Planning for off-site catering events is all about problem-solving and adaptability. While this can be a lucrative extension of your business, it can be challenging to make it work – especially if you’re not sure about the setup you’re walking into. You have a high degree of control over your on-site kitchen, but when you need to prepare hot food options in a different location, you have to be ready to work with what’s there. And if there’s hot food on your menu, figuring out how to get it or keep it hot is a huge consideration.
LET’S HEAT THINGS UP
Which Works: Chafers or Induction Ranges?
The two biggest solutions caterers use to provide direct or indirect heat are chafers and induction ranges. And there are pros and cons to both.
CHAFERS
Chafers and chafing fuel are a popular catering setup, and for good reason! They are super adaptable and ready for anything.
Pros of Chafers:
- Do not require an electrical outlet
- Work for outdoor events
- Offer heating and warming versatility
- Allows for hot and warm areas on the same surface based on wick placement or by adjusting the fuel canister’s lid
- Keep things warm by being placed beneath chafing dishes
Cons of Chafers:
- Works best for food that has already been cooked
- Not great for start-to-finish cooking
- Some indoor event spaces don’t allow for open flames
- Burn bans could limit your use of open flames outdoors, too, making chafing fuel a no-go
INDUCTION RANGES
So long as the site has an electrical hookup, induction ranges can be a great catering solution.
Pros of Induction Ranges:
- Versatile
- Small and portable
- Can be used for quick high-heat cooking or at lower heat for keeping food warm
- Perfect for action stations for menu items like crepes, omelets, or stir-fries that require cooking capabilities
Cons of Induction Ranges:
- Requires electrical outlet(s) and potentially extension cords to reach them
- Needs induction-ready cookware, like cast iron or stainless steel (A simple test is a magnet: if a magnet sticks to a piece of cookware, then you’re good to go.)
- Weight limits
- Glass or ceramic surfaces can crack under heavy cookware like cast iron
The Case for Having Both on Hand
Having both chafers and induction ranges in your off-site arsenal can open your catering services up to a wide variety of events: indoor and outdoor, fresh-cooked and pre-cooked menus, formal weddings and informal birthday parties, barns and conference centers, and more.
