With the development of the catering industry, chafing dishes as a common catering equipment, has received widespread attention and application. As a professional chafing dish supplier and manufacturer, we know that customers have different requirements for the type of chafing dish under different scenarios and needs. In this article, we will introduce several common types of chafing dish, their characteristics, and suitable scenarios for each type to help you choose the best one for your catering business.

Chafing Dish Materials

Stainless Steel Chafing Dish

Stainless steel chafing dishes are typically simple, robust, and easy to clean. They can maintain food temperature for extended periods and have a sleek appearance suitable for various occasions.

• Multiple sizes to choose from large to small, full size, half size, or third size
• Suitable for a wide range of events, including weddings, banquets, and buffets.

Glass Chafing Dish

Glass chafing dishes have an elegant appearance that showcases the food beautifully. Made from heat-resistant glass, they are easy to clean and maintain.

• Available in capacities between 2 qt. to 6 qt.
• Ideal for upscale events such as formal dinners, weddings, and hotel catering

Chafing Dish Heating Models

Fuel Chafing Dish

Fuel-chafing dishes typically use solid fuels like alcohol or candles for heating. They are simple to use and suitable for outdoor events or locations without electricity.

• Primarily used for serving soups, stews, salads, grilled meats, etc.
• Suitable for camping, outdoor picnics, and al fresco weddings.

Electric Chafing Dish

Electric chafing dishes use electricity for heating and offer precise temperature control. They are suitable for events requiring prolonged heating or continuous warmth.

• Can also be used to serve curries, stews, pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, etc.
• Ideal for buffets, large banquets, and hotel dining where consistent heating is essential.

Chafing Dish Shape

Plat à rôtir rectangulaire

Rectangular Chafing Dish is the most versatile and efficient for serving large quantities of food or partitioning different dishes. They are usually long enough to be paired with divider trays or single trays.

• Most hold 6 to 9 quarts (6-9 liters)
• Usually used for hot dishes, pasta, grilled meats, fried rice, etc.
• Suitable for buffets, banquets, and corporate events.

Round Chafing Dish

Round Chafing Dishes are simple, usually smaller than rectangular or oval ones, suitable for serving smaller quantities of food, and easy to access.

• Holds 4 to 7 quarts (3.8-6.6 liters) of food
• Very popular appetizers, side dishes, stews, hot dishes, etc.
• Suitable for cocktail parties, intimate gatherings, and family dinners.

Square Chafing Dish

Square chafing dishes are suitable for serving square or elongated dishes.   The capacity will be relatively small and will not take up much space.

• Half-size chafers are usually square or rectangular and hold 4 to 6 quarts (3.8-5.68 liters)
• Ideal for serving appetizers, side dishes, salads, etc.
• Suitable for corporate events, buffets, and restaurant dining.

Oval Chafing Dish

Oval chafing dishes have an elegant and modern appearance that showcases food beautifully.

• Available in capacities of 4qt-8qt
• Ideal for serving elongated or irregularly shaped dishes, pasta, grilled fish, etc.
• Suitable for upscale events, weddings, and hotel dining.

Additional Types of Chafing Dishes

Coffee Chafer

Coffee Chafer (Coffee urns) are designed specifically for keeping large quantities of coffee warm and readily available.  They typically feature a sleek, tall design with a spigot for easy pouring.  Double-wall insulation helps maintain optimal serving temperature for extended periods.

• Capacity between 1 and 5 gallons
• Suitable Beverages: Coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, etc.
• Ideal for breakfast buffets, brunches, conferences, and events where a continuous supply of hot coffee is essential.

Soup Chafing Dish

Soup chafing dishes (marmite chafer)  usually have a deep, narrow container with a lid to retain heat and prevent leaks.

• Common sizes range from 1-14 Qt
• Can be used to serve oatmeal, soups, and more.
• Perfect for catered events, weddings, buffets, and restaurants serving oatmeal for breakfast and soup for dinner.

Chafing Dish Lid Designs

Hinged Lid

Hinged lids are attached to the chafing dish, and have a hold-open function at 45 degrees and 90 degrees. The hinged lids can be closed slowly and quietly during use. It is convenient to use and protects food temperature.

Roll Top Lid

The roll-top chafing dish is perfect for food service. Because customers can open the lid directly through the front handle, without holding the lid all the time. The roll top can be opened to 90 degrees, and some designs can be opened to 180 degrees at the same time. 

Hanging Lid and Lid Holder

The hanging lid allows the lid to hang above the fondue, while the lid holder secures the lid to the sides of the fondue. Both make it easy to get food and maintain hygiene.

Lift off

This type of lid usually has a flat or domed shape, with a handle in the middle that opens the lid directly.ype of lid usually has a flat or domed shape, with a handle in the middle that opens the lid directly.

Custom Chafing Dish

In addition to the above common types of chafing dishes, we can also customize them according to customers’ specific needs. Whether it is size, color, logo, or function, we support OEM and ODM to provide you with a custom chafing dish solution.

Chafing Dish Manufacturer

In summary, it is crucial to choose the type of chafing dish that suits your catering business. Dongzhaowei chafing dish manufacturer and supplier will provide you with high-quality and diversified product choices to help you provide better catering services to your customers. If you have any needs or questions, please feel free to contact us!