Sterno Water Pan: Size Matters

When setting up a buffet, chafing dishes are a great way to keep food warm. Chafing dishes, also known as steam pans, are large serving dishes that use a heat source to maintain food at the proper serving temperature. The most common type consists of a large aluminium water pan and one or two smaller aluminium food pans. The water in the pan conducts heat to keep the food warm.

Water pans are sized to fit the wire racks, which are usually full-sized. For a home buffet table, aluminium rectangular food pans typically come in three sizes: full size (20 x 12 inches), half size (10 x 12 inches), and one-third size (12 x 6 inches).

Sterno, a type of fuel made from denatured alcohol, water, and gel, is a popular heat source for chafing dishes. It is safe to use and comes in small cans that are widely available at hardware and party supply stores. A full-sized water pan may require two Sterno cans placed at opposite ends, especially for denser foods.

Characteristics and Values Table for Sterno Water Pan

A full-size water pan measures roughly 12 x 20 inches

When setting up a buffet, it's essential to consider the amount of food you'll be serving and choose a water pan size that can accommodate it. A full-size water pan offers a generous space for cooking and serving large quantities of food.

The Sterno Party Pack Buffet Kit, for example, includes a full-size water pan measuring 12 x 20 inches. This kit provides a complete serving solution, including wire racks, food pans, canned heat, serving utensils, and, of course, the water pan.

To use a full-size water pan effectively, follow these steps:

• Set up the wire racks and place the fuel cans into the designated slots.
• Place the water pan into the rack and fill it with water to a depth of approximately one inch.
• Light the canned heat or sterno fuel before placing the food pans above the water pan.
• Ensure the food is fully cooked and prepared before placing it in the pan.
• Maintain the water level in the pan by checking it periodically and refilling as needed.

By following these steps and using a full-size water pan, you can efficiently serve and maintain the temperature of large batches of food for your guests.

A two-thirds water pan measures roughly 12 x 131⁄3 inches

When setting up a buffet, a chafing dish is a great way to keep food warm. Chafing dishes, sometimes called steam pans, are large serving dishes that use a heat source to maintain food at a safe temperature. The heat source is usually a small can of Sterno fuel, placed underneath the water pan.

The water in the pan is heated by the Sterno fuel, and this conducts heat to maintain the food's temperature. It's important to remember that chafing dishes cannot be used to bring foods up to serving temperature. Food must first be heated to the correct temperature before being placed in the pan. The water pan should be filled with hot water to a level that is close to, but not touching, the food pan.

Sterno fuel is a safe and convenient way to keep food warm, and each 8-oz can will burn for around 2 to 2.5 hours. It's important to note that you should never leave an open flame unattended and always follow safety instructions when using Sterno fuel.

With the right-size water pan and proper setup, your buffet will look professional, appetizing, and attractive, giving you more time to mix and mingle with your guests!

A half-size water pan measures roughly 12 x 10 inches

When setting up a buffet, chafing dishes are a great way to keep food warm. Chafing dishes, also known as steam pans, are large serving dishes that use a heat source to maintain food at a suitable serving temperature. A half-size water pan measures roughly 12 x 10 inches, and it is placed on a wire or chrome rack. The rack can hold one, two, or three food pans, depending on their size.

The water pan is filled with hot water to a level that is close to, but not touching, the food pan. The heat source, such as Sterno, is then placed under the water pan and lit. The resulting steam will keep the food warm. It is important to note that chafing dishes cannot be used to bring food up to serving temperature; the food must already be at the correct temperature before being placed in the pan.

Sterno fuel is a safe formulation of denatured alcohol, water, and gel. It comes in small cans and can be purchased from hardware stores and party supply stores. An 8-ounce can of Sterno fuel will burn for about 2 to 2.5 hours.

To use Sterno fuel with a chafing dish, first set up the wire racks and place the fuel cans into the holders. Then, place the water pan into the rack and fill it with water to a depth of 1 inch. Finally, light the canned heat before placing the food pans above the water pan.

A third-size water pan measures roughly 12 x 62⁄3 inches

When setting up a buffet, chafing dishes are a great way to keep food warm. Chafing dishes, also known as steam pans, are large serving dishes that use a heat source to maintain food at the proper serving temperature. The heat source is usually a small can of Sterno fuel placed underneath the water pan.

When using a chafing dish, it is important to remember that the food must first be brought to the proper temperature before adding it to the pan. The water pan is placed in the wire rack and filled with hot water, ensuring the water level is close to but not touching the food pan. The Sterno fuel is then lit and placed under the water pan, and the resulting steam will maintain the food's temperature.

Sterno fuel is a safe and convenient way to keep food warm, making it a popular choice for buffets and catering. It is a formulation of denatured alcohol, water, and gel, and it burns for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours per can.

A quarter-size water pan measures 6 x 10 inches

A quarter-size water pan is a standard food pan size, measuring 6 x 10 inches. This is a common size for holding side dishes and salad toppings. It's worth noting that a quarter-size pan is not the largest size available, and there are several larger options. For example, a full-size pan measures roughly 12 x 20 inches and is often used for cooking large batches and serving popular items.

When using a quarter-size water pan, or any size pan, it's important to follow the correct set-up procedure. For instance, when using the Sterno Party Pack Buffet Kit, which includes a water pan, the manufacturer recommends setting up the wire racks first and placing the fuel cans into the slots. The water pan should then be placed into the rack and filled with water to a depth of 1 inch. The canned heat can then be lit before placing the food pans above the water pan.

Sterno's full line of catering tools offers a range of products to suit different needs, including chafers, wire racks, chafing fuel, canned heat, insulated food carriers, butane stoves, and innovative products like their S'mores makers. Their products are designed to make entertaining easier and provide safe alternatives to electric food warmers.

In summary, a quarter-size water pan is a standard option for holding side dishes and salad toppings, measuring 6 x 10 inches. When using a water pan of this size, or any size, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper set-up and usage. Sterno offers a range of catering tools and products to meet various entertaining needs.

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