Chafing Dish

What is a chafing dish?

A chafing dish is a portable food-warming device designed to keep hot food at a safe serving temperature throughout service. Commonly used at buffets, carveries, and informal dining events, a chafing dish operates using a fuel source (usually gel or wick-based) placed underneath a water pan that gently heats the food above. This method of indirect heat prevents food from overcooking or drying out, making it ideal for dishes like curries, pasta, stews, and vegetables. Often referred to as chafer dishes, chefing dishes, or even chaffing dishes, the chafing dish remains a go-to solution for professional and self-service catering.

Chafing dish hire for reliable buffet catering

Our chafing dish hire is a must-have for any event where hot food needs to be served consistently and safely over a prolonged period. Made from polished stainless steel, this chafer unit offers approximately 9L of capacity and includes a matching lid to retain heat and presentation. The classic roll-top design provides easy access to food while maintaining a smart and professional look.

Great for self-service and informal dining

Whether you’re hosting a wedding, a corporate lunch, or a private party, this is the perfect solution for serving large quantities of food in a self-service setting. These dishes are most commonly used for hot buffets, allowing your guests to help themselves while the chafing fuel underneath keeps the food at the right temperature. Each unit is supplied clean and ready for immediate use.

Practical, portable, and easy to use

You don’t need electrical access to benefit from chafing dish hire, as the unit is powered using chafing dish fuel (available to purchase separately), with each canister lasting approximately 2–3 hours. The compact and portable design makes it ideal for use in marquees, pop-up kitchens, food tents and indoor venues alike. Its polished stainless steel finish adds a touch of class to any catering setup.

Chafing dish hire near me with nationwide delivery

With Event Hire UK, finding chafing dish hire near me couldn’t be easier. We deliver across the country to ensure your event catering goes off without a hitch. Hire multiple units for larger events or use them alongside our wider range of gastronorms, serving utensils, and buffet tables for a fully coordinated setup.