Patent ID: 6941943

Claim:
A chafing dish for use with a water pan, food tray and removable food cover, and the heating of catered food items utilizing a butane gas can as a heat source and a burner control mechanism, said chafing dish apparatus comprising: a frame assembly having a base, an upper frame, and opposing ends, with legs connected between said base and said upper frame, and leg supports connected to said legs; a butane burner integrated into said base; a housing to hold the butane can securely in place, said housing positioned exterior to said legs on one of said opposing ends; a butane gas regulator; a safety mechanism engaged by a lever in the front of said housing to push the butane gas can against said regulator; an engaging pin pushed by said regulator to start the flow of butane from the butane can to said burner; a copper tube configured and positioned to transport butane from the butane can to said burner; an electronic ignition switch and insulated wiring to ignite the butane at said burner; a burner control mechanism to regulate the flow of butane to said burner for the purpose of allowing a range of flame height and temperature; and a series of ventilation holes in said base of chafing dish whereby when a water pan is supported by said frame assembly, a food tray is in contact with the water pan and covered by the removable food cover, and when said lever is engaged to push the butane gas can against said regulator to allow butane fuel to flow to said burner, food placed in the food tray is brought up to the 140° temperature required for safe food handling in approximately four minutes, and said burner control means and fuel regulator provide even heating once the desired food temperature is reached for continued safe food handling of the catered food and optimal favor enhancement.