Buffet Setup Tips from Today’s Experts

Whether you own a new restaurant that wants to feature a buffet or salad bar, or a well-established eatery that simply wants to provide customers with more options and run a weekend buffet special, it can be a great idea! Buffets can feature loads of different dishes and give your customers more options to choose from.

However, if you haven’t run a buffet or salad bar before, here are some buffet setup tips from Zanduco Restaurant Equipment & Supplies!

Buffet Setup Accessories

One of the first accessories you’ll need for your buffet is some quality chafing dishes. Even if you’ve never owned or run a buffet, you’ve likely seen them before: they’re the shiny metal dishes with covers that are designed to keep buffet food warm. Here we’ve answered some of the most common questions about setting up a buffet with chafing dishes. 

Why is it Called a Chafing Dish?

The word “chafe” is actually derived from the French word “chauffeur” meaning to make hot. So, chafing dishes are created to keep food warm. However, they don’t cook the food and are often maintained at a steady temperature of 60°C (140°F). 

How Do You Use Chafing Dishes?

To use chafing dishes in your buffet setup, it’s important to understand how they’ve been constructed. Most common chafing dishes are built with a lid, water tray, food pan, support stand, and some type of heating source (often fuel cups, gas, or electricity). The fuel is placed in spaces at the bottom of the support stand, the water tray is then placed above the fuel to heat up, and lastly, the food pan is placed atop the boiling water pan with a lid on it. 

How Do I Clean Chafing Dishes?

Since most chafing dishes are made from stainless steel, they do require specialized cleaning so they can last as long as possible. First, you’ll need to completely disassemble your chafing dish and clean each piece separately using hot soapy water. Don’t use any abrasive sponges or steel wool for cleaning, as it will scratch and damage the surface of your chafing dishes. Afterward, wipe down all the components with a dry cloth and store them in a non-humid area.

Contact us for chafing dishes, salad bar equipment, & more today!

If you want to create your own buffet setup, Zanduco Restaurant Equipment & Supplies has everything you need. We also specialize in commercial refrigeration solutions, small wares and tabletop supplies, and much more.

Contact us today online to place an order or call 1 (855) 926-3826.