When is steam table necessary?

What necessitates a steam table in a restaurant/grill? Menu or ALWAYS required.
Things to look for in purchasing? TIA.

[Dlee]

Barbara106,

Welcome to The Chef talk. I am not really sure of your questions, but I will give it a try to answer.

Q; What necessitates a steam table in a restaurant/grill?

A; The steam table in a resturant/grill is used to keep your sauces, soups, and some sides warm till the order comes in.

Q; Menu or ALWAYS required.
A; If you do not a menu you can use a chalk board, a large board or a even a small board in a well seen location for your guest to see.

Q; Things to look for in purchasing?
A; Okey, I am not sure of your question here. So here is my question to you. What are you purchasing?

D.Lee

Two Fat Pigs uses a steam table always when the menu calls for sauces. I have seen steam tables used for warming cooked items such as meats and fish but, have never used them for that purpose. Those are always cooked to order. We like the flame to be even along the entire base which helps control the temp of the item warmed. We use gas. Input on buying one? Sorry. We bought second hand from a local restaurant supply. I don't recall the brand name but it's served us well over the years. I'm at home or I'd dig out the name right now.
Ciao,
Angelina

[Nicko]

Moving this topic to the Cooking Equipment forum as it seems more appropriate there.