A chafing dish is a useful tool for keeping food warm during a meal. However, there are several synonyms for this word that may be useful to know. Some of the terms you may encounter include a warming tray, hot plate, food warmer, buffet server, and heated serving dish. These items all serve the same purpose as a chafing dish but may come in different shapes and sizes. Some are electric, while others require a sterno to keep the food warm. No matter which term you use, these tools are a great addition to any gathering where you want to keep your food at the perfect temperature to serve to your guests.