Costway Food Warmer Buffet Server vs Foldable Food Warming Mat

Buy the Costway if you are serving a buffet and need to hold several dishes hot at once. Its three stainless trays, water pan and 302°F ceiling let it keep entrees and sides at real serving heat, and the lids with spoon slots make self-service easy. Buy the warming mat if you want one flat surface for a single dish or a few pans, easy folding storage and a surface that is safe to touch. The mat tops out at 212°F and has no lids, so it holds food warm rather than hot, and it cannot match the Costway's capacity. Owners rate the Costway 4.1 out of 5; the mat is simpler and lighter but less capable for a crowd.

• Choose the Costway if you are feeding a party or buffet and need three covered trays kept hot for hours.
• Choose the warming mat if you want a thin, foldable surface for one or two dishes and easy storage.