Which is better for a party buffet?

The Elite Gourmet EWM-6171. Its three lidded pans keep separate dishes hot and covered, and the dial lets you adjust heat. The Costway tray is one open surface, better for platters and bread.

Which keeps food from drying out?

The Elite, because each pan has a removable stainless lid. The Costway tray is open, so food on it will dry out and cool faster during a long serving period.

Is the Costway worth $25 more?

Only if you serve on platters or plates rather than in pans, or want cool-touch handles. For holding pans of food hot, the Elite does more for less at current prices.

Do both use the same power?

Yes. Both are 300-watt electric units, and the Elite runs on 120 volts. Expect similar draw and similar warm-up times.

Which is easier to store?

The Costway is a single flat unit. The Elite breaks down into a frame, three pans and three lids, which takes more shelf space but stacks.

Costway Electric Warming Tray vs Elite Gourmet EWM-6171 Buffet Server

Buy the Elite Gourmet EWM-6171 if you want to keep several dishes hot at once: it holds 7.5 quarts across three 2.5-quart pans with lids and adjustable heat, at $29.99 at eBay as of November 6, 2026. Buy the Costway warming tray if you want a flat stainless surface for platters, plates or bread with cool-touch handles, at $54.99 at Target as of November 6, 2026. The Elite costs less and holds more food; the Costway is the simpler surface for serving dishes that are not in pans.

Today the Elite Gourmet EWM-6171 Buffet Server costs $9.00 less at its best price.

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