Hostess Trolley
is the generic name we use for this sort of food warmer as they were more commonly available from Philips (also branded as EKCO) and indeed are still manufactured in Halifax. They first appeared in the 1950s although they reached the height of their popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.
They came in a wide variety of styles, most commonly with two pull back covers which would contain 4 (or 3 slightly larger) pyrex containers as an alternative to the pull out drawer shown in this posting - Salton always seem to have the hot top style instead, perhaps Philips had a patent on the "classic" design. Again most commonly available with a single warming compartment as shown above there are also versions with side hinged doors that offer two warming levels.
I will be the first to admit that I always saw them as something of a gimmick not worth the cost - they are quite expensive new. But with hosting reasonably large numbers for the wash-ins I thought I might speculate a few pounds and get one off ebay. Mine has the two level cupboard with the three larger containers. And I was quite impressed. They were advertised as being able to keep food warm for several hours - well I am not convinced on that but they are good for keeping food hot for up to an hour or so.
If you think about times like Christmas or Thanksgiving it is always difficult to get a variety of foods out of the oven or out of the pots, into serving dishes and get it served whilst still hot. This takes all the stress out of it as the serving can take place one thing at a time and the serving dish placed in the trolley. there is also time to get pots etc into the dishwasher if necessaary and tidy the kitchen a bit. Then service of the meal is easy as warm plates (room for them too) and dishes can be taken to table or service area. Once eveyone has got their first serving the dishes can be returned to the cabinet so second helpings are stil hot.
It great for breakfast too, rolls or croissants can be put straight in for warming, and scrambled egg will keep good for up to 45 minutes without spoiling in a covered dish, baked beans too. So, whilst I would still think twice about paying full price for one, a lightly used, second hand one at a good price is worth considering - mine was £15 or approx. $20 The one above is probably between 30-40 years old (sometime in the 1980s) so might not be worth $100 but the seller might take an offer. Its worth considering for anyone nearby
Al
