Chafing dishes are essential for caterers and those running a buffet. Whether you host events or get called to them frequently, you need an appropriate fuel to ensure that the food stays warm while the event is happening. Most of the time, events start with a ceremony; this is the time where you are likely to set up your station with the food so that it is ready when the meal commences.
People can start lining up to get their food when the ceremony is over, and the food should be prepared and warming on the table by then. Because events can take a long time, you need to keep the food warm. To do that, most professionals use chafing fuel gel. They light the wick and set it underneath the dish of food to be warmed and let it sit throughout the event. These gels can last up to six hours, and you don’t have to use the entire can of fuel in one sitting.
Why Aren’t They the Best?
Gel fuels aren’t the best anymore because they produce carbon emissions and usually have some additive that makes the fuel smell. While it isn’t likely to get into the food, it can be unpleasant while people walk by. Along with such, these fuels aren’t as safe as newer options.
You can find a greener alternative to traditional gel-and-wick products. These products are designed to remain cool regardless of where you touch them, though you shouldn’t touch the part where the heat emanates. They don’t produce a flame and work similarly to induction heat, which ensures that the food stays hot and you don’t risk burning the guests or your staff.
They also burn cleaner, which means you don’t experience toxic fumes or have to deal with your chafing dishes getting black residue from the smoke.