Electric warmers and cookers
Plug in gear for when you have an outlet near the food. Buffet servers and warming trays hold food that is already cooked. Slow cookers and roasters cook a big batch and then keep it warm. Check the wattage if several will share one circuit.
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Buffet servers
- Best for three hot sides on one plugElite Gourmet triple buffet server
Three 2.5 quart pans over one heated base with an adjustable temperature dial.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for holiday dinners at homeProctor Silex buffet server and food warmer
Three pans with lids on a warming base that keeps cooked food warm.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for two dishes on a small counterElite Gourmet dual buffet server
Two 2.5 quart stainless pans on one heated base.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a taller countertop displayNutriChef stainless buffet warmer with 3 trays
Three stainless trays with lids on a heated base.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for matching a chafing set from the same brandAlpha Living triple buffet warmer
Three 2.5 quart pans with lids on an electric warming base.
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Warming trays and mats
- Best for casserole dishes you already ownChefman electric warming tray
A flat heated tray with an adjustable temperature control. Set your own dishes on top.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for rolling up and storing in a drawerFYY food warming mat 24 by 15 inch
A flexible heated mat that rolls up for storage.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a long sideboardWanish XL glass warming tray
A 32 inch tempered glass tray that fits several dishes in a row.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for homes with small kidsLNNIW food warming mat 26 by 15 inch
A roll up warming mat with a child lock on the controls.
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Slow cookers
- Best for chili and pulled pork for a crowdCrock-Pot 7 quart manual slow cooker
A simple high and low and warm dial on a big family size crock.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for taking a dish to someone else's partyCrock-Pot 7 quart cook and carry slow cooker
A programmable slow cooker with a locking lid for the drive.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for cooking to a set temperatureHamilton Beach Set and Forget 7 quart slow cooker
A programmable slow cooker that switches to warm when the time is up.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for three dips or sauces side by sideElite Gourmet triple slow cooker
Three 2.5 quart crocks on one base with a dial for each.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for meatballs and queso and wings at onceSunvivi triple slow cooker buffet server
Three small pots on one base for warm appetizers.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for small batches of dipHEYNEMO triple slow cooker with ceramic pots
Three 1.5 quart ceramic pots with their own temperature controls.
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Roaster ovens
- Best for a turkey up to 28 poundsHamilton Beach 22 quart roaster oven
A large roaster with a self basting lid that frees up your main oven.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for ham or a medium turkeySunvivi 18 quart roaster oven
An 18 quart roaster with a self basting lid and a removable pan.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for the biggest holiday birdsSunvivi 26 quart roaster oven
A large roaster with a viewing lid. The listing says it fits a 30 pound turkey.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a familiar brand at a smaller sizeProctor Silex 18 quart roaster oven
Holds up to a 24 pound turkey and has a self basting lid.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a middle size between 18 and 26 quartsSunvivi 22 quart roaster oven
A 22 quart roaster with a lid and a removable pan for easy washing.
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Guides that cover this gear
Best Electric Roaster Ovens for Turkey and a CrowdThe electric roaster ovens worth buying for Thanksgiving and big parties. Which size fits which turkey. How to use one safely. Plus the thermometer that goes with it.
Photo: Dan Bock, CC BY 2.0- Best Food Warmers for Parties (Electric Servers, Trays and Mats)
The electric food warmers that keep a party buffet hot without fuel cans. Buffet servers and warming trays and a roll up warming mat. What each one suits.
Photo: Faisal Ahammad, CC0 1.0 
Holiday Party Food Ideas for Large Groups That Hold UpHoliday party food for a big crowd. Dishes that hold well on a buffet plus the 2 hour rule and the 140°F standard that keep everyone safe.
Photo: “Two of Big Cheese and Three of Small Cheese on buffet table” by Peachyeung316, CC BY-SA 4.0
How Many Appetizers Per Person With or Without DinnerPlan 3 to 4 bites per guest before a meal and 10 to 12 or more when appetizers replace dinner. Here are the per hour numbers and how many kinds to make.
Photo: “rustic table setting for The Bachelor viewing party with red roses white candles in gold candlesticks cocktails in glasses bread cracker meat and cheese platter and other appetizers” by ProFlowers.com, CC BY 2.0
How Many Chicken Wings Per Person for a PartyPlan about four wing pieces per guest as a snack and eight to ten as a main. Here is the pound math, a guest table and tips to keep wings hot.
Photo: “chicken wings” by stu_spivack, CC BY-SA 2.0
How Many Pizzas to Order for 10 to 50 PeopleA simple slice formula and a ready table for ordering pizza for 10 to 50 guests, plus tips on kids, sizes, keeping pies hot and leftovers.
Photo: “Monthly pizza party” by jetalone, CC BY 2.0