You don't want to see your delicious food cool before serving it to guests. You are not in the habit of having lunch or dinner served cold. Using a warming tray is the way to go about this.
The warming tray keeps food warm, fresh, and ready to eat. This is an ideal appliance to use at some events when you don't have time to warm up the dishes before serving them. Besides reheating food, there are many other benefits that a warming tray provides.
1. What is a warming tray?
A warming tray is a device used to heat food before it is served. It works by using hot air to heat cold food. All heating is controlled by a thermostat that turns off when the temperature reaches the desired level.
2. Benefits of the warming tray
Keep food warm and fresh
In crowded parties, the biggest concern is keeping food warm and fresh.
Serving food in warming trays is a great way to present and keep your food fresh and warm. The large rectangular aluminum pan is filled with water and another 2 or 3 pans are small enough to fit in the larger ones, the large pan will hold the food inside the smaller pans.
The heat source comes from small gel candles and some of them are electrically operated. To keep the heat inside the warming trays and keep your favorite dishes fresh for longer.
Save time reheating food
It can last more than 6 hours of continuous heating. Depending on the setting, adjust and control the temperature to prevent the food from burning.
It's very simple and hygienic to use
Cleaning is how bacteria are destroyed by the heating process and this ensures your better health.
It is very easy to install and operate, as today there are many types of warming trays.
Help the dough rise
However, you need to cover the dough with a dry towel. Next, place your dough bowl in the drawer, and let the dough rest for 40 minutes. To make sure the dough is ready is to see if it doubles in size and if there are slight indentations on the surface of the dough when lightly poked with your fingers.
Prevents the ingredients from getting cold
Surely you don't have time to prepare parties to go with someone new. For example, to keep chickpeas and mashed potatoes warm while finishing the creamy garlic sauce, leave your finished dishes in the warming compartment.
Provide suitable conditions with "Wet" and "Dry" Settings
3. How to heat the warming tray?
This is a great way to keep food warm without having to use an oven. The tray will heat up to a temperature of up to 350 degrees F. It will be able keep food warm for a long time. This tray is also great for cooking items like eggs and bacon.
Things you know before buying a warming tray
4. Types of the warming tray
- Electric: an electric warming tray is the most popular option for individual household use. Many manufacturers guarantee a form of temperature control as well as safety features to keep it from accidentally catching fire.
Otherwise, it comes in wireless or plug-in versions. The plug-in model has the advantage of consistency, but if you don't have an easily accessible outlet or if you're hosting an outdoor meeting, you might prefer a wireless tray.
- No electricity: some professional catering companies often use a set of hoppers placed on a stand and with a burner underneath. It keeps food warm for longer and distributes heat evenly, and can be used indoors or outdoors without an electrical outlet.
But can pose a fire hazard if not used properly.
5. Size and convenience of the warming tray
You can choose the types of warming trays you may need, the size you have available at home is very important. In addition to the heat source, good reheating trays often include arrangement trays, allowing for heating many different dishes at once on the same plate.
Capacity
Consider the internal capacity of the warmer. Depending on the need to warm up, you can decide to choose the right capacity you want.
Several types of compartments keep warm when it comes to height, depth, and width. Height ranges from 14cm to 29cm. Buy a warming tray, keeping in mind the size of the dishes you usually use for cooking.
Temperature range
Usually, the warming tray has a temperature of 30⁰ to 80⁰ more, some warming drawers have low-temperature options to soften the dough. Plus, the warming drawer with temperature options keeps food hot and fresh.
Humidity range
Many warming trays have different humidity level options. Moreover, they allow for keeping the food moist or crispy. The higher the humidity, the more moist the food will be.
Material
Stainless steel material is the most commonly used in electric warming trays. It is considered durable and rust-resistant. The rest of the materials like aluminum are used in this kitchen appliance, if you wanna choose the material for the warming tray pick one made of stainless steel.
6. How to use a warming tray?
- Place the kettle on a flat surface, making sure that the tray does not wobble and is fixed on the flat surface.
- Plug the warming tray into the power source and turn it on by turning the knob. If the red light is on, it indicates that the warming tray is working.
- The warming tray stays on and the light turns off automatically when the desired temperature is reached.
- Place prepared food on a plate or bowl on the warming tray and adjust the temperature to the desired temperature, depending on the indicator light turns ON and OFF while maintaining the correct temperature.
- Always make sure the Reheating Tray is not turned on for more than 6-8 hours at a time.
- Preheat the reheating tray for 10 minutes
- Make sure the food on the warming tray is pre-cooked or already hot as the appliance only reheats from cold or frozen food. Instead, to keep food already hot or warm.
- When finished using the warming tray, unplug it from the power source and let it cool for about 90 minutes before storing.
- Especially make sure the panels or cushions on the door are secure
- Do not use plastic or melanin on the culture plate.
7. How to clean a warming tray?
- Do not use any surface cleaners or abrasive pads.
- Add some soapy water and a soft damp cloth.
- Make sure not to let water spill or seep into the frame
- For polishing, use a non-abrasive glass cleaner. Food residue on the warming tray can be cleaned with a soft sponge. Wash and dry.
- Do not immerse the base of the warming tray in water or allow the heating elements to come into contact with water.
- Use caution and make sure the appliance is unplugged from the power source and cooled completely before cleaning or storing.
- Store the tray in a dry and cool place.
- Do not place heavy objects on the warming tray.
Conclusion
Besides the great benefits that we have discussed in this article, you should also better understand the specific features that make any warming tray good to use.
Choose warming trays that have the perfect size, material, temperature control, and cool-touch handles, and are easier to operate or use. The provided warming tray is easy to use and perfect for use at events, and parties.
