Can this buffet server be used for Shabbos - Can you put precooked warm foods in the containers on Friday night to keep warm for Saturday lunch?
174048
This unit was not designed or manufactured to be used for such long periods of time, when no one will be around (because you'll be asleep) to keep an eye on it. Considering the potentially tragic consequences of misusing electrical heating appliances in a home where people are sleeping, I would strongly urge you to buy one specifically designed, tested, and UL (or CSA, etc.) certified to be used unattended and for longer periods of time.
174049
Actually, I found the item to be rather flimsy. Food must be hot when put into the trays and the temp control ability is poor. You would need to serve within a short period- maybe an hour or two- rather than leave food in the trays. Unless it is turned up to high heat, I found that it didnt keep food warm enough.
174050
There is only one temperature control for all three pans, so as long as you are keeping all foods at the same temperature, I do not see why you could not do it. But I prefer to refrigerate foods overnight. Actually, I ended up returning this unit because of the single control knob and the fact that the pans are made of aluminum - not stainless steel, with plastic lids that will fog over time. I found a much better unit with separate temperature controls for all three stoneware containers that had glass lids! hope this helps!
2102263
I've never used frozen food in it, but I image that you could. I've used mine for spagetti (leftover from the night before), soup, stew, & beans. I can plug it in when I get to work and they are hot by lunch time. It comes with a removeable bowl and lid, that is dishwasher safe. I just fill the removable bowl and put in the refrigerator the night before and grab it and go the next morning. It is mainly for reheating and not like the big crock pots for cooking.
2133414
Not sure if anyone has answered yet: The side containers will not keep food warm at all. It will work for neutral temp foods or keep food cold if used with an ice pack. Be careful to not contradict your effort: the insulated (large container) is intended to keep foods hot. So if you pack an ice pack for the side dishes, you defeating the purpose of this set. Depending on how/who you're using this for, I would forgo this container and move up to the Ms Bento. It gives you more space and allow you to serve a larger portion (if you want to). Hope this helps!
1376541
Yes, you can freeze meals in this lunchbox, but the lid must be removed before putting in microwave.Be sure to see dimensions in all images. The 3pc set will fit in certain 'soft' style lunch bags, whereas the 4pc may not.
1042329
Nope! This is a Japanese plastic one, with an inner seal, but it is not watertight, and it needs a lunch box band (think thick rubber band) to keep it closed. The regular Japanese lunchboxes are all meant to be eaten at room temperature. If you really want something that's hot, you need a thermal lunch jar, which Amazon sells a few different versions.
1042330
No... this container does NOT keep food warm... Still a great dish and easy use But to answer the question no...
1416119
I don't know for sure. We keep fruit and such in it. Assuming you just use for serving I would guess yes.
1380654
You really need to analyze your work flow. While I could see cycling a few items in and out overlapping their preparation, it's not ideal. You are going to have swings in temp, especially if you are putting frozen items in. I've used sous vides for years in a restaurant environment and one of the best things about them is how they mostly remove time as a cooking factor. If you were going to make steaks for a group and had a few people arriving at 6 and a couple of people that couldn't make it until 8, you could put all the meat in at the same time and there would be almost no difference in the outcome. Extended cooking times break down and soften meats but a small variance of a few hours won't do much. I love my SVS because it sits on my countertop and I use it four or five times a week. That being said, the Polyscience circulating units are much more powerful, precise and better suited for cycling items in and out of the bath because they actively circulate the water. They are very compact and portable and allow you to use a vessel of your choosing. On the downside, they cost a lot more, require setup and most people don't have them insulated as well as a SVS. (Ping pong balls are the best trick in the world if you go with a Polyscienc type unit, if you cover the top of the water with them, you bath will be well insulated and it's effortless to get things in and out.) Sorry for yammering on... Seriously though, get a sousvide and it will open up a whole new world of culinary possibilities. Just don't get on the "everything is better out of a sousvide bandwagon, it's just not true."
1838634
Never tried to cook in the buffet server, and I wouldn't use it to heat anything starting out cold. The variable temperature controls are intended to adjust the degree of continued warming for things already cooked, not the same as cooktop controls.,
802793
We used both full size and smaller ones but you have to make sure you have a full size tray under them filled with water so they do not catch fire. We were very pleased with this selection of buffet servers
1401938
This will hold multiple containers - I would get a 9" x 13" pan and place multiple containers within them to see what sizes work best. As far as retaining heat? I've travelled short distances - so, I am not sure of the long hours. Pyrex sells a hot/cold pack that can go inside the container for a nominal price. I think that will help keep your foods warm for at least 3-4 hours.
1976948
We have filled the case with frozen prepared food along with frozen gel packs and driven to the beach. The beach is about 5 hours away. We have successfully transferred the still frozen food to a freezer. We prefer to use the cooler for refrigerated picnic foods. We fill the cooler and place gel packs on top of the food and keep the food cold. We have had an issue with the bottom board in the cooler. After a few uses, some of the seams can open exposing the insulation. Suggest you enclose the board in a large plastic bag.
2098273
I wouldn't try it. This is pretty flimsy compared to the Presto I had for 30 or 40 years. I would suggest using a crock pot if you don't want to put it in a conventional oven.
2220621
Yes and no. We use it to heat and keep warm canned corn, peas, vegies, meat balls, sauses etc. Ths way you don't need to keep all these items on a stove. Preheat them and put in one of the pots. They are out of the way and you can concentrate on the main meal items.
149684
IMHO this buffet server is for home use. While well-made overall, it is not commercial quality. I don't have the expertise to recommend one that is.
646462
My concern would be bacteria. Does Mr Bento keep food warm enough... say, if I packed it @ 7am to eat at 1pm...my concern isn't so much that the food be hot enough to eat, but, you read so much about not leaving food out...would it remain warm enough to keep "bad" bacteria from forming?
2176810
Yes but u need some time . My husband takes stuff (soup,chili) from frig plugs it in about 8:15 or so and it is hot by 11;30 for lunch!