What is a plate warmer? Why you need one this Christmas

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If you’re hosting a Christmas dinner this year and want everything served piping hot, then you should consider investing in a plate warmer. That’s because a well-chosen electric plate warmer or microwave plate warmer will help ensure your dishes stay warm until you are ready to dish up your delicious food or placed on the table for guests to serve themselves. No-one wants to eat cold food at the festive dinner table, so having warm plates solves this problem.

If you’ve never come across a warmer before, this is a device that heats the plate to a desired temperature, usually between 60°C and 74°C, so that your food stays hot when served.

Warmers come in different shapes and sizes, from what are electric blankets that can fit up to 12 plates, to microwaveable pouches that can warm up one at a time. There are also microwaveable warmers which sit between the plates for rapid heating.

If you want to know more about the best plate warmer for Christmas dinner, then the Christmas.co.uk team has you covered.

What are the benefits of a plate warmer?

Here are some advantages of using a dinner plate heater :

• Enjoy your food without having to reheat it
• Keep the food warm on the table during cold weather, as the warmer maintains the temperature for a long time
• Host dinner parties without worrying about the food getting cold, as the warmer preserves the heat and freshness of it.

There are various types available, such as electric ones and candle-heated dish warmers. Each has its own special features and benefits.

Other benefits of a warmer include:

• Keep your dishes warm without using the oven or the hob, which frees up space for cooking other dishes
• Avoid the risk of cracking or breaking your plates by exposing them to sudden temperature changes, such as putting them in a hot oven or under hot water – and reduce the chances of being burned when taking hot plates from an oven!
• Enhance the flavour and texture of your food by serving it on warm dishes, especially roast turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes and pudding
• Impress your guests with your attention to detail and hospitality by providing them with warm plates for their meal.

How to use a plate warmer

Using a plate warmer for Christmas dinner is very simple and convenient. Here are some tips on how to use one:

• Choose a dinner plate heater that suits your needs and budget. There are many options available online and in stores
• Read the instructions carefully before using your warmer. Some of these heaters may require preheating, plugging in or adjusting the temperature settings
• Make sure your plates are dry and clean. Avoid using dishes that are chipped, cracked or have metallic decorations, as they may not be suitable for heating
• Arrange your plates in the warmer according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Do not overload or stack your dishes too high, as this may affect the heating performance and safety of the device
• Set a timer or check the indicator light to know when your plates are ready. Depending on the type and size of your warmer, it may take between 10 to 30 minutes to heat up your plates
• Carefully remove your dishes from the warmer using oven gloves or tongs. Be aware that they may be very hot, so handle them with caution and avoid touching them with bare hands.

The types of dinner plate heater

There are several types of dinner plate heater available in the UK for home use. Here are some of the most common ones:

Electric : This is a great idea if you regularly entertain guests. For example, the Navaris electric plate warmer can heat up 10 ceramic dinner plates up to 74 degrees Celsius in just 10 minutes. It has pockets that fit plates up to 32 centimetres in diameter, making it perfect for large gatherings and festive occasions. Electric warmers are plugged in to heat up and are easy to store since they fold into a compact size. The fabric cover is removable and can be hand washed to keep it clean and protect your dishes from scratches. You can find a wide range of these electric devices on Amazon. We also like the electric plate warmer from Lakeland that will warm 12 plates up.

• Hot plates: Hot plates are small cooking appliances that can be used to heat up food or keep it warm. They come in various sizes and shapes, and some models can be used to warm up dishes as well. You can find a wide range of hot plates on the B&Q website – just to be clear these are cooking hobs but some people do use them to warm plates too.
• Candle dish: Again, most of these models are for keeping a dish of food warm but you can use some of them to warm plates beforehand.

Microwave plate: A much simpler idea to consider when warming dinner plates is a microwave plate warmer. These are small devices that can be used to warm up dishes quickly in a microwave oven. They are easy to use and can be stored away when not in use. However, we’ve found that the plates can be very hot when using these silicone warmers so be careful when handling them. These pads can also be used for heating casseroles and the like – you simply place one of these underneath the dish and it will help reheat the contents. You can find a wide range of microwave plate warmers on the Lakeland website and Amazon.

• Buffet Servers: Buffet servers are large appliances that can be used to keep food warm during parties or events. They come with multiple compartments and can be used to keep different types of food warm at the same time. Some models also come with warming trays that can be used to warm up plates. You can find a wide range of buffet servers on Amazon.

Don’t forget too that some modern ovens come with a plate warming drawer or they might have a special function that will warm plates for you.

Risks & safety tips

However, we would warn everyone to be wary when removing plates from a warmer and while the temperature at which someone could get burned when picking up a hot dish varies depending on age and skin sensitivity, the science points to 80 degree Celsius as a temperature that might cause someone to be burned.

Plate warmer FAQs

Q: What is a plate warmer?

A: This is a device designed to heat or maintain the temperature of dinner plates (typically between 60 °C and 74 °C) so that hot food stays warmer when served.

Q: What types of warmers are available?

A: Common types include electric plate warmers (often fabric or sleeve-based, folding designs), microwave plate warmer pads, candle dish warmers, and built-in warming drawers in some ovens.

Q: How long should I preheat a warmer?

A: It depends on the model, but it will usually take between 10 to 30 minutes. Some microwave pads heat in just 1 minute. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Q: Are all plates safe to warm?

A: No. Avoid using plates that are cracked, chipped or have metallic decoration, as they may warp or break. Opt for porcelain, ceramic, stoneware which are generally safer.

Q: Does warming plates really help keep food hotter?

A: Yes. Serving hot food on a pre-warmed plate slows the rate of its heat loss. When dishing up a festive dinner or buffet, this helps your food remains at a more appetising temperature until everyone is served.

Why do I need a plate warmer at Christmas?

A plate warmer can be a great addition to your kitchen, especially during the festive season. If you have a lot of guests, it makes warming a plate much easier – and you should serve up your dinner on a warm plate to keep the food hotter for longer.

Using a heater also tends to be more efficient than using a microwave or running hot water to warm your dishes. That’s because they can heat up several plates in just a few minutes, and they tend to be more efficient than using a full oven.

Also, warm plates can also show your care and attention to detail, as you want to provide the best dining experience for your family and friends.