Among the wide variety of dishes that are used at home and in public catering establishments, food warmers take an honorable place. Also, this type of dishes is also called chafindishi or marmitnitsy. What is food warmer? Many do not know this. From French, this word means "bowler hat." In such a container, semi-finished products, products, ready meals and drinks are stored in a hot state. The use of this type of tableware is appropriate at social receptions, receptions and even home holiday dinners.
Cookware Benefits
Everyone knows the situation when the table is set, but urgent matters appear. When all the problems are resolved, you find that the dishes have cooled down. Here, food warmers are intended for such situations. They guarantee the preservation of the temperature of the cooked food for 2-3 hours.
Pluses of food warmers:
- Variety of shapes.
- Autonomy of work.
- Attractive design.
- Indescribable atmosphere of dinner.
- Simple care.
The principle of operation of the food warmer
What is food warmer? It consists of a container or pan, which is placed on a special stand and a heating element under it. Marmit works in the same way as an aroma lamp or fondue. Due to the burning of a burner or a candle located below, the upper tank is heated. Sometimes several heating devices are used.
Stainless steel containers are especially popular. The scope of this dish is wide. It is purchased for cottages, at home, restaurants and cafes, dumplings, etc.
Thanks to the electric food warmer, home-cooked meals will always be warm and hot. Such dishes are chosen by practitioners. Indeed, thanks to a constant power source, the required temperature of the dishes is maintained for a long time. Adjustable thermostat allows you to set the temperature from +30 0 . Today on the market are models both desktop and floor. Thus, the owners of cafes and restaurants can significantly increase the profitability of the institution and not worry about cold dishes from their guests.
Types of dishes
Distinguish food warmers in form, material and purpose.
In the form of food warmers can be:
- Oval.
- Rectangular.
- Round.
- Square.
Some food warmers can include at the same time up to 3 dishes thanks to the located separate containers inside.
According to the purpose, food warmers are distinguished for:
- First courses (tureens).
- Second courses.
- Drinks.
- Sauces.
- Catering.
For soups there are special food warmers-tureens, which have a special shape with a thin bottom. In food warmers, often prepared coffee or tea is served. Unlike samovars, this dish is not designed to boil liquids, because the temperature is insufficient. Food warmers for sauces are small in comparison with the dishes for the first courses. Due to the minimal area of the dishes, only one candle can heat the contents.
Also, food warmers with a sealed lid for catering are also allocated. They have the same operating principle as a double-walled thermos. The main purpose is to maintain the temperature of the contents.
Materials
For the manufacture of table warmers with heating use the following materials:
- Stainless steel.
- Aluminum.
- Pottery.
- Glass.
- China.
- Granite.
- Marble.
- Silver.
The food warmer is most often made of metal rods.
For heating use a variety of heating elements from candles to burners with special fuel. Their principle of action is also different. Sometimes they heat water containers on the principle of a water bath. Steam heats the container with the contents. If air, rather than liquid, is heated in a table warmer with heating, then over time the second dish may burn or dry out.
Cap
An important element in the design of the table warmer with heating is the lid. Use these types of covers:
- Rolling back.
- Reclining.
- Removable.
The first two options are more convenient. After all, a classic removable lid with a handle in the center must be put somewhere when you want to pour something on your plate. And this procedure can be a little confusing for the guest. But such models are characterized by lower cost.
When choosing a model with a sliding or hinged lid, you should choose the one with an opening angle of 180 0 . Caring for her will be much easier.
Heated table warmer is convenient in that it helps women save time on heating dishes. The actual use of this tableware at celebrations with a large number of guests, which lasts more than 2 hours. For family use, it is better to choose ceramic food warmers of small volume - from 2 to 4 liters. It is better to choose models with handles, for convenient movement of dishes.
The optimum temperature for serving first courses is 75 degrees, side dishes and second courses are 65 degrees.
Candle warmers
Heated dishes from a candle will not only allow you to enjoy warm food, but also create an amazing atmosphere of home comfort. Candlelight dinner, complemented by ceramic food warmers, will leave an unforgettable impression.
Especially popular food warmers with a stand for candles are for receptions and lunches in open areas. The advantage is independence from the source of electricity. Therefore, the use of this type of dishes is possible anywhere.
Conclusion
Food warmers - the ware which is used both in restaurants and cafe, and at home. It is convenient and fast. For home use, it is better to purchase small models that require a minimum of heat sources. But for restaurants and cafes, you should think about acquiring exquisite large models that will become indispensable during receptions.