steam table

American  

noun

1. a boxlike table or counter, usually of stainless steel, with receptacles in the top into which containers of food may be fitted to be kept warm by steam or hot water in the compartment below.

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Etymology

Origin of steam table

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Or maybe I would have been behind the steam table giving customers dollops of carrots and carving their turkey.

From Salon • Feb. 17, 2022

Some people also love the rectangular metal containers meant to be used as steam table inserts.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 11, 2021

On up Main Street, employees were carrying a shiny new steam table into Los Two Brothers Mexican restaurant.

From Washington Times • Mar. 28, 2021

The closest thing I’ve experienced in New York is the wonderful Khao Kang, in Elmhurst, a tiny, counter-service spot where a daily rotation of dishes is kept in a steam table.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 28, 2018

My counterpart on the neighboring steam table was Thurston Gaines, an Ossining local who had been in my training class.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover