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10 Best Warming Trays 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Broil King NWT-1S Professional 300-Watt Warming Tray, Stainless

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,425
Size and Capacity
Temperature Control
Material

Most important from
83 reviews

Size and Capacity
Perfect for large family gatherings, making it easier to serve seconds without the food getting cold.
Temperature Control
Heats up very fast and keeps the food at a great temperature.
Material
Well-made and heavy, not 'tinny'.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to use and clean, with adjustable heat settings.

The Broil King NWT-1S Professional Warming Tray is a solid choice for anyone looking to keep food warm for gatherings or meals. With a power output of 300 watts and an adjustable thermostat ranging from 155 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, it provides versatility for different types of dishes, ensuring your food stays at the desired temperature. The stainless-steel warming surface adds durability and makes for easy cleaning, which is a definite plus for those who want to minimize hassle in the kitchen.

Its size, measuring 15-1/4 by 26 inches, offers ample space for multiple dishes without taking up too much counter area. Additionally, the cool-touch handles and non-skid feet contribute to safety, making it a user-friendly option for both novice and experienced cooks alike. The safety signal light and UL-listing also add to its reliability, ensuring it meets necessary safety standards.

The Broil King NWT-1S is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized gatherings and offers a good balance of features and safety. It is a dependable warming tray for those who need to keep food warm.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,425
Size and Capacity
Temperature Control
Material

Most important from
83 reviews

Size and Capacity
Perfect for large family gatherings, making it easier to serve seconds without the food getting cold.
Temperature Control
Heats up very fast and keeps the food at a great temperature.
Material
Well-made and heavy, not 'tinny'.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to use and clean, with adjustable heat settings.
#2

Electric Warming Tray (XXL 32”x18”),Food Warmers for Parties Buffet with Thermostat & Full Surface Heating, Tempered Glass Warming Mat for Food, Temperature Adjustable Gold Handles Food Warming Mat

Rating
9.7
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
549 reviews

Ease of Cleaning
Super easy to clean and use, making it a convenient addition to any gathering.

The Wanish Electric Warming Tray is a stylish and practical choice for keeping food warm at parties, buffets, and gatherings. With its large 32”x18” size, it can accommodate up to 8 dishes simultaneously, making it ideal for various events. The tray features two temperature modes (high and low), allowing for versatile use and efficient heating thanks to PTC heating technology. This ensures quick and even heat distribution, making it an energy-saving option.

The tray’s construction includes heat-resistant tempered glass with elegant gold accents, providing both durability and a sophisticated look. Its 78” power cord offers flexibility in placement, and the plug-and-play design makes it easy to use right out of the box. Safety is a priority with the Wanish tray, which includes features like overheat protection, ECO mode, and being made from flame-retardant materials. The ETL certification also adds a layer of trust in its safety.

One potential drawback is its size, which may require significant counter space. Additionally, its premium materials and design could push it into a higher price bracket, which might not suit all budgets. The Wanish Electric Warming Tray is easy to clean, making it convenient for regular use. It also comes with a 1-year replacement guarantee, ensuring peace of mind for the user. This tray is well-suited for those who frequently host gatherings and desire a combination of functionality and elegance in their food warming solutions.

Rating
9.7
Ease of Cleaning

Most important from
549 reviews

Ease of Cleaning
Super easy to clean and use, making it a convenient addition to any gathering.
#3

Elite Gourmet EWM-6171 Triple 3 x 2.5 Qt. Trays, Buffet Server, Food Warmer Temperature Control, Clear Slotted Lids, Perfect for Parties, Entertaining & Holidays, 7.5 Qt Total, Stainless Steel

Rating
8.8
Size and Capacity
Temperature Control
Material

Most important from
6146 reviews

Size and Capacity
Perfect for big family gatherings like Thanksgiving; it kept sides warm and ready for dinner.
Temperature Control
Make sure to warm up the unit before adding trays and turn the temperature up slightly higher than expected for best results.
Material
Three temperature adjustments are helpful, but caution is needed as the metal of the bins and holder is thin.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to set up and clean, making it a convenient addition to any event.

The Elite Gourmet EWM-6171 is a versatile warming tray ideal for parties and events where you need to keep multiple dishes warm. With three 2.5-quart trays, it has a total capacity of 7.5 quarts, making it perfect for serving different dishes simultaneously. The trays come with clear, slotted lids that help retain heat and keep your food fresh.

The stainless steel warming base can be used with the included trays or your own dishes, providing flexibility for various serving needs. It has adjustable temperature controls (Low, Medium, High) powered by 300 watts, allowing you to maintain your desired heat level easily. The convenience of plug-and-play functionality makes it user-friendly; simply plug it in, set the temperature, and you're ready to go.

The warming tray is also portable, featuring carry handles, and is safe to use on most countertops and tables. Cleaning is easy since the trays are dishwasher safe. However, one drawback is that it’s corded electric, which might limit placement options if outlets are not nearby. Additionally, while the stainless steel build is durable, it can get quite hot, so caution is needed to avoid burns. Some users might also find the temperature settings a bit limited. Despite these minor issues, the Elite Gourmet EWM-6171 remains a practical and efficient solution for keeping food warm at gatherings.

Rating
8.8
Size and Capacity
Temperature Control
Material

Most important from
6146 reviews

Size and Capacity
Perfect for big family gatherings like Thanksgiving; it kept sides warm and ready for dinner.
Temperature Control
Make sure to warm up the unit before adding trays and turn the temperature up slightly higher than expected for best results.
Material
Three temperature adjustments are helpful, but caution is needed as the metal of the bins and holder is thin.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy to set up and clean, making it a convenient addition to any event.

Buying Guide for the Best Warming Trays

When choosing a warming tray, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the tray. Warming trays are designed to keep food warm for extended periods, making them ideal for parties, buffets, and family gatherings. To find the best fit for you, you'll need to look at several key specifications and understand how they impact the tray's performance and suitability for your needs.
Size and CapacitySize and capacity refer to the dimensions of the warming tray and how much food it can hold. This is important because it determines how much food you can keep warm at one time. If you often host large gatherings, a larger tray with a higher capacity will be more suitable. Conversely, for smaller family meals or intimate gatherings, a smaller tray will suffice. Measure the space where you plan to use the tray and consider the types of dishes you typically serve to choose the right size.
Temperature ControlTemperature control allows you to adjust the heat level of the warming tray. This is crucial for ensuring that different types of food are kept at the optimal temperature without overcooking or drying out. Some trays offer multiple heat settings, while others have a single fixed temperature. If you need versatility for various dishes, look for a tray with adjustable temperature settings. For simpler needs, a fixed temperature tray might be adequate.
MaterialThe material of the warming tray affects its durability, heat distribution, and ease of cleaning. Common materials include stainless steel, glass, and ceramic. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, making it a popular choice. Glass and ceramic trays can offer more even heat distribution and an attractive appearance but may require more careful handling. Consider how often you'll use the tray and your preference for maintenance when choosing the material.
Power SourceWarming trays can be powered by electricity or fuel (such as gel or liquid fuel). Electric trays are convenient for indoor use and offer consistent heat, but they require access to an electrical outlet. Fuel-powered trays are more portable and can be used outdoors or in areas without electricity, but they require regular refueling and careful handling. Think about where you'll primarily use the tray and whether portability or convenience is more important to you.
Safety FeaturesSafety features such as automatic shut-off, cool-touch handles, and non-slip feet are important for preventing accidents and ensuring safe operation. Automatic shut-off can prevent overheating, while cool-touch handles and non-slip feet make the tray easier and safer to handle. If you have children or plan to use the tray in busy environments, prioritize models with robust safety features.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning is determined by the design and materials of the warming tray. Trays with removable parts, non-stick surfaces, and dishwasher-safe components are easier to clean. If you plan to use the tray frequently, look for features that simplify the cleaning process to save time and effort. Consider your cleaning preferences and how much time you're willing to spend on maintenance when making your choice.

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