperforms the food warmer discussed below in a water bath. If the container is used incorrectly in dry heat, the food may be somewhat overdried, but this is a minor drawback that is not relevant when heating liquid dishes.
Heating with a water bath
There are many models of food warmers on sale, where hot water is heated, that is, the water bath method is used. The container is above the reservoir. Water is poured into it and heated with a burner or heating element. Due to constant steam heating, the temperature is kept stable. This type of thermal action protects food from burning and drying out. The food warmer in a water bath is ideal for keeping garnishes, fish and meat dishes hot.
Bain-marie design
We will analyze two options for the design of the food warmer - a stationary and a desktop heater. And let's mention one more type - chafing dish.
Stationary heater
Today, reliable stationary devices successfully complement the dispensing line in catering facilities. The device has an electric heating element and food containers in its design. Usually, thermal effects occur due to water, in which case a reservoir is provided, a hole for draining water and observing safety measures. Due to the automatic thermostat, the device stops working and warms up when there is no water in the working tank.
Table heater
For the first course
There are different designs of a tabletop food warmer designed to heat the first course. For example:
- food warmer in the form of a closed container with several convenient containers built inside;
- round bain-marie in the form of a barrel - a hermetically sealed design with small legs;
- food warmer in the form of a closed stand, where heating burners are placed, which maintain the temperature in the pans.
For the second course
Small kitchen tabletop food warmers are designed to heat the second course. The design is represented by a thermo device, food containers and a lid. The stand can be closed or open. Heat comes from below. There are various models of food warmers on sale, where one or several types of products can be placed separately.
The design of the food warmer lid is extremely important. The flat lid and comfortable handle in the middle is a standard design option found on our familiar household pots. A definite plus is the affordable price of the product. But in the classical design there is a significant drawback - there is nowhere to place the lid at the time of laying food.
For the most demanding users, there are more expensive options for food warmers with a lid that does not need to be removed. Lid tilts 90-180 degrees. This is convenient as it frees your hands.
Marmite Chafing Dish
A separate type of marmite is called chafing-dish. This type of utensils is actively used today in the arrangement of the buffet and serving receptions. The tabletop warming container has a rectangular silhouette and a removable container. There are three different container sizes to choose from.
In a marmite chafing dish, food is heated with water vapor - this is the water bath method. Case material - smooth stainless steel. This type of heater is suitable for maintaining the temperature of pastries, side dishes and any second course. The modular design of the chafing dish allows you to use one or several working containers at once.
How to choose a marmite?
To purchase a good professional food warmer, you should pay attention to some subtleties:
- heating method - if you choose dry heat, you will have to stir the dish all the time, the water principle is more successful, it almost does not dry food and is optimal for garnish, fish and meat;
- energy supply - with a gas source of energy, you save money, and an electric food warmer is extremely easy to install;
- stationary food warmer - perfect for catering with a distribution line, for example, for serving cafe visitors;
- number of food tanks - choose the number of containers based on how many different dishes you are going to heat at the same time (there are food warmers with 1, 3, 12 compartments, so it will not be difficult to find the right option for any needs);
- the purpose of the food warmer - if you need to serve a small snack bar, a buffet or a buffet table, then an ordinary table food warmer is suitable for you, where the second and first courses will be stored;
- food heating temperature in a food warmer - most modern models operate in the temperature range from 20 to 90 degrees, such heating is enough for an average restaurant to work.
Overview of popular models
Leomax "Royal Lunch"
The price of the Leomax food warmer "Royal Lunch" is 2600 rubles. The device is made of metal and ceramics, its volume is 2.1 liters. This specific utensil is convenient to use. You can prepare a dish, place it in a bowl and serve it at the table at any time, while the food will be hot and ready to eat. During the feast, you can add food to guests, which will always be the same optimal temperature.
The manufacturer also foresaw an aesthetic moment. The Leomax food warmer is heated by candles, which creates a comfortable and romantic atmosphere at a festive event. The design of the bain-marie is truly royal, with a persistent exquisite gold pattern applied to the body. Moreover, the owner can use this thing not only for heating, but also as ordinary dishes for the original serving of the festive table.
Vitesse "Beth"
Convenient food warmer Vitesse "Beth" has a capacity of 1.9 liters and costs 2200 rubles. This is a heat-resistant transparent dish made of durable tempered glass, rectangular shape. The case is transparent, which gives additional chic to this dish. The details of the food warmer are made of stainless steel and serve for a long time.
Freshly prepared dishes are to be served immediately to the table, there is no need to transfer them to other serving containers. The food warmer harmoniously stands on the table, is located on a metal stand. Candles are placed under the food container, which will have to be bought separately, since the manufacturer does not attach them to the product. Thanks to the candles, the food in the container is slightly heated, it will not cool down for several hours, which will ensure maximum convenience during the feast. Also note that this food warmer has a stainless steel lid. This tableware is a real decoration of the table, it is suitable for microwave and oven, it is perfectly washed in the dishwasher. The set includes a food warmer, a lid and a tray.
GASTRORAG ZCK165B
Food warmer ZCK165B from the manufacturer GASTRORAG is sold for 5300 rubles. The device is heated in a wet way, does not have a drain tap, it is made of stainless steel, is roomy and aesthetic. You can maintain the temperature of 2 dishes at the same time, which is very convenient for home use. The cookware weighs 7.4 kg and operates at temperatures from 30 to 90 degrees.
Hurakan "HKN-SB57"
Unusual table food warmer Hurakan HKN-SB57 in the form of a pot has one burner and costs 3000 rubles, its width and length is 270 mm, height is 370 mm. The device heats up with water up to 35-95 degrees. The volume of dishes - 5.7 l, weight - 3 kg. Its body is made of enamelled steel.
The Hurakan food warmer has a sophisticated modern design and is ideal for maintaining the temperature of the first course. It should be noted that the device has a hinged lid. To start heating, you need to pour water into the tank yourself and press the start button. The control panel is intuitive. Marmite is easy to carry.
In the review, you got acquainted with information about the purpose, types and choice of food warmers for home and catering establishments. Enjoy your utensils.
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