Keeping Party Food Warm: Chafers vs. Warming Mats
Nobody wants cold party food, right? Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a birthday party, or just game night, warm food is key. Two popular ways to get this done are chafing dishes (chafers) and warming mats. For our parties we’re always using chafers, but I just saw the warming mats online and can’t wait to try that too! Both seem to work great, but they have their pros and cons—so let’s break it down!
Chafing Dishes (Chafers)
Chafers are those fancy buffet-style dishes you see at catered events. They use a small flame (usually Sterno fuel) to keep food warm over a water pan.
Why They’re Great:
✔ Keeps food warm for hours
✔ Perfect for big gatherings
✔ Looks classy
✔ Comes in different sizes and forms (round, rectangular)
Things to Consider:
✖ You’ll need to check the fuel and replace it as needed
✖ Takes up more space
✖ Open flames can be a safety concern
Warming Mats
Warming mats are electric pads that sit under your dishes, gently keeping food warm without any flames.
Why They’re Great:
✔ Super easy to use—just plug it in!
✔ Safer than chafers (no fire involved) and I love this!
✔ Saves space on your table and storage
✔ Heats evenly at a set temperature
Things to Consider:
✖ Needs to be near an outlet
✖ Not ideal for keeping large amounts of food warm for long periods
✖ Some mats have limited heat settings
Which One Should You Use?
When serving a big crowd and food needs to stay warm for hours, chafers are the way to go. But for hosting a smaller get-together, the warming mat seems like a simple, hassle-free option to keep your food or snacks warm. Think about your space, food quantity, and setup to pick what works best for your party! It’s probably worth it to have both warmers if you’re hosting on a regular basis. The warming mat is in my shopping cart and I’ll come back to let you know what my experience with it is.
Visit my Amazon shop for more kitchen & cooking tools.
*Please note that buying from the links on this page will allow me to earn a small commission, with no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!