steam table

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of steam table¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

There’s a steam table filled with rice and curry dishes, and all the way at the back of the store is a full butcher counter, hanging legs of lamb swaying in a cold room, waiting to be broken down.

From Seattle Times

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

From Salon

As found nearly every day at the steam table in this bright and welcoming shop in Astoria, Queens, roughly crushed egusi seeds provide the nutty and crunchy substance of this West African stew, cradling spinach and red peppers cooked just long enough to be tender.

From New York Times

Second, the lamb shanks and chicken must be available for immediate consumption, ready to serve straight from a steam table.

From Washington Post

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

From Washington Post