Best Warming Tray Reviews 2018

You should have a warming tray that’s not only beautiful but functional, and that gives you the best value. That’s why we conducted thorough research and came back with a short list for your convenience. Our list contains five top warming trays brands from which we have chosen one product to feature in our review. Have no qualms about checking out and possibly making a purchase of other warming trays from these brands, we endeavor to present only brands that are tested and reputable.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Type

Size

Heat Control

Power

Material

Our Top Choice

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Warming Tray

Cuisinart makes innovative culinary appliances. Its contribution to culinary education, creative designs, reasonable prices and excellent customer service all make it an unbeatable choice for consumers.

Capacity for several dishes. 400 watts of power. Gets to 200°F and remains at that temperature. Temperature control knob. Easy-to-hold handles that remain cool to touch.

It gets so hot that it can burn some plastic products.

Home use

Single 294 square inch surface

Temperature control knob

400 watts

Stainless steel

Best Value

Oster Warming Tray Buffet Server

Oster opened in 1924 and has built a reputation for great products. It stands by its brand promise of versatility, performance and durability with products that ensure satisfaction.

Three clear lids. Made of durable stainless steel. Versatile. Power indicator light. Temperature control button. Handles that remain cool to touch.

It doesn’t have an ON/OFF button.

Home use

20 x 13” surface; 3 partitions

Head control dial

300 watts

Stainless steel

Broil King Stainless Warming Tray

Broil King offers products that have the same quality as those used by professional chefs. It’s committed to bringing you quality, value, affordability, and excellent customer service.

Control knob. Beautiful handles that remain cool to touch. Non-slip feet. Three-point power cord set. 120 Volts - 300 Watts - 2.5 Amps. Two-year limited warranty. UL Listed.

The power cord is not very long.

Professional use

Single 20.5 x 14” warming surface

Adjustable thermostat

300 watts

Stainless steel

NutriChef Electronic Warming Tray

NutriChef, one of the top manufacturers of culinary ware, aims to enhance its customers' cooking experience. Its products are uncomplicated yet highly functional, and appeal to all types of cooks.

Adaptable to any container that conducts heat. Anti-stain and easy to clean. Highly efficient heating component. Low energy consumption. Handles that stay cool to touch.

Doesn’t have a temperature regulator knob.

Home use

Single 14.5 x 8.6”non-stick surface

On/off control

100-200 watts

Stainless steel/glass

Chefman Electric Warming Tray

Chefman adds value to its customers' lives by providing kitchen utensils that make cooking more efficient.

Safety fuse. Made in USA. Polished stainless steel. Aluminum handles that stay cool. Black tempered glass heating surface. Tested and certified.

It doesn’t have an ON/OFF switch or temperature control button.

Home use

Single 21 x 16”non-stick surface

No on/off or temp control

450 watts

Stainless steel/aluminum/glass

(Updated October 6, 2017)

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Watch Our Warming Tray Review

How Do I Choose the Best Warming Tray?

Entertaining can be a lot of fun or a lot of stress! Your experience is partly determined by the type and quality of kitchen appliances you use. Some recipes require certain types of cookware to achieve the best result; others require certain oven temperatures or cooktop heat. If you don’t use the right tools or follow the recipe instructions, you’ll end up with an undesirable result.

Let’s assume that you’ve done everything right (as per food prep), and it’s now time to lay out the scrumptious meal. How do you ensure that the food remains at the right temperature through the event? What happens if guests don’t arrive on time? Food served at the wrong temperature can make rubbish despite all the time, effort, and skill put into the preparation.

The simple solution to this dilemma is a warming tray, or buffet server, as some of them are called. Prepare your food without undue haste, arrange it in dishes, and place it on your warming tray. This ensures that you are not overly bothered if some guests arrive late. You'll also be able to enjoy time with your guests without having to run back and forth to the kitchen between courses.

If you are a professional chef or caterer, you need to serve the drinks at the right temperature (preferably from beautifully designed ice buckets) and your food piping hot, with hors d'oeuvres toasty warm throughout the event. This lends an air of efficiency and seriousness to you and your crew. Or imagine that you're hosting your in-laws at your first family get- together. You’ll make a great first impression with a beautiful presentation of food and drinks.

Whether you are a home cook or a professional chef, a warming tray is a must-have for anyone who cooks for guests or family. So let’s show you the things you need to know in order to pick the best tray for you.

Price

Warming trays come in a wide range of prices, from around $50 to $150. A number of factors affect the price of a product, including the material, design, size, extra features, and brand.

Warming trays with heating surfaces made of tempered glass or polished metal are usually more expensive than others. This is because they are usually, non-stick, anti-stain and easy to clean. They are also more durable than other types. Some extra features such as power indicator lights, temperature control buttons and safety fuses contribute to making these trays costlier than those without these items. There are warming trays that have celebrity endorsement or have been featured prominently in TV shows and programs, which bumps the price up even more compared to less well-known brands.

The products we listed in the price range above are of good quality and will serve you well. The brands we’ve featured have good reputations for putting out functional and durable products. Please, don’t be tempted to consider cheap warming trays. You may end up with a product that doesn’t have the right safety testing or certification, and that wouldn’t give you value for your money.

Features

When purchasing a warming tray, there are many things you need to consider before making a choice. The features of the warming tray must offer you the desired result and satisfaction. There are different types of warming trays available on the market today, and all of them come with various features. However, there are some features that shouldn’t be compromised on, such as:

Material – Look for top-quality material: stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
Type – There are different types of warming trays that are suitable for different settings.
Size – The capacity and the quantity of food it can hold at the same time.
Design – The aesthetics and the space it will occupy.
Power – The wattage/voltage of the heating element.

Stay with us as we further explore the benefits of these features that we have listed above.

Construction and Design

Material

The design and material of a warming tray are essential features to consider when looking to make a purchase. Since these trays are meant not only to keep your food hot, but also to be used to display and serve the food, they are attractively designed. They are made with plastic or stainless steel, with heating surfaces of tempered glass or polished metal. Be sure any warming tray you are considering can safely be placed on any surface without causing damage.

Design Features

It is also essential for the tray to have handles that remain cool, so that it is safe and convenient for you to transport it from one room to the other without waiting for the tray to cool down.

You won’t want the tray to be sliding around the table or countertop. Look for a tray with non-slip feet. This will help the tray remain firmly where you placed it and your food is safe.

Temperature Control

Some trays come with ON/OFF switches and buttons for temperature control, while others just come on once you plug them into power. The advantage of the ones with temperature control buttons is that you are able to set the tray to the temperature you desire. Some foods are required to remain at certain temperatures; a button will help you set the right temperature. Indicator lights are also good features that let you know when the tray is heated or has reached the desired temperature.

Performance and Ease of Use

Size and Dimensions

Warming trays come in different sizes, types and dimensions. There are some that are more suited for family use, while others are suited for professional use or for folks who do a lot of entertaining. Consider the reason why you are purchasing one before making a choice. If it is just for home use, all you need is a small-sized warming tray that can contain a maximum of three dishes. You should also consider one with a compact design that you can leave on your kitchen countertop without it taking up too much space.

For caterers or people that do a lot of entertaining, your best options are the ones referred to as buffet servers. These come with chafing dishes or pans, and they can also be used as stand-alone warming trays. With these models, you eliminate the hassle in setting up your buffet table. Various dishes can be displayed beautifully and served conveniently when needed. In choosing these models, look for ones that have lids with ergonomic handles. These are easy to uncover, serve, and close.

Power Consumption

Another thing to consider is the issue of power consumption. There are many warming trays that combine high-efficiency heating elements with low power consumption. This would help you reduce your energy bill, especially if you use the tray often. If you want a tray that heats up quickly, look for one with high wattage/voltage.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Most warming trays are easy to clean. Some have dishwasher safe pans with covers that should be washed by hand. Trays with heating surfaces of tempered glass or polished metal are usually easy to clean. Just wipe them down with a damp and smooth washcloth or dishrag.

What is the Best Warming Tray?

No single brand or model can be described as the best warming tray, because there are many products with great features that may not appeal to the end user. It is the users that determine which warming tray is the best for them, and which features appeal to them. As you read, note the features discussed to help you know what works best for you. This will enable you to make the best choice.

Our Top Choice

The Cuisnart CWT-100 Warming Tray is made with beautiful brushed stainless steel that’s easy to clean and provides an elegant means of serving your guests hot food. It adds a touch of class to your buffet table. If you’d prefer a chafing dish, we recommend the Cuisinart Classic Entertaining Collection Buffet Server.

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Warming Tray with Cool Touch Handles

Cuisinart Warming Tray CWT-100

Features

Cuisinart's goal is to help consumers enjoy the good life with its signature products, which are revolutionary culinary appliances. It has been under the management of Conair Corporation since 1989, and continues to keep its legacy of quality products alive. It has received prestigious awards for many of its products, and also for its contribution to culinary education. It has developed many online and offline resources that help both professionals and amateurs improve their culinary skills. Cuisinart provides culinary tools and products, and endeavors to help its customers learn how to get the best out of those products. With its online resources such as “My Pantry” and KitchenSync app, customers can get recipes, tutorials and culinary instructions.

Nothing ruins a good party or get together than cold or dried-out food. The Cuisnart CWT-100 Warming Tray provides a stylish solution to the dilemma of how to present and serve your guests with piping hot and fresh food. It’s made from brushed stainless steel that’s easy to clean, and it adds professionalism to your table. This practical and elegant accessory is an essential addition to any kitchen. Its great features include the following:

Large enough for at least three dishes- You don’t need to keep going back to your kitchen to serve the different courses. Just lay out your spread on this warming tray and you’re good to go!
400 watts of power - The wattage enables it to heat up fast, so there’s no need for you to preheat it for hours before the start of your event
Gets to 200°F and remains at that temperature – This helps keep food hot and fresh for as long as you require without drying it out
Control knob for temperature – The control knob allows you to set the tray to keep your food at the desired temperature
Handles are easy to grip and remain cool to touch even as food remains hot - Helps avoid accidents and burns if you need to move it or if someone holds the handles

If this doesn’t appeal to you, Cuisinart has another warming tray that you can look at.

Best Value

The Oster Warming Tray Buffet Server has three two-and-a-half quart chafing pans that keep three separate dishes warm at the same time. You can use it to serve any kind of meal. If you are looking for something slightly different at a lower cost, consider the Oster DuraCeramic Griddle with Warming Tray.

Oster Large Triple Warming Tray Buffet Server

Oster Warming Tray CKSTBSTW00

Features

Oster opened in 1924 as a manufacturer and marketer of hair clippers. It has since grown and diversified until it became a household name as a manufacturer of small household electrical appliances. It is now one of the leading brands in the culinary industry, with a wide variety of blenders and other kitchen appliances that unlock creativity in cooks and enable them to turn their meals into art. With Oster, you are sure of getting products that will enhance your culinary experience.

The Oster Warming Tray is ideal for people who entertain a lot. It has three two-and-a-half quart chafing pans that can keep three separate dishes warm at once. This saves you the hassle in keeping food hot and presenting the meals on your buffet table. This is a simple yet elegant and versatile accessory for entertaining, something both homemakers and caterers alike should have.

There’s more to this useful tray, and some of these other features include:

Three arc-shaped clear lids– To hold in the heat and keep the food moist. The indentions on the lids make them easy to hold when covering or uncovering the dishes
Made of durable stainless steel – This ensures that it doesn’t rust and will last for a long time
Versatile – The heating surface is twenty by thirteen inches and can also work as a warming tray without the buffet pans. You can put any dishes of your choice on it
Power indicator light – This stays on as long as you’re using the warming tray, to let you know the tray is still connected to power and still hot
Temperature control button – Allows you to set the temperature to either low, medium or high
Easy to clean – The buffet pans are dishwasher safe and can also be washed by hand
Easy-to-grip handles that remain cool to touch – The handles on both sides are easy to hold and stay cool even when the tray is hot

If this one doesn’t meet your requirements, check out the other warming trays by Oster.

Give your buffet table an elegant look and solve the dilemma of keeping meals hot with the Broil King Stainless Warming Tray. It has a temperature control knob and a heating surface that’s made of either porcelain or stainless steel. If you’d prefer a chafing dish, get the Broil King Professional Stainless-Steel Triple Buffet Server with Plastic Lids.

Broil King Professional 300-Watt Stainless Warming Tray

Broil King Warming Tray NWT-1S

Features

Broil King, also known as BKmfg, is an ancillary of Cadco Ltd, which is a popular manufacturer and distributor of top equipment for the food service industry. Broil King was acquired by Cadco in 1999, and since then, it has improved its whole product collection to meet the changing market trends and demands of home or amateur chefs. Many of its products are manufactured with premium grade materials like those that are used in professional kitchens. Its goal is to give you products that have the same quality as those used by professional chefs. It is proud to be identified as a culinary utensils manufacturer that still makes its products in America.

The Broil King Stainless Warming Tray has a heating surface made of stainless steel or porcelain. The quality of the material makes it easy for you to clean and prolongs its lifespan. This simple yet functional accessory gives your buffet table an elegant look, and it's great for keeping meals hot and serving your guests food at the right temperature. It comes with many more wonderful features, such as:

Control Knob – Allows you to control the heat and temperature between 155 and 200°F; this keeps the food at the desired temperature
Beautiful, Cool Handles – The handles are beautifully made and remain cool to the touch even as the food stays hot
Non-slip Feet – The feet are designed to be skid-resistant so that they don’t slip around on the table
Three-point Power Cord Set – This makes it easy to use with most power outlets
120 Volts - 300 Watts - 2.5 Amps – Heats up fast and remains hot
Two-year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty – Protects you from manufacturer’s defects and also assures you that the manufacturer has confidence in its product
UL Listed - This means that it has a level of safety certification

In case this is not what you are looking for, see Broil King's other warming trays.

The NutriChef Electronic Warming Tray is made with stainless steel and tempered glass that’s heat-resistant and doesn’t stick. It enables you to conveniently serve your guests meals that are at the right temperature. If you're looking for a warming tray that’s less expensive or would like different features, try the NutriChef 3 Tray Buffet Server & Hot Plate Food Warmer.

NutriChef Electronic Warming Tray Food Warmer - Available in 3 Sizes

NutriChef Warming Tray PKWTR15 - 14.5" x 8.6"

Features

NutriChef is a renowned manufacturer of cutlery and cookware. Its products are among the finest in the culinary ware industry globally. It has products that appeal to cooks of every level of expertise. NutriChef helps remove the stress from meal preparation, showing people how to prepare healthier and tastier meals and hosting friends and families without hassles. Its products are uncomplicated, yet highly functional. You can purchase your kitchenware with posterity in mind, and its warranty ensures that you are protected against production/manufacturing defects.

The NutriChef Electronic Warming Tray lets you serve your guests meals that are at the right temperature. You don’t have to face the embarrassment of having your food go cold before you’re ready to serve guests. You can use it to set out food on your buffet table. Just place any heat-resistant cookware or dinnerware on it, and your food service is covered. It’s made with stainless steel and tempered glass that won't stick. This nifty culinary accessory has many other wonderful qualities, such as:

Adaptable to any container that conducts heat – You can use it with baking pans/sheets, casserole/pyrex dishes, or any other heat-resistant container
Non-stick, anti-stain and easy to clean – This makes it easy to clean, and because you don’t have to scrape the surface, it lasts longer
Efficient heating component with tempered glass surface – Heats up quickly and doesn’t require that you put it on for long before you use it
Designed to save space –The slim design allows it to fit into small spaces. You can safely place it on your counter or tabletop without damaging your furniture
Low energy consumption – Saves power
ON/OFF indicator Switch – The LED indicator shows when it’s on and off. This is useful because sometimes you may not feel the heat, but the light lets you know that it’s on
Handles that are cool to touch – The handles remain cool even as the warming tray heats up

If you want a different warming tray, browse NutriChef's selection of other warming trays.

The Chefman Electric Warming Tray is made of polished steel. It’s big enough for a number of dishes, and has a safety fuse that doesn’t allow it to overheat; this keeps your food warm all day. Are you looking for a crockpot or slow cooker? Look no further! Order the Chefman Slow Cooker.

Chefman Electric Warming Tray/Trivet - Available in 2 Models

Chefman Warming Tray RJ22 - Black

Features

Chefman knows its products are special because of the combination of high standards, innovative yet functional designs, and out-of-the-box styles. It stays on the cutting edge of the culinary ware industry to come up with products that have novel features, bold designs and unbelievably affordable prices. Chefman listens to customers while following the market trends, to give people satisfaction with every one of its products.

Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or a casual get-together, serving food at the right temperature is highly important. The Chefman Electric Warming Tray has the capacity to hold a number of dishes and allows you to set out your food in style. No more heading back to your kitchen for every course or platter. This uncomplicated tray is a must-have for anyone who does a lot of entertaining. Even if you don’t, it still comes in handy for those occasional holiday dinners and parties.

This tray has great features, and we have listed some of them below:

Safety Fuse – Stops the tray from overheating. This ensures that the food doesn’t dry out but remains warm as long as your event lasts
Top Quality – Heats up as well as the brands made in Israel, but is manufactured according to U.S. quality standards
Beautifully Designed – It made with polished stainless steel that’s of good quality and looks elegant
Aluminum Handles – These handles are designed to remain cool to the touch even when the warming tray heats up, so it can be safely carried or moved even before it cools down
Glass Heating Surface – The black tempered glass not only adds to the tray's elegance, but also makes it easy to clean
Tested and Certified – It is tested by both SGS and ETL and certified to UL standards

If you want to check out other options before making a choice, Chefman has other warming trays for your perusal.

Get the Best Warming Tray of 2018!

Thank you for taking the time to read to the end of this review. Now you have gleaned enough knowledge about warming trays. Don’t hesitate to employ that knowledge in choosing from the wonderful products we have presented to you.

Our Top Choice

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Warming Tray

Best Value

Oster Warming Tray Buffet Server

Broil King Stainless Warming Tray

NutriChef Electronic Warming Tray

Chefman Electric Warming Tray