Electric Buffet Servers 2012

[Darienne]

DH very much wants us to buy an electric buffet server. Currently there's one for sale at Canadian Tire (Canada), regularly $99.99 for $44.99. Seems to me it's something no one wants maybe?

Does not cook, one set of controls simply keeps food warm for up to 3 hours. Three compartments (2.5 litres/quarts, with see through covers (probably plastic. It doesn't say glass so it must be plastic), stainless body. Made by Betty Crocker.

Is it worth buying? Please keep in mind that we don't have all the American chains, like Williams-Sonoma up here to pick from. Or, we certainly don't have them where I live.

Thanks.

[andiesenji]

As you know, I love gadgets and appliances, but while I do have a couple of these things (vintage) at this time in my life I rarely use them.

I used them a lot when my family was still intact at home, mainly for breakfast as it saved me having to repeatedly cook as the others got up at different times.

I used them for parties and had several for when I was catering.

I don't entertain as much as I used to so these only get out once or twice a year. The newer ones I have seen are not as versatile as the old ones that had a temp control - one has two temp controls and two water pans so a meat dish could be kept hotter and another dish less warm.

It also depends on the foods you like. Some do not take well to being kept warm - one gets a soggy effect and sometimes things dry out unless the covers are carefully fitted.

If you have lots of company and serve things buffet style, then it is a handy thing to have.

[Kim Shook]

I don't have this exact thing, but before Christmas, I bought this. It's 3 slow cookers in one and each cooker has it's own temperature gauge. You can actually cook in them, but I just used mine to keep mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing hot. I really liked it - it works great, only one cord and it looked a little neater than a bunch of slow cookers sitting on the table.

I got mine at Walmart and it was only $35.

Edited February 13, 2012 by Kim Shook (log)

[Lisa Shock]

Probably on sale because places stock up on these things before the fall/winter holidays and now they need to get rid of overstock to make room for spring/summer items heading into season.