steam table
Cafeteria food keeper
A steam table is a serving counter with heated compartments that keep prepared food warm, typically using steam or hot water beneath metal pans.
Common in cafeterias, buffets, and institutional kitchens: The mashed potatoes sat in the steam table for hours.
The term also refers to engineering charts showing properties of steam at various temperatures and pressures.
Heated water bath for cooking
- chafing dishHeated vessel for serving
- warming trayHeated serving surface
- sneeze guardProtective buffet barrier
- heat lampsBulbs emitting infrared radiation
thermostat · drain valve · stainless steel · countertop · lid · carving station
Self-service meal display
- cafeteriaSelf-service dining facility
- smorgasbordVaried self-serve meal
- salad barSelf-service vegetable station
- self-serviceCustomer performs the task
serving line · hot bar · food court · all-you-can-eat · mess hall · commissary · canteen · hotel breakfast
Deep spoon for serving
- tongsHinged grasping utensil
- serving spoonUtensil for transferring portions
- slotted spoonHoled spoon for draining
- portion controlLimiting serving sizes
refill · dish out · platter · sneeze guard · heat retention · replenishment · server · line cook
- entreesPrincipal meal courses
- mashed potatoesPulverized cooked tubers
- gravyThickened meat drippings
- vegetablesEdible plants, not fruits
roast beef · fried chicken · macaroni · rice · soups · stews · scrambled eggs · sausages
bain-marie
Heated water bath for cooking
- chafing dishHeated vessel for serving
- warming trayHeated serving surface
- sneeze guardProtective buffet barrier
heat lamps · thermostat · drain valve · stainless steel · countertop · lid · carving station
buffet
Self-service meal display
- cafeteriaSelf-service dining facility
- smorgasbordVaried self-serve meal
- salad barSelf-service vegetable station
self-service · serving line · hot bar · food court · all-you-can-eat · mess hall · commissary · canteen · hotel breakfast · school lunch
ladle
Deep spoon for serving
- tongsHinged grasping utensil
- serving spoonUtensil for transferring portions
- slotted spoonHoled spoon for draining
portion control · refill · dish out · platter · sneeze guard · heat retention · replenishment · server · line cook
hot food
- entreesPrincipal meal courses
- mashed potatoesPulverized cooked tubers
- gravyThickened meat drippings
vegetables · roast beef · fried chicken · macaroni · rice · soups · stews · scrambled eggs · sausages · baked beans
- cafeterialunch line, menu, line, tray, food counter
- cafeteria itemssandwiches, beverages, coffee, tea, soup
- commercial kitchenkitchen, chef, cook, oven, stove
- self-service diningcafeteria, buffet, food court, salad bar, hot bar
- soup kitchensoup kitchen, serving line, free meals, ladles, volunteers
- steamsteamboat, steamship, locomotive, boiler, sauna