Good morning from North Carolina.
@Flaterate, you will likely get more responses if you amend your title to include what you want opinions on. I don't normally open "clickbait" titled threads and would have passed on this one if I hadn't been cruising the equipment forum.
From my experience, these "warmers" are more for keeping already heated foods in the safe temperature range than for heating foods. One exception would be item that can be stirred to heat evenly like baked beans or pulled pork. Otherwise, they generally don't have the 360* all-round heating capability needed to consistently heat up all the contents of cold pans rapidly and safely.
If you do buy one you'll also want either pan covers to match you pans or chafing pan lid(s)..... or both.
Accessing your entrees and side dishes is effortless with this full size flat stainless steel steam table pan cover. Keep your food enclosed with this lid to ensure that your guests always dig into something steamy. Opening and closing is also made easy with a flat, center handle. Preventing...
www.webstaurantstore.com
Accessing your entrees and appetizers is made easy with this Choice full size flat stainless steel steam table pan cover. Multiple hinges at the center of this sleek cover allows for food to be served from both sides. Whether you are catering a birthday, barbeque, wedding, or accommodating any...
www.webstaurantstore.com
I've had and sold a number of the electric countertop warmers over the years but have also had and still have Cambro Camcarrier insulated serving pan carriers for my occasional use as they don't need electricity, can be transported full and keep food appropriately hot
or cold for hours.
This top-loading, Cambro UPCS160110 Camcarrier S-Series® black top loading 6" deep insulated food pan carrier features thick foamed-in insulation to help ensure your food is kept at safe temperatures during transportation. It features convenient molded-in finger notches, allowing you to easily...
www.webstaurantstore.com
They come in various colors and depths. Gaskets are available for the pan lids if desired to prevent leaks if the Camcarrier is handled roughly or is loaded with liquids.
Preheating the Camcarrier with boiling water and putting a inch or so of hot to boiling water in it (depending on how hot you want to hold the contents) before adding the food pans is the most you'll need to do even if holding or serving in cold weather or a few hours later. If the insulated cover is replaced when not actively serving it goes a long way to maintaining the desired temperature.
Lastly, the plastic is food safe so in theory at least, if you're filling the Camcarrier with one product you can dispense with the pans and just fill the entire container with food. I've had no need to do that but have seen it done with for bigger events, particularly for cold salads etc.
And, the Camcarrier can be sent through commercial conveyor dish washers if the dishwasher is big enough to take it.
There are less expensive brands of insulated pan carriers but I have no experience with them.
I hope some of this rambling helps.
