Bottle Coolers & Beer Fridges
Ice Cream Displays
Ice Cream Machines
Chest Freezers
Commercial Freezers
Commercial Fridges
Ice Cube Makers and Flakers
Wine Coolers
Bain Maries
Commercial Microwaves
Commercial Sinks
Commercial Ovens
Fryers and Chip Scuttles
Glass and Dishwashers
Pie Warmers & Hot Food Displays
Pizza Ovens
Water Boilers
Bar Supplies
Bowls & Display Baskets
Cash Registers
Chafing Dish Sets & Fuel
Menus & Boards
Table Numbers & Stands
Salt, Pepper & Spice Mills
Crockery
Cutlery
Glassware
Wine Glasses
Bins
Cleaning Chemicals
GreasePak
Janitorial Equipment
Laundry Equipment
Coffee Machines
Juice Dispensers
Juicers
Drink Blenders
Milkshake Blenders
Slush Machines
Water Boilers
Cookware
Gastronorm Containers
Ingredient Bins
Pastry & Baking
Utensils
Pizza Pans & Equipment
Food Storage
Food Transport & Delivery Bags
Folding Furniture
Garden and Outdoor Furniture
High Chairs
Chairs
Tables
33% OFF
Jarvis
Catering SpecialistJarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535
How can we help?
Choose an option below
Select an option to get started. We're here to help!
Product Questions
Specs, suitability, features & comparisons
Other Enquiries
Delivery, warranty, invoices & customer service
Buffalo
In Stock
Commercial Bain Marie with Pans | Food Warmer | Stainless Steel | Buffalo FT691
£316.35
/ exc vat
£379.62/ inc vat
- Wet Heat Operation
- Included GN Pans & Lids
- Stainless Steel Construction
- User-Friendly Dial Control
Have a quick question about this product?
Ask instantly →
Product Overview
Keeping your signature dishes perfectly warm and ready to serve has never been simpler. This brilliant Buffalo countertop bain marie is your go-to solution for holding everything from rich gravy and hearty soups to chilli and mushy peas at the ideal serving temperature. It uses a gentle wet heat system, which stops food from drying out or burning, ensuring what you serve your customers is as delicious as when you first cooked it.
Designed specifically for the hustle and bustle of professional UK kitchens, this unit is a firm favourite in cafes, pubs, canteens, and event catering. This fantastic commercial bain marie with pans included means you get everything you need to get started straight out of the box. The straightforward dial control and robust stainless steel construction make it a truly low-maintenance workhorse you can rely on, service after service.
If you're looking to streamline your service, reduce food waste, and guarantee consistently hot, delicious food for every customer, this is the bit of kit you've been waiting for. It’s simple, effective, and built to last, letting you focus on the food, not the fuss. Ready to plug in and go, it's an effortless upgrade to any food service operation.
Key Features and Benefits
- Wet Heat Operation: Ensures food is heated gently, preventing it from drying out.
- Included GN Pans & Lids: Get set up and start serving immediately, no extra purchases needed.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Makes it durable, long-lasting, and exceptionally easy to wipe clean.
- User-Friendly Dial Control: Lets you effortlessly set and adjust the perfect holding temperature.
- Overheat Protection: A simple reset function provides total peace of mind during busy shifts.
- Improved Design: Engineered for an extended operational lifespan in demanding commercial environments.
- 13 Amp Plug Fitted: No need for specialist installation; simply plug it in and start working.
- Generous 21Ltr Capacity: Holds a large volume of food, ideal for busy services or events.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Buffalo
- SKU: FT691
- Dimensions: 327(H) x 645(W) x 432(D)mm
- Power Type: 1.2kW, Electric - Plug In
- Voltage: 220-240V
- Power Supply: 13 amp plug fitted
- Capacity: 21Ltr
- Weight: 10.45kg
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Heating Type: Wet Heat Only
- Included: 2 x 1/3 GN & 2 x 1/6 GN pans (150mm deep) with lids
Expert Review and Insights
The Buffalo FT691 is a real workhorse. In our tests, it proved to be incredibly straightforward and dependable, holding a consistent temperature without any fuss. It’s a classic example of a brand focusing on getting the fundamentals right—it’s robust, easy to clean, and does its core job exceptionally well for any wet-heat application.
Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment Expert View Profile →
- Pros: A brilliant 'plug-and-play' unit that's incredibly simple for any staff member to use.
- Cons: Being wet heat only, it's not suitable for holding dry, crispy foods like chips.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Hungry Pilgrim Café in York needed a more reliable method for holding their homemade soups and sauces for their bustling lunchtime trade. Their previous bain marie was inconsistent, leading to wasted batches of food.
"The Buffalo bain marie is just solid. We switch it on in the morning, and it holds the temperature perfectly all day. Our sauces no longer split, and the soups are always spot-on. It's one less thing to worry about during a frantic lunch rush."
Susan Edwards – Head Chef
The café reported a measurable reduction in food waste from spoiled sauces and soups by over 30% in the first month.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Place the unit on a flat, stable, and heat-resistant surface, ensuring good ventilation around it.
- Before plugging in, make sure the temperature dial is set to 'Off'.
- Fill the inner tank with warm water, ensuring the level is between the 'MIN' and 'MAX' markers. Never operate it dry.
- Pre-heat the bain marie for 15-20 minutes before placing your hot food pans inside for the best results.
Keeping It Going
- Always unplug the unit and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
- Empty the water after every single use to prevent limescale build-up and maintain hygiene.
- Wipe the interior and exterior with a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent. Avoid abrasive scourers.
- If you're in a hard water area, descale the unit periodically according to manufacturer instructions to maintain efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is 'wet heat' and why is it better for some foods?
A: Wet heat uses a hot water bath to gently heat the food pans. It's ideal for liquids like soup, gravy, and sauces as it prevents them from drying out, burning, or forming a skin.
Q: Can I use this bain marie without water?
A: No. This is a wet heat only unit. Operating it without water can damage the heating element and is a fire risk. Always ensure water is between the MIN and MAX levels.
Q: Does this commercial bain marie with pans come ready to use?
A: Yes, absolutely. It includes a versatile set of 2 x 1/3 GN and 2 x 1/6 GN pans with lids, plus a fitted 13 amp plug, so you can get started right away.
Q: Can I use my own Gastronorm pans in this unit?
A: Yes, this unit is compatible with standard Gastronorm pans up to 150mm deep, allowing you to swap pans directly from your oven or combi to the bain marie.
Q: How do I clean the unit?
A: Once cool, empty the water. The stainless steel construction and removable pans make it easy to clean with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads.
Q: What is the temperature range?
A: The simple dial control allows you to set the holding temperature to suit the food you are serving, typically between 30°C and 90°C, to keep food safely above the danger zone.
Q: Is this electric bain marie with gastronorm pans portable?
A: Weighing just over 10kg and with a compact countertop design, it is relatively easy to move for mobile caterers or for deep cleaning, but it is designed for stable countertop use.
Q: What does the overheat protection do?
A: It's a safety feature that automatically cuts power to the unit if it gets too hot, for instance, if the water runs dry. There is a simple manual reset button to get it working again safely.
The Buffalo Promise: Reliability When It Counts
In any professional kitchen, the gear you can trust is worth its weight in gold. That's the core philosophy behind Buffalo equipment. This bain marie isn't packed with confusing digital displays or features you'll never use. Instead, it's engineered for one purpose: to be exceptionally reliable under pressure. The robust components and straightforward design mean fewer things can go wrong during a hectic service, translating to less stress for your team and better consistency for your customers. For over two decades, Buffalo has been the go-to choice for UK caterers who need affordable, hard-working equipment that stands the test of time. Choosing this bain marie is an investment in smoother service, reduced food waste, and the simple peace of mind that comes from knowing your equipment won't let you down.
Explore more from BuffaloWhy Gentle Wet Heat Is Your Secret Weapon
Ever wondered what 'wet heat' actually means? Think of it like a professional double boiler. The unit holds a reservoir of water which is gently heated, and this hot water then surrounds the food pans. This creates a sort of warm, steamy blanket for your food, transferring heat incredibly gently and evenly.
Unlike 'dry heat' which can be harsh and create hotspots, this method prevents skin from forming on custards and sauces, stops soups from reducing too much, and keeps everything at a consistent, ready-to-serve temperature without drying it out or 'cooking' it further. It’s the professional's choice for holding delicate liquid-based foods for long periods.
Who Should Buy This?
- Local Pubs & Carvery: Perfect for keeping gravy, sauces, and mushy peas at the ideal temperature during a busy Sunday service.
- Farm Shop Cafés: An ideal bain marie food warmer for serving hot soups, stews, or chilli to customers looking for a hearty lunch.
- Mobile Caterers & Event Stands: A reliable, plug-and-play countertop bain marie for catering hot food at festivals, weddings, and markets.
- School & Office Canteens: A simple and safe solution for holding portions of curry, beans, or custard on a self-service line.
Find equipment tailored to your type of business:
Shop for Cafes Shop for Hotels Shop for Restaurants View All Business Types
You Might Also Like
-
£89.99 £292.00Commercial Wet Heat Bain Marie | Food Warmer | 4 x GN 1/4 Pans | Modena TBM1
250H x 335W x 540D mm
13 amp plug fitted
4 x 1/4 GN pans
Stainless Steel
-
£89.99 £292.00Modena TBM236 Bain Marie 2 X GN1/3 + 2 X GN1/6 150 mm Pans & Lids Included
250H x 335W x 540D mm
13 amp plug fitted
2 x GN1/3 pans + 2 x GN1/6 pans
Stainless Steel
-
£89.99 £292.00Commercial Bain Marie | Food Warmer | 3 X GN 1/3 Pans & Lids | Modena TBM3
240H x 360W x 590D mm
13 amp plug fitted
3 x GN1/3 pans
Stainless Steel
-
£89.99 £292.00Commercial Wet Heat Bain Marie | 6 x GN 1/6 150mm | Food Warmer with Pans | Modena TBM6X6
250H x 335W x 540D mm
13 amp plug fitted
6 x GN1/6 pans
Stainless Steel
-
£89.99 £292.00Commercial Wet Heat Bain Marie | Food Warmer | 4 x GN 1/6 + 3 x GN 1/9 Pans | Modena TBM7
250H x 335W x 540D mm
13 amp plug fitted
4 x GN1/6 pans + 3 x GN1/9 pans
Stainless Steel
-
£275.99 £690.00Commercial Bain Marie | Food Warmer | 4 x 1/4 GN Capacity | Hallco MBM4
230H x 530W x 330D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Dry Heat
Simmerstat controls
-
£341.99 £855.00Commercial Bain Marie | Wet Heat Food Warmer | 3 x 1/3 GN | Hallco MBM3WT
270H x 330W x 540D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Wet Heat
Stainless Steel
-
£199.99 £742.00Commercial Bain Marie Food Warmer | 6 x GN1/3 Hot Holding Unit | Glass Display Cover | Modena
320H x 1200W x 350D mm
13 amp plug fitted
6 x GN1/3 pans included
Stainless Steel
-
£1,833.99 £2,729.00Commercial Bain Marie with Glass Display | 3 x Gastronorm 1/1 | Hot Food Display | Inomak MIV711
1310H x 1105W x 700D mm
Inomak
With glass structure
Stainless steel
-
£253.99 £378.00Commercial Bain Marie | Hot Food Warmer | 3x 1/3 Gastronorm Containers | Blizzard BBM1
255H x 354W x 595D mm
Blizzard
Drain tap
Stainless Steel
-
£732.99 £1,091.00Commercial Countertop Bain Marie | Hot Food Display | 3x GN 1/1 Capacity | Inomak MAV610
265H x 1080W x 630D mm
Inomak
Open type
Stainless Steel
Why Choose EasyEquipment?
-
Trusted for 50+ Years
We've been kitting out UK kitchens for half a century—we know our onions.
-
Speedy & Free Delivery
Get your gear fast with free UK mainland delivery, often as soon as the next day.
-
Price Match Promise
Find it for less elsewhere? We'll match the price, no quibbles or fuss.
-
Real UK Support
Got a question? Our friendly, UK-based team is on the phone, ready to help you out.
Ready to Order?
Ready to guarantee perfectly hot food every service? Order your Buffalo FT691 Commercial Bain Marie with Pans today for fast, reliable delivery right to your kitchen door.