Q I have a vintage hammered aluminum chafing dish with original glass bowl, but I believe the aluminum ”cup” placed in the space for the heating element isn’t original. The space is the perfect size for a tea light candle, but I hesitate to put a direct flame under the glass. What was used originally and what would be safe to use now? Would Sterno be acceptable?

A Don’t use canned heat (Sterno) if the glass dish is directly over the heat. A tea candle will help keep the food warm if the food is hot when it’s put in the dish. Canned heat can be used if the chafing dish is the kind that has a metal outer dish that holds water, which heats the glass dish. A chafing dish that uses a water bath to keep the food warm has the French name ”bain-marie.”

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