The Deni Buffet Server/Warming Tray 15100 is perfect for holiday entertaining, picnics and family gatherings. This handy device has three removable stainless-steel compartments, and it does a fine job keeping foods at an ideal serving temperature.

The 15100 has a 14x25x5-inch base, and the top is divided into the three 6-3/4x12-1/2-inch compartments that are perfect for keeping food warm and serving multiple entrees. The best part is that you don't need any water or portable fuel canisters like traditional warming trays. Instead, the 15100 plugs in and generates its own heat through built-in elements in the base.

This unit works on any flat surface, as long as it is within about 3 feet of a power outlet. A dial switches the temperature from LOW (155 degrees Fahrenheit) to MEDIUM (175 degrees) to HIGH (200 degrees). The high setting is handy for quickly raising the food temperature, but because it can easily dry food out, it shouldn't be used for any prolonged length of time.

The individual compartments can be filled and warmed in the oven before being placed in the 15100, and you can remove the compartments and use the base as a large warming tray for hot appetizers or other items. You can even place other heatproof serving dishes on the base to keep them warm.

Each serving compartment holds about 2.5 quarts of food, so the three compartments together can hold enough to feed a full-course meal to 6 to 12 people. You can also fill all three compartments with one main dish to serve a larger group. The compartments have their own covers to keep heat locked inside.

The 15100 has two extra-large heatproof legs that keep it raised about 1-1/2 inches above your counter or table. Since there is no open flame, the 15100 is safe to use with tablecloths as well. The stand supporting the individual compartments rests securely on the base.

The overall build quality of the 15100 is impressive. The base and the serving compartments have reinforced, rounded edges that won't buckle from the heat. The unit's two phenolic plastic side handles stay comfortably cool, as do the three knobs on the compartments' covers.

If you've got a big dinner party coming up, or if you regularly entertain large groups of friends or family, the Deni Buffet Server/Warming Tray 15100 has the food-warming duties covered.


Pros: Can be used as a serving/warming tray or with the individual compartments as a buffet server
Cons: High setting quickly dries out food, pricey