Beverage dispenser
3 gallon glass with stand
$12.10each
Catering equipment rental · Chicago
Chafing dish
Rent a Chafing dish in Chicago and the suburbs for $48.40 each. Keeps buffet food hot for 2-3 hours with fuel. A 100-guest event needs about 5, or $242 before delivery. Delivery, setup and pickup are added to the same itemized quote, and the quote is free. We book it with a vetted Chicago-area rental company.
$48.40each, one event day
Delivered and set up: about $518 for 5 units (100 guests)
- Rental (5 × $48.40)
- $242
- Delivery & pickup (est., depends on distance and stairs)
- $150
- Setup & teardown (est.)
- $75
- Damage waiver (10%)
- $24.20
- Sales tax (Chicago rate, suburbs lower)
- $27.29
Delivery is one charge per order, so it shrinks per item as your list grows. Your proposal confirms every fee for your venue. Nothing is charged until you approve it.
Prices are based on local rental companies' published rates plus our booking fee. Your final quote is confirmed by the rental company for your date and venue. Rental company? Correct or remove your listing.
- Specs
- 8 qt full-size, stainless
- Category
- Catering equipment
- Suggested
- About 5 per 100 guests
- Delivery
- Across Chicago & suburbs
The piece itself
Chafing dish on its own
A closer look at a single piece, so you can see its shape, finish and colour. The plain render is built from the rental’s real dimensions.
Real event photos
Chafing dish style at real events
Example photos of this type of rental at real events, so you can picture it. Our rental partner's exact item, colour and finish may differ; ask for a photo of the actual piece in your quote.
Example photo
Example photoQuantity & cost
How many you need
| Event size | Qty | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 guests | 3 | $145.20 | |
| 100 guests | 5 | $242 | |
| 150 guests | 8 | $387.20 | |
| 200 guests | 10 | $484 | |
| 250 guests | 13 | $629.20 |
Planning tips
Getting catering equipment right
- 1
Hot food
One full-size chafing dish per hot dish on the menu, with fuel for 2-3 hours.
- 2
Drinks
One 3-gallon beverage dispenser serves about 45 cups; one 100-cup urn covers coffee for 100 guests.
- 3
Bar
One bar and one bartender per 75-100 guests keeps lines short.
Questions
Chafing dish rental FAQs
How much does it cost to rent a Chafing dish in Chicago?
$48.40 each for one event day. Delivery and pickup (usually $150-$400 per order), setup, a damage waiver (about 10%) and sales tax are added for your venue, so a delivered order typically costs 35-60% more than the rental rates alone. Multi-day rentals are quoted on request.
How many Chafing dishes do I need for 100 guests?
About 5, which comes to $242. Add 5-10% spares for anything guests handle, such as plates, glasses and napkins.
Can you deliver a Chafing dish to my venue?
Yes. We arrange delivery, setup and pickup anywhere in Chicago & suburbs, including Evanston, Oak Park, Oak Brook, Schaumburg, Naperville and nearby towns. Tell us about stairs, elevators or load-in windows and we include them in the quote.
How far ahead should I reserve?
For May to October weekends, reserve 2-4 months ahead; tents, specialty chairs and dance floors go first. For other dates, 2-4 weeks is usually enough. Your quote holds nothing until you approve it.
Do chafing dish rentals include fuel?
Usually not. Chafing fuel cans cost about $2-4 each and last 2-6 hours depending on type. We add them to your quote if you need them.
How many chafing dishes do I need for 100 guests?
Typically 5-7: one per hot entree and side. Cold items can sit on platters and trays instead.
How it compares
Chafing dish vs similar catering equipment
At $48.40 each, the chafing dish is number 527 of 653 in our catering equipment range by price, which runs from $0.55 to $775.50. For less, consider chrome - crepe suzzette pan ($48.13) or buffet tiles - brushed stainless warming riser 8" ($48.40). One step up: glass serving jar ($48.40) or stainless steel - 8 qt. oblong, 12" x 20" w/sterno ($48.40).
More catering equipment
Coffee urn
100-cup percolator
$27.50each
Serving tray / platter
Stainless or silver, assorted sizes
$5.50each
Cake stand
Silver, gold or glass pedestal
$5.50each
Chafing dish$48.40 eachAdd to quote
Free 15-minute planning call
Need help planning your catering equipment?
- Quantities for your guest count and floor plan
- Which chairs, tables and linens suit your venue
- An honest estimate with delivery and setup itemized
