- Chafing dishes: Metal containers with a water pan and fuel burner to keep food warm. Ideal for hot dishes like entrees, sides, and sauces. - Steam table: A large, heated table with compartments to hold different dishes at controlled temperatures. Suitable for displaying a wide variety of items.
Serving Trays and Platters:
- Tiered trays: Multi-level trays that allow for vertical display of food items, saving space and providing easy access. - Oval and rectangular platters: Available in various sizes and materials, used to present cold dishes like salads, fruits, and desserts.
Serving Bowls and Dishes:
- Punch bowls: Large bowls for serving beverages, juices, or cocktails. - Soup tureens: Covered dishes for serving hot soups or stews. - Vegetable bowls: Shallow, wide bowls suitable for displaying sliced vegetables, fruits, and other cold items. - Sauce bowls: Small bowls for dipping sauces or condiments.
Utensils and Dispensers:
- Serving spoons and forks: Long-handled utensils for scooping and serving food. - Ladles: Conical-shaped spoons for dispensing soups, sauces, and gravy. - Tongs: Used for picking up and arranging delicate items or preventing contamination. - Salt and pepper shakers: For seasoning dishes. - Condiment dispensers: For serving dressings, sauces, and other condiments.
Other Equipment:
- Serving cart: A mobile platform with shelves or compartments for transporting and displaying food items. - Ice carving station: For creating decorative ice sculptures or ice displays. - Beverage fountain: For dispensing chilled beverages like soda, juice, or beer. - Crockpots: Electric cooking appliances used to keep food warm over an extended period. - Popcorn machine: For serving freshly popped popcorn.