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 Electric Hot Plate | GN 2/1 Size | Buffalo HZ509
£273.78
/ exc vat
£328.54/ inc vat
- GN 2/1 Capacity
- Slimline Design
- Toughened Glass Surface
- Simple Touch Controls
Have a quick question about this product?
Ask instantly →
Product Overview
Thinking about how to keep your buffet dishes perfectly warm and inviting? This is where the Buffalo slimline food warming tray GN 2/1 really shines. It’s a sleek, modern, and incredibly user-friendly electric hot plate designed to hold large gastronorm pans, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional chafing dishes. With its minimalist look and toughened glass surface, it adds a touch of class to any food display.
Designed for the fast-paced world of professional catering, this warming tray is a must-have for event caterers, hotel breakfast services, and bustling canteens. Its generous GN 2/1 capacity means you can serve large crowds with ease, while the ultra-slim profile makes it a doddle to transport and store. If you need reliable, stylish hot-holding without the faff of water pans and fuel gels, this is the solution you’ve been looking for.
It’s all about simple, effective performance. Featuring straightforward touch controls and a robust build, this commercial buffet warming tray is built to handle the daily grind. It keeps food at the perfect serving temperature, ensuring every dish you present looks and tastes its best. Get ready to streamline your service and impress your guests with a truly professional setup.
Key Features and Benefits
- GN 2/1 Capacity: Holds large gastronorm pans for maximum serving efficiency.
- Slimline Design: Makes it incredibly easy to store away after service.
- Toughened Glass Surface: Looks stylish and professional, and is a breeze to clean.
- Simple Touch Controls: Effortlessly adjust settings for precise temperature control without fuss.
- Efficient 500W Power: Keeps food perfectly warm without consuming excessive energy.
- Rubberised Feet: Stays firmly in place on busy service counters for safety.
- Lightweight Build: Easy for any staff member to move and position as needed.
- Even Heat Distribution: Ensures there are no cold spots affecting your food quality.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Buffalo
- SKU: HZ509
- Dimensions: 25(H) x 650(W) x 530(D) mm
- Capacity: GN 2/1 (Gastronorm pans sold separately)
- Power: 500W, 13 Amp Plug (Single Phase)
- Controls: Digital Touch
- Material: Toughened Glass Top, Metal Base
- Weight: 8.5kg
Expert Review and Insights
The Buffalo HZ509 stands out for its sheer simplicity and modern aesthetic. In a world of bulky stainless steel, its sleek glass top brings a more refined feel to a buffet line. It’s incredibly practical for pop-ups and events where you want a clean, professional look without the hassle of traditional warmers. It does its job quietly and effectively, which is exactly what you want.
Hannah Cartwright – Buffet Equipment Expert View Profile →
- Elegant Presentation: The flat glass top offers a much cleaner, more modern look than chafing dishes.
- No Side Protection: The open design means you need to be mindful of knocks in tight spaces.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The catering team at a busy conference centre in Leeds wanted to upgrade their buffet service for corporate clients, aiming to replace their dated and cumbersome chafing dishes with a more modern solution.
"We needed something that looked professional, was easy to clean, and didn't require constant monitoring. These Buffalo hot plates are brilliant – they look the part and are incredibly simple for our team to set up and manage between sessions."
Robert Green – Conference & Events Manager
The switch to the new warming trays reduced their buffet setup time by over 25% and drew praise from clients for the improved, contemporary presentation of the food.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Always place the unit on a flat, stable, and heat-resistant surface before use.
- Ensure there is at least 10cm of clear space around the unit for proper air circulation.
- Simply plug into a standard 13A socket and use the touch controls to set your desired temperature.
- Allow the unit to pre-heat for around 10 minutes before placing food pans on top for best results.
Keeping It Going
- Always switch off, unplug, and allow the unit to cool completely before attempting to clean it.
- Wipe the glass surface clean using a soft, damp cloth and a mild, non-abrasive detergent.
- Never use steel wool, scouring pads, or harsh chemicals as they can scratch or damage the glass.
- Regularly check the power cord and plug for any signs of wear or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I place gastronorm pans directly on the glass surface?
A: Yes, absolutely. This unit is designed to hold a full GN 2/1 pan, or a combination of smaller pans, directly on its toughened glass hot plate.
Q: Does this warming tray have an adjustable thermostat?
A: Yes, it features simple digital touch controls that allow you to easily adjust the temperature to suit the type of food you are holding.
Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: It's very quick. It typically reaches its operating temperature in about 10-15 minutes, allowing for a speedy setup before service begins.
Q: Is the glass surface difficult to keep clean?
A: Not at all. The toughened glass surface is completely flat and seamless, making it incredibly easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth once it has cooled down.
Q: Can I use this for cooking food from raw?
A: No, this is a food service warming tray designed for hot holding only. Its job is to keep pre-cooked food at a safe and appetising temperature for serving.
Q: Are the gastronorm trays shown in the pictures included?
A: No, the GN pans are sold separately. This allows you to use your existing collection or choose the specific sizes that best suit your menu.
Q: How stable is it on a countertop?
A: It's very stable. The unit is fitted with rubberised feet that prevent it from slipping or sliding on countertops, ensuring safe operation during a busy service.
Q: Is it heavy to move around?
A: No, its slimline design makes it surprisingly lightweight and easy for staff to position, move, and store away when it's not in use.
The Buffalo Promise: Reliability for the Daily Grind
When you choose a Buffalo appliance, you're getting more than just a piece of equipment; you're investing in a workhorse. Known across the UK for its no-nonsense approach to catering hardware, Buffalo focuses on building products that withstand the pressures of a commercial kitchen. This Buffalo slimline food warming tray GN 2/1 is a perfect example. It's not packed with frivolous features; instead, every component, from the toughened glass to the responsive controls, is chosen for durability and ease of use. This means less time training staff, fewer worries about breakdowns during a critical service, and a consistent performance you can rely on day in, day out. It’s this focus on practical, dependable engineering that has made Buffalo a go-to brand for caterers who need their kit to just work.
Explore more from BuffaloMore Than Just a Pretty Surface: The Toughened Glass Advantage
When you see 'toughened glass', don't just think of standard glass. This surface has been through a special thermal and chemical treatment process to make it significantly stronger and safer for a commercial environment. Think of it like the screen on your smartphone, but on an industrial scale. It’s designed to handle the knocks of a busy service and rapid temperature changes without cracking. And, in the unlikely event it does break under extreme force, it shatters into small, blunt, pebble-like pieces rather than dangerous sharp shards, making it a much safer choice in any food service area.
Who Should Buy This?
- Event Caterers: Perfect for creating elegant, portable hot food stations at weddings and corporate functions across the UK.
- Hotel Breakfast Buffets: A stylish and space-saving way to keep bacon, sausages, and baked beans consistently warm.
- Community Halls & Function Rooms: An incredibly simple, reliable solution for serving hot meals at gatherings and local events.
- Cafés with Self-Service Areas: Ideal for keeping pastries or hot savoury snacks appetisingly warm for customers to grab and go.
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?
Elevate your food presentation today - add the Commercial Food Warming Tray | Slimline Electric Hot Plate to your basket for simple, reliable service.