Chafing dishes form a very vital component of catering and buffet arrangements. It is important to keep food warm and ready to be served whether it is a party, a wedding reception or even a corporate gathering. A burner is one of the most significant elements of a chafing dish. Understanding the correct use of a chafing dish burner can be very beneficial in that it can guarantee the safety, correct maintenance of food temperatures and a flawless event. Here in this blog we are going to take you through the guide and tricks of using a chafing dish burner.
What is a Chafing Dish Burner?
Chafing dish burner is a fuel source that is used to warm food at an event. The burner, which is usually gas fed with either gel, liquid or solid, is put under the water pan of the chafing dish. The heat of the burner maintains the water in the pan boiling, and consequently, it maintains the food at the optimum serving temperature. Catering a small dinner or a big banquet, it is important to know how to use chafing dish burner properly to retain food quality and safety.
Choosing the Best Chafing Dish Burner
It is worth noting that you need to select the appropriate type of a burner prior to the use of a chafing dish burner, which would depend on the occasion and the size of chafing dish. Sterno cans or other types of fuel are normally used in chafing dish burners. Sterno cans are well received because of its convenience, safety and reliability.
It is important to make sure that you choose the burner that fits and suits the chafing dish that you have. As an example, a small chafing dish might only need one burner to sustain the temperature whereas a large dish can need several burners to sustain its temperature.
Ways of installing a Burner
A smooth event requires proper setting up. The following is a setup of your chafing dish burner:
1. Position the Chafing Dish on a Stable Surface: make sure that the chafing dish and burner are placed on a stable, heat-resistant, surface. This will avoid accidents and make sure that the burner is at position.
2. Install the Burner in the Holder: The majority of the chafing dishes are made with a burner holder that is intended to hold the fuel can firmly in place. Insert the burner into the specific holder and make sure that it fits tightly.
3. Fill the Water Pan: The water pan, which is placed right over the burner, is supposed to contain hot water. This water serves to cushion the burner against the food against over heating and to make the food evenly heated.
4. Light the Burner: With liquid or gel fuel burners, the wick should be lit with a long lighter. In case of solid fuel, one should use a match or a lighter to light up the fuel. This is because the manufacturer has a set of instructions that should be adhered to at all times to prevent accidents.
Safe and Efficient Chafing Use Burner
The primary consideration when using chafing dish burner is safety. The following are some of the tips to achieve safety and efficiency:
- Not to touch the Burner: Chafing dish burners can become hot. Always remember not to touch the burner once it has been lit. Wear correct utensils and safety gloves provided there is a need.
- Watch the Flame: The flame must be steady. In case you observe that the flame is quite excessive, then you can turn the burner down so that the food does not become overheated. In case of any extinguishment, restart it with a long lighter.
- Refuel with Care: There must be no shortage of fuel in the burner at any time. During the refueling process, the burner should be switched off and allowed to cool down before refueling. Pouring fuel over an open flame is not advisable.
- Cover the Burner: Once the event has ended make sure to put out the burner and cover it to ensure that no accidental fires. Make sure the burner is cooled down before touching it.
Why Proper Burner Usage is Essential for Food Quality
Maintaining the right temperature of food is extremely important both in quality and safety. The chafing dish burner helps in keeping the food warm but not too hot and dried. In case of excessively low temperature, food may get cold and unpleasant. Overheating, on the other hand, may result in the loss of flavor and texture in the food.
When using chafing dish burner, it is important to be careful so that the food is not spoiled because it does not exceed the permitted temperature of 140degF to 165degF (60degC to 74degC). This is particularly true with products such as meats, sea food and dairy which can easily go bad unless stored at the appropriate temperature.
Conclusion
Chafing dish burner is a necessary component of successful event catering. Using the correct type of burner, installing it properly, and using safety measures, you will be able to keep your food warm, safe, and even delicious during the occasion. Catering to a small group or a big banquet, having the idea of using a chafing dish burner will make it a better event you cater to and make your guests enjoy it better.
