Just about everyone that I have talked to has seen or been to a function that uses those sterno cans of portable heat. But, most of them don't really know what they cost or how they are to use. I was willing to pay $60.00 for this one unit but wound up only paying $20.00 at Meijer's. I had to bite on the hook after I found this at Meijer’s and since we love to entertain you can do this for only $20.00 out the door. This included the taxes for this unit. In my book, that is a real deal, to be able to get a top of the line unit for less than $30.00 was a deal. If you have any questions about this unit, the customer service is excellent to talk to and we were satisfied with the ways things were going on with this portable buffet warmer.
Description
This will hold a total capacity of 3 separate 2.5 quart buffet pans with clear plastic lids. It has a two in one warming system, that comes apart when you are done and need to throw it in the dishwasher to be cleaned. There is a total of three pieces that go into the making of this unit. All of which are made of stainless steel and the bottom unit has a short power cord to prevent any shortages. This has no storage pans have no exterior lighting. What this does come with is a AC/DC plug and is ideal for anyone on the go. This will also plug into the a regular household outlet for those road trips that you need to take food to your families houses.
This unit has three clear plastic lids that are not air tight, the three pans that come with this unit will sit into a buffet chafing pan holder, this unit also has a power indicator light and a temperature dial. This temperature dial will start at 140° F (min) - 185° F (max). It is very important that you know the outside dimensions of this buffet warmer, the width is 25.5" (side to side) x 14.25” (deep) x 6" (high), and if you are wondering what the weight of this unit is, well it weighs a measly 9 pounds. This will plug into any household outlet and there are side handles to help with the transporting of this unit. The unit has consumption is 300 watts, and 60 Hz, and 120 volts. On the right rear corner of this unit there is a power that is approximately 3' long. This also has a LED power light to let you know that it has power going to it.
Experience
There is only two basic functions that you will be able to do with this unit and that is warm or very warm. We love the fact that we do not have to open any door to see what is inside compartment. We have had this for a little while now and take it where ever we need to keep something warm. Right now it is in my kitchen keeping food warm for our function later tonight. This by no means will replace the regular oven, but it does help us out while we are so busy that we cannot watch everything.
The nice option about this is that this has a nice brushed stainless steel finish and wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. The runs very quietly and does not use a lot of electricity to keep it plugged in at all times. This is an electrical appliance so all the more reason that you do not let the kids mess with this. They may accidentally want to try and submerse it in some water to clean it but that will cause the unit to short the next time that you want to use it. The inside of each of the pans are also stainless steel so you can't stick them in the microwave. Probably the most important thing that you should know about this unit, is that when you are ready to switch from the warm to the very warm feature, you need to let this unit to sit for ten minutes or so to notice any difference. You will know that the power is on by the LED light will be lit up for the warming use.
Warranty
I do know if this comes with a one year warranty or not, but at this price who cares. If you get one year out of a unit like this, you can just throw it away if it stops working and purchase another one.
Conclusion
We are extremely happy with our new buffet warmer, and it does not make any noise while it is plugged in. We have had no problems with this so far, even if you get any finger prints on any part of the metal parts or the front, it is not hard to keep this free of them. You can try warm soapy water and a clean cloth to dry it. If this does not work you can try 409 or something like a multi-purpose cleaner. Yet, this still may not be enough to get the fingerprints off of the front.
All of our food has stayed warmed for as long as we needed it to be. The Oster company has come a long way since the invention of the plain old conventional oven. With this in your kitchen or at our office party, it will be like being with the Jetsons. This has a very nostalgic yet futuristic look, and worth every penny that you have to pay for this, five stars for the extended warming options and stylish looks.