Sterno - Canned Heat
A sterno or canned heat is a crucial part of the catering business as it is the light that keeps the chaffing dishes hot. A sterno is an aluminum container full of jellied alcohol which can appear to be pink or purple in color. Once the container is opened the caterer would use a lighter or a match to light the jellied alcohol. The sterno would then be placed underneath the chaffing dish in order to keep the water hot. A sterno is essentially “canned heat” that can be burned directly from the can making it a staple in the event planning and catering industry. Sternos can be bought in groups of three or six depending on the size, are relatively easy to use and clean burning. They can be easily transported and reused if all the jelly hasn’t dissipated. After the food service portion of the event, the flame in the sterno should just be blown out and then covered by the lid.
