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Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Commercial Bain Marie | Wet Heat Food Warmer | 1.5kW | Buffalo FT693. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

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Buffalo In Stock

Commercial Bain Marie | Wet Heat Food Warmer | 1.5kW | Buffalo FT693

SKU: FT693
£255.52 / exc vat
£306.62/ inc vat
  • Wet Heat Operation
  • 1/1 GN Compatibility
  • User-Friendly Dial Control
  • Easy-Clean Stainless Steel

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Features Overview Specifications Case Study Reviews Installation Buying Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Ever find yourself juggling pots and  pans during a busy service, trying to keep everything at that perfect serving temperature? The Buffalo FT693 Commercial Bain Marie is your new best mate in the kitchen. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense wet heat food warmer designed to gently hold everything from gravy and  sauces to soups and  chilli, ensuring the last portion served is just as delicious as the first. This countertop unit is a real workhorse, built for the daily grind of a professional food environment.

Perfectly suited for cafés, carveries, mobile catering vans, and  pub kitchens, this wet heat bain marie food warmer uses a gentle water bath to keep food moist and  flavourful, preventing it from drying out or scorching. With its robust stainless steel construction, it’s a breeze to clean down after service, and  the simple dial control means anyone on your team can operate it with confidence. It’s the ideal solution for any business that needs reliable, fuss-free hot holding without a hefty price tag or complicated setup.

If you're looking for a dependable piece of kit that does its job exceptionally well, day in and  day out, your search ends here. The Buffalo FT693 bain marie is designed for performance and  longevity, offering a practical way to improve service speed and  food quality. It’s the dependable kitchen hand you’ve been looking for, ready to get to work straight out of the box.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Wet Heat Operation: Gently keeps food warm without drying it out.
  • 1/1 GN Compatibility: Fits your existing gastronorm pans for maximum versatility.
  • User-Friendly Dial Control: Set and  forget temperatures with a simple twist.
  • Easy-Clean Stainless Steel: Makes post-service cleanup quick, simple, and  hygienic.
  • Overheat Protection: A clever safety feature prevents damage and  gives peace of mind.
  • Improved Lifespan Design: Built tough to last longer in a busy kitchen.
  • Powerful 1.5kW Element: Heats up quickly, ready for service when you are.
  • Eco-Friendly Packaging: Delivered with less plastic, which is better for everyone.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: Buffalo
  • SKU: FT693
  • Dimensions: 327(H) x 645(W) x 432(D)mm
  • Power: 1.5kW
  • Power Supply: Electric - 13 amp plug fitted
  • Capacity: 21Ltr / 1x 1/1GN (up to 150mm deep)
  • Weight: 8kg
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Controls: Manual Dial
  • Heat Type: Wet Heat Only

Expert Review and  Insights

The Buffalo FT693 is a classic example of a brand that knows its audience. It’s not flashy, but it’s a proper workhorse. The wet heat system is impressively gentle, preserving the texture of delicate sauces and  soups brilliantly. For any establishment needing a reliable, countertop hot-holding solution that won’t break the bank, this is a top contender.

Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment Expert View Profile →

  • Pros: Exceptionally simple to use and  clean, a real time-saver during service.
  • Cons: Lacks a drain tap, so requires manual emptying when cool.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Corner Deli in Bristol was struggling to keep their homemade soups and  chilli hot and  appetising throughout the busy lunch rush without them drying out in a standard pot. They needed a countertop wet heat bain marie that was both compact and  reliable.

"The Buffalo bain marie has been a revelation. We just switch it on, and  it holds our daily specials at the perfect temperature for hours. Our customers have noticed the difference in quality, and  it's made service so much smoother for our staff."

Clara Hayes – Owner

Since implementing the Buffalo FT693, the deli has seen a 30% increase in hot food sales and  significantly reduced end-of-day food waste.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Place the unit on a flat, stable, and  heat-resistant countertop with good ventilation.
  • Before first use, give the unit and  any gastronorm pans a thorough clean with warm, soapy water.
  • Fill the inner tank with water, ensuring the level is between the 'MIN' and  'MAX' indicators. Never operate it dry.
  • Plug into a standard 13-amp socket and  pre-heat for 15-20 minutes before adding your hot food pans.

Keeping It Going

  • Always unplug and  allow the unit to cool completely before cleaning or moving it.
  • Empty the water and  wipe the interior and  exterior with a soft, damp cloth and  mild detergent daily.
  • Avoid using harsh abrasive pads or steel wool, as this can damage the stainless steel finish.
  • In hard water areas, regularly descale the unit according to manufacturer instructions to maintain performance.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Bain Marie

Not sure which hot holding unit is the right fit for your kitchen? Here are a few things to consider to make sure you get the perfect match.

Wet Heat vs. Dry Heat

Wet heat units, like this one, are perfect for liquids and  delicate foods like sauces, gravy, and  soups, as they keep food moist. Dry heat is better for crispy items like pastries or fried foods.

Size and  Capacity

Consider your counter space and  typical batch sizes. This 1/1 GN unit is a versatile countertop size, ideal for most small to medium operations. Ensure it fits the gastronorm pans you already use.

Power Source

Most countertop models, including the Buffalo FT693, use a standard 13-amp plug, making them easy to install anywhere. Larger units might require hardwiring, so always check the power requirements.

Material and  Cleaning

Stainless steel is the industry standard for a reason. It's durable, hygienic, and  easy to clean, which is essential for saving time and  meeting food safety standards.

Controls and  Features

Simple dial controls are reliable and  easy for any staff member to use. Look for safety features like overheat protection for added peace of mind in a busy kitchen environment.

See all Wet Heat Bain Maries with GN Pans

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use this bain marie for dry heat?

A: No, the Buffalo FT693 is designed for wet heat operation only. Using it without water can damage the heating element and  is a safety risk.

Q: What size gastronorm pans can I use?

A: It's designed to hold one full-size 1/1 GN pan up to 150mm deep. You can also use smaller 1/2 or 1/3 GN pans with the addition of divider bars (sold separately).

Q: Does this unit have a drain tap?

A: No, this countertop model does not have a drain tap. To empty it, you simply allow it to cool and then carefully pour the water out.

Q: Is it easy to move?

A: Yes, it weighs just 8kg when empty, making it light enough to be considered a portable countertop wet heat bain marie, ideal for mobile caterers.

Q: Does it come with the gastronorm pans included?

A: No, the pans and  divider bars are sold separately, allowing you to choose the configuration that best suits your needs.

Q: How do I know how much water to put in?

A: There are minimum and  maximum water level indicators inside the tank to guide you. Never operate it below the minimum level.

Q: What is the overheat protection feature?

A: It's a safety cut-out that automatically switches the unit off if it gets too hot or is operated without water, preventing damage. It can be easily reset once the unit has cooled.

Q: Can I cook food from cold in this?

A: No, bain maries are designed for hot holding only. All food should be cooked to a safe temperature before being placed in the unit to be kept warm.

What Customers Are Saying

"Brilliant bit of kit. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Heats up fast and  keeps our gravy perfect all day long. Dead easy to clean too."

Dave P. – Pub Chef, Liverpool

"A really solid and  reliable food warmer. My only tiny niggle is that the pans aren't included, but for the price, you can't complain. Highly recommended."

Anya Sharma – Caterer, Leicester

"We use this in our small cafe for soups. It's simple, effective and  takes up very little counter space. A fantastic purchase for our business."

Tom Richards – Café Owner, Cardiff

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The Buffalo Promise: Reliability That Pays for Itself

When you choose a Buffalo appliance, you're investing in more than just stainless steel; you're investing in peace of mind. For years, Buffalo has been a cornerstone brand in busy British kitchens, celebrated for its no-frills approach to creating robust, reliable, and  affordable equipment. The FT693 bain marie embodies this philosophy perfectly. It's engineered not with unnecessary bells and  whistles, but with a focus on durability and  consistent performance. This means fewer breakdowns, less downtime during critical service hours, and  a longer operational lifespan. In a commercial environment where every minute counts, having a dependable workhorse like this Buffalo bain marie food warmer isn't a cost—it's a long-term saving and  a commitment to operational smoothness.

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Why Gentle Wet Heat Is Your Secret Weapon

Ever wondered what 'wet heat' actually means for your food? It’s simpler and  more effective than you might think. Instead of using a harsh, direct heating element, a wet heat bain marie creates a bath of hot water that surrounds the food pan. This water acts as a buffer, distributing heat incredibly evenly and  gently.

Think of it like a spa day for your sauces. A dry heat unit is like a harsh sauna, which can quickly dry out, scorch, or form a skin on liquids like custard, gravy, or soup. The gentle, humid environment of a commercial bain marie wet heat system maintains the food's moisture, texture, and  flavour for hours. This means less waste, happier customers, and  a more consistent product from the first serving to the last.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Local Pubs & Carveries: Ideal for keeping gravy, sauces, and  mushy peas at the perfect temperature for Sunday roasts and  classic pub grub.
  • Mobile Caterers & Food Trucks: Its lightweight, countertop design and  standard 13-amp plug make it perfect for serving hot food at events and  markets.
  • School Canteens & Community Halls: A simple, safe, and  effective way to hold large batches of soup, beans, or custard for lunch services.
  • Farm Shops & Delis: Perfect for offering hot takeaway options like soups or stews, adding a valuable revenue stream with minimal fuss.
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Ready to keep your food perfectly hot and  ready to serve? Order your Buffalo FT693 Commercial Bain Marie today for fast, simple delivery right to your door.

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