Food warmers

[fan-of-fans]

Been looking into food warmers lately. I bought a stainless steel buffet server warming tray when these got popular a few years ago. I think the brand is Nostalgia Electric. Never was that impressed, it has two pans that sit in a frame on top of the warming tray. The gap between the pans and tray means they don't get hot enough. I usually take those out and use a 1/2 size steam pan directly on the tray, this seems to work best and fits right on top.

But I want a full size warmer to use my full steam pans in. I've looked at a few commercial ones, Vollrath, Wells, APW, etc. I'm mostly leaning toward Vollrath because they use a direct heating element that claims to heat faster and less waste heat. They are also much lower wattage, which seems it could be useful should I want to use another warmer or two on the same circuit. Plus, they seem to be really cheap used on eBay. The downside is they state they must be used with water, not dry. Also they state "Not for household use" but I don't see much of a risk myself.

Was wondering if others have any experience and can chime in.

 

[circlew]

I'd get the Vollrath, as they are what I usually see in most foodservice places. I wouldn't worry about them being labeled "Not for household use" as this is for the company's liability purposes if a child gets burned by touching the unit.