Counter with refrigerated well Stalgast BHS106151

A chafing dish with a spacer keeps prepared food at serving temperature without direct heat on the pans. Instead of a flame or electric element beneath the dishes, the unit circulates chilled air between the spacer and the pans. This gentle cooling prevents the food from drying out or overcooking while maintaining a safe holding range. The method is especially suited to buffet service, where dishes must stay fresh for hours without constant attention from the kitchen.

The operator loads up to four GN1/1 gastronorm pans onto the spacer, then closes the lid. A thermostat is set within the 2 to 10 °C range; once the desired temperature is reached, the refrigeration cycle maintains it automatically. The transparent lid allows staff to monitor the food without opening the unit, reducing temperature fluctuations. When service ends, the pans are removed and the interior is wiped down.

The entire construction is stainless steel, chosen for durability and ease of cleaning in a busy kitchen. The exterior and interior surfaces are smooth, with no seams or crevices that could trap food debris. The spacer is removable, allowing access to the refrigeration coil for periodic cleaning.

Controls are minimal: a single thermostat dial sets the holding temperature between 2 and 10 °C. The unit plugs into a standard 230 V, 50 Hz supply, the same circuit used by most professional refrigeration equipment in the UK.

The 1570 mm width accommodates four GN1/1 pans side by side, making efficient use of buffet counter space. The 735 mm depth allows the unit to sit flush against a wall or back bar, while the 880 mm height positions the pans at a comfortable serving level. The 0.24 kW power rating reflects the modest energy demand of a holding unit, which only needs to maintain temperature rather than chill hot food from scratch.

Cleaning involves wiping the interior and exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent after each service. The removable spacer and smooth surfaces simplify this routine. No disassembly beyond removing the spacer is required for daily upkeep.

The chafing dish is catalogued under refrigeration and buffet equipment, specifically for holding and display.