Bottle Coolers & Beer Fridges
Ice Cream Displays
Ice Cream Machines
Chest Freezers
Commercial Freezers
Commercial Fridges
Ice Cube Makers and Flakers
Wine Coolers
Bain Maries
Commercial Microwaves
Commercial Sinks
Commercial Ovens
Fryers and Chip Scuttles
Glass and Dishwashers
Pie Warmers & Hot Food Displays
Pizza Ovens
Water Boilers
Bar Supplies
Bowls & Display Baskets
Cash Registers
Chafing Dish Sets & Fuel
Menus & Boards
Table Numbers & Stands
Salt, Pepper & Spice Mills
Crockery
Cutlery
Glassware
Wine Glasses
Bins
Cleaning Chemicals
GreasePak
Janitorial Equipment
Laundry Equipment
Coffee Machines
Juice Dispensers
Juicers
Drink Blenders
Milkshake Blenders
Slush Machines
Water Boilers
Cookware
Gastronorm Containers
Ingredient Bins
Pastry & Baking
Utensils
Pizza Pans & Equipment
Food Storage
Food Transport & Delivery Bags
Folding Furniture
Garden and Outdoor Furniture
High Chairs
Chairs
Tables
33% OFF
Jarvis
Catering SpecialistJarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535
How can we help?
Choose an option below
Select an option to get started. We're here to help!
Product Questions
Specs, suitability, features & comparisons
Other Enquiries
Delivery, warranty, invoices & customer service
Buffalo
In Stock
Commercial Food Warming Tray | Slimline GN 1/1 Hot Plate | Buffalo HZ508
£206.85
/ exc vat
£248.22/ inc vat
- GN 1/1 Compatibility
- Slimline Design
- Toughened Glass Surface
- Simple Touch Controls
Have a quick question about this product?
Ask instantly →
Product Overview
Keeping your carefully prepared dishes at the perfect temperature can be a real headache, especially when counter space is at a premium. Enter the Buffalo Slimline Food Warming Tray. This nifty bit of kit is designed to hold a full 1/1 gastronorm pan, delivering consistent, gentle heat to ensure your food stays delicious from the first serving to the last, without taking over your entire workspace.
It’s an absolute essential for any business running a buffet, carvery, or event service. From small village hall gatherings to bustling hotel breakfast bars and professional caterers, the simple operation and sleek design make it a versatile workhorse. The tough glass top not only looks professional but makes post-service cleanup a complete doddle, freeing up your team for more important tasks.
Ultimately, the Buffalo slimline food warming tray GN 1/1 offers a simple, reliable, and space-saving solution to food holding. Its slim profile means it can be tucked away easily when not in use, making it ideal for venues where flexibility is key. If you need dependable warming without the bulk, this is the answer you've been looking for.
Key Features and Benefits
- GN 1/1 Compatibility: Perfectly holds standard food pans, fitting right into your kitchen workflow.
- Slimline Design: Takes up minimal counter space and stores away easily after service.
- Toughened Glass Surface: Looks smart on the servery and is incredibly simple to wipe clean.
- Simple Touch Controls: Effortlessly operate the unit without any complicated dials or training.
- Consistent Heat: Provides gentle, even heat to keep food safe and appealing.
- Rubberised Feet: Stays securely in place on the countertop, preventing slips and spills.
- Lightweight & Portable: Easy to move around for pop-up events, cleaning or rearranging.
- Energy Efficient: Uses just 230W of power, making it economical for all-day operation.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Buffalo
- SKU: HZ508
- Dimensions: 25(H) x 380(W) x 550(D) mm
- Power: 230W / Single Phase / 13A Plug
- Gastronorm Size: 1/1 GN Compatible
- Material: Toughened Glass Surface
- Controls: Simple Touch On/Off
- Features: Rubberised anti-slip feet
Expert Review and Insights
The Buffalo hot plate is a fantastic bit of kit for anyone running a buffet or event. It’s not trying to be overly clever; it just does its job brilliantly. The slim profile is a huge plus for storage, and the glass top is a doddle to clean between services. It's a reliable, no-fuss workhorse for keeping food appealing and safe.
Hannah Cartwright – Buffet Equipment Expert View Profile →
- Sleek & Practical: The super-slim design is genuinely useful for tight spaces and easy storage.
- Basic Controls: Lacks a specific temperature display, relying on a single heat setting.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Ferry Boat Inn in Truro needed a more flexible way to manage their popular Friday night buffet without cluttering their historic, narrow servery area.
"We were using these bulky, old-fashioned chafing dishes which were a pain to set up and clean. These Buffalo warming trays are so much slicker. They heat up fast, look professional on the bar top, and we can just wipe them down in seconds. It’s made our buffet service run so much smoother."
Robert Green – Landlord
This simple switch reduced their buffet setup and cleanup time by over 30%, allowing staff to focus more on guest service during peak hours.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Place the unit on a flat, stable, and heat-resistant surface before use.
- Ensure there is at least 10cm of clear space around all sides for proper air circulation.
- Simply plug into a standard 13-amp socket – no complex wiring or professional installation needed.
- Allow the unit to pre-heat for approximately 10 minutes to reach its optimal warming temperature.
Keeping It Going
- Always switch off, unplug, and allow the unit to cool completely before attempting to clean it.
- Wipe the glass surface with a soft, damp cloth and a mild, non-abrasive detergent.
- Never use abrasive scourers, wire wool, or harsh chemical sprays which can scratch or damage the glass.
- Regularly check the plug and power cord for any signs of wear or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I put gastronorm pans directly on the glass surface?
A: Yes, absolutely. This unit is designed to hold a full 1/1 gastronorm pan, or an equivalent combination of smaller sizes (e.g., two 1/2 GN pans).
Q: Does it have variable temperature control?
A: This model features simple on/off touch controls which maintain a consistent warming temperature. It does not have a variable temperature dial.
Q: Is the surface safe to touch when the unit is on?
A: No, the glass surface gets very hot during operation and for a short time after being switched off. Always handle with care and use appropriate utensils to serve food.
Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: It's very quick, typically reaching its optimal warming temperature in around 10 minutes from being switched on.
Q: Can I use this to cook food from raw?
A: No, this is strictly a food warming tray. It's designed to keep already cooked, hot food at a safe and pleasant serving temperature, not for cooking.
Q: How should I clean the glass top?
A: After the unit has fully cooled, simply wipe it with a soft, damp cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Dry with a soft cloth to avoid streaks.
Q: Is it heavy or difficult to move?
A: No, its slimline design makes it relatively lightweight and easy to move and store, which is ideal for mobile caterers or multi-use spaces.
Q: What are the benefits of glass over a metal top?
A: The toughened glass provides very even heat distribution to prevent hot spots and is generally much easier to wipe clean and keep looking smart than a metal surface.
The Buffalo Promise: Reliability You Can Count On
In a bustling kitchen, the last thing you need is complicated or temperamental equipment. That's where Buffalo excels. For years, they've built a solid reputation for creating straightforward, robust gear that simply works, day in and day out. This Buffalo slimline food warming tray GN 1/1 is a perfect example of that philosophy. There are no complex digital displays to fail, no fussy settings to get wrong, and no awkward parts to clean. It's built with the reality of a busy service in mind—durable, efficient, and incredibly easy for any staff member to operate. This focus on practical reliability means less downtime, less training, and a consistent result every single service. It's not just a piece of equipment; it's a dependable part of your team.
Explore more from BuffaloMore Than Just a Pretty Surface: The Toughened Glass Advantage
You might just see a sleek, black surface, but the toughened glass on this warming tray is a clever piece of design. Think of it like the difference between a modern ceramic hob and an old-school gas ring. It distributes heat far more evenly than a standard metal top, preventing 'hot spots' that can scorch food at the edges of the pan. Plus, unlike stainless steel which can stain and be tricky to polish, a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to make this surface look brand new, ready for your next service. It’s all about smarter presentation and easier cleaning.
Who Should Buy This?
- Event Caterers: Its portability and slim profile make it perfect for setting up temporary serving stations at weddings or corporate events.
- Hotel Breakfast Buffets: Keep bacon, sausages, and scrambled eggs at the perfect serving temperature for guests throughout the morning service.
- Community Centres & Village Halls: An affordable and easy-to-use solution for keeping food warm during local events, meetings, or parties.
- Sunday Carveries & Pubs: Use it as a slimline countertop buffet warming tray to hold vegetables, potatoes, or gravy boats.
Find equipment tailored to your type of business:
Shop for Cafes Shop for Hotels Shop for Restaurants View All Business Types
Why Choose EasyEquipment?
-
Trusted for 50+ Years
We've been kitting out UK kitchens for half a century—we know our onions.
-
Speedy & Free Delivery
Get your gear fast with free UK mainland delivery, often as soon as the next day.
-
Price Match Promise
Find it for less elsewhere? We'll match the price, no quibbles or fuss.
-
Real UK Support
Got a question? Our friendly, UK-based team is on the phone, ready to help you out.
Ready to Order?
Keep your dishes perfectly presented and ready to serve – add the Buffalo HZ508 Slimline Hot Plate to your basket today for quick, simple delivery.