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Buffalo In Stock

Commercial Bain Marie | Wet Heat Food Warmer | 600 Series Countertop | Buffalo CU480

SKU: CU480
£559.71 / exc vat
£671.65/ inc vat
  • Gentle Wet Heat Operation
  • User-Friendly Dial Control
  • Full 1/1GN Capacity
  • Front-Mounted Drain Tap

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Product Overview

Keeping your signature soups, gravies, and  sauces at the perfect serving temperature just got a whole lot simpler. Introducing the Buffalo CU480, a countertop wet heat bain marie designed for professional kitchens where consistency and  quality are paramount. It’s a compact powerhouse, built to hold a full-size gastronorm pan, ensuring you have plenty of your bestsellers ready for the rush.

This unit is the perfect partner for cafés, pubs, mobile caterers, and  canteens. Its straightforward dial control and  gentle wet heat operation mean your food is held safely without drying out or catching. The Buffalo 600 Series Bain Marie fits neatly onto any work surface, offering fantastic performance without demanding a huge amount of space, making it a truly versatile piece of equipment for any busy food service operation.

Crafted from durable stainless steel with a clever front-mounted drain tap for easy cleaning, this commercial bain marie from Buffalo is built for the daily grind. It’s a reliable, no-fuss solution that helps you serve consistently delicious food, service after service. If you need dependable food holding, this is it.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Gentle Wet Heat Operation: Keeps delicate sauces, soups and  gravies perfectly warm without drying out.
  • User-Friendly Dial Control: Makes setting the ideal temperature incredibly simple and  quick.
  • Full 1/1GN Capacity: Offers generous space to hold large batches for busy periods.
  • Front-Mounted Drain Tap: Allows for safe, fast, and  mess-free draining after service.
  • Seamless Welded Stainless Steel Well: Eliminates dirt traps, making daily cleaning an absolute breeze.
  • Overheat Protection Function: Provides essential safety and  peace of mind during hectic shifts.
  • Compact Countertop Design: Fits easily into smaller kitchens or onto mobile catering setups.
  • Durable Stainless Steel Build: A robust, hygienic, and  long-lasting choice for professional kitchens.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Buffalo
  • SKU: CU480
  • Dimensions: 240(H) x 400(W) x 600(D) mm
  • Power: 1.5kW (Standard 13A Plug)
  • Voltage: 230V
  • Temperature Range: 30°C to 90°C
  • Capacity: 1/1 Gastronorm
  • Heat Type: Wet Heat
  • Controls: Manual Dial
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Colour: Silver
  • Notes: Countertop unit. GN pans sold separately.

Expert Review and  Insights

Buffalo has a real knack for creating no-nonsense gear that just works, and  this countertop bain marie is a prime example. It's a proper workhorse; the dial control is refreshingly straightforward, and  the wet heat is spot-on for delicate items like custard or gravy. It’s a solid, dependable choice for any kitchen needing reliable food holding.

Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment View Profile →

  • Pro: The seamless well and  front drain tap make the end-of-day clean-down a doddle.
  • Con: It's wet heat only, so it isn't suitable for keeping fried or crispy foods.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Cricketers' Arms, a bustling pub in Bristol, found their old bain marie couldn't keep up with their renowned Sunday carvery, leading to service delays and  inconsistent food temperatures.

"We needed something that could handle our busiest periods without scorching the gravy or letting the sauces go cold. The Buffalo bain marie has been brilliant – it’s consistent, incredibly easy to clean, and  just does its job without any fuss, which is exactly what you want in a hectic kitchen."

David Thompson – Head Chef

The switch resulted in a more streamlined service and  reduced food wastage from burnt sauces by over 90% during peak hours.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Place the unit on a stable, level, and  heat-resistant work surface.
  • Ensure at least 10cm of clearance around the unit for proper ventilation.
  • Before the first use, fill the well with water to the indicated level *before* plugging in and  turning on.
  • Ensure the front drain tap is securely closed before filling.

Keeping It Going

  • Always unplug the unit and  allow water to cool completely before cleaning.
  • Use the front-mounted tap to drain all water after each day's service.
  • Clean the seamless stainless steel well daily with warm, soapy water and  a soft cloth.
  • Regularly check the drain tap for any food debris to prevent blockages.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Bain Marie

Not sure which bain marie is the best fit for your kitchen? Here are a few key things to consider before you buy.

Wet vs. Dry Heat

Wet heat, like in this model, is gentle and  ideal for liquids and  delicate foods. Dry heat is often faster but can dry items out, making it better for things like pastries or pies.

Capacity & GN Size

Consider your peak demand. A 1/1 GN size is versatile for large batches, but you can use smaller GN pans with divider bars to hold multiple different items.

Countertop vs. Freestanding

Countertop models like this Buffalo electric bain marie are perfect for saving space or for mobile setups. Freestanding units offer much larger capacity for high-volume operations.

Drainage System

A front-mounted drain tap is a must-have for convenience and  safety, making it far easier to empty hot water compared to models you have to tip and  lift.

Power Requirements

Always check that you have the correct power supply available. This model conveniently runs off a standard 13-amp plug, making it easy to install almost anywhere.

See all Wet Heat Bain Maries with GN Pans

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'wet heat' mean?

A: It means the appliance uses a hot water bath to gently heat the food pans above it. This provides even, moist heat that prevents food from drying out or burning.

Q: Can I use this for solid foods like sausages or bacon?

A: It is specifically designed for wet foods such as soups, sauces, gravy, beans, and  curries. For holding dry, crispy items, a dry heat bain marie or heat lamp is recommended.

Q: Do the gastronorm pans come with the unit?

A: No, the GN pans and  divider bars are sold separately. This allows you to configure the stainless steel bain marie for your restaurant's specific menu needs.

Q: How do I drain the water?

A: There is a simple-to-use tap located on the front of the unit, allowing for quick, safe, and  easy draining once the water has cooled.

Q: What is the maximum temperature?

A: The thermostat allows you to heat the water bath to a maximum temperature of 90°C.

Q: Is this a plug-and-play unit?

A: Yes, it runs from a standard 230V mains supply and  is fitted with a 13A plug, so you can get it up and  running straight away.

Q: What does 1/1 GN capacity mean?

A: It means the unit can hold one full-size (1/1) Gastronorm pan, or a combination of smaller pans that equal that size (e.g., two 1/2 GN pans or three 1/3 GN pans).

Q: Can I put the gastronorm pans directly on a hob to heat up first?

A: It depends on the pans you purchase. Always check if your specific gastronorm pans are hob-safe before doing so.

What Customers Are Saying

"Solid bit of kit. Heats up quickly and  holds the temperature perfectly for our curries. Can't fault this commercial bain marie Buffalo unit for the price."

Mark L. – Takeaway Owner, Manchester

"Does exactly what it says on the tin. The front drain tap is a massive plus for cleaning. It's a great countertop bain marie Buffalo model for our cafe."

Sarah J. – Café Manager, Brighton

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The Buffalo Promise: Reliability for the Real World

Beyond the stainless steel and  power ratings, choosing Buffalo is an investment in kitchen confidence. For years, the brand has been a staple in British catering, known for creating equipment that's tough, straightforward, and  ready for the daily grind. The Buffalo 600 Series Bain Marie isn't packed with confusing tech; it’s built with the understanding that busy chefs need reliability above all else. This focus on practical, durable design means less downtime, consistent performance, and  a piece of kit you can depend on during the most demanding services. It’s the kind of workhorse that quietly supports your business day in, day out, ensuring every plate you serve meets your high standards.

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Why Gentle Wet Heat is a Chef's Best Friend

Ever wondered what 'wet heat' actually means for your food? It’s a simple but brilliant concept. The unit uses a bath of hot water to gently and  indirectly warm the gastronorm pan sitting above it. Think of it like the double boiler you'd use at home to melt chocolate without it seizing up or burning. This water creates a gentle, even heat 'cushion' all around the food pan. This prevents aggressive hot spots, stopping delicate sauces from splitting, custards from curdling, or gravies from forming a skin. It’s the secret to ensuring the food you serve the last customer of the day is just as delicious as it was for the first.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Pubs & Carvery Kitchens: Ideal for keeping gravy, sauces, and  mushy peas consistently warm for roasts.
  • Mobile Caterers & Food Stalls: Its compact size and  simple plug-in operation are perfect for events and  markets.
  • Local Cafés & Bistros: An excellent choice for holding the daily soup, baked beans, or chilli for lunch service.
  • School & Workplace Canteens: Reliably holds large batches of liquid-based foods at safe, consistent temperatures.
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