Choosing the right catering equipment comes down to three questions: how many people are you serving, do you need ice or hot water, and how much space do you actually have? Get those three answers first, and the right urn, ice maker, or buffet server becomes obvious.
This guide covers six genuinely different pieces of kit, split into three categories: ice makers, catering urns, and buffet servers. Each pair covers a small-scale option and a high-capacity option, so you can match the equipment to your event size rather than guessing.
Before You Buy: Capacity, Power, and Space
Capacity is the first thing to get right. Urns and buffet servers are rated in litres and tray count, ice makers in kg per 24 hours. Buy for your typical event size, not your biggest possible one, oversized kit takes longer to heat and wastes power on smaller jobs.
Space matters just as much. Freestanding ice makers need clearance on all sides for ventilation. Under-counter models need to fit an existing cut-out. If you’re running several high-wattage appliances at once, check if your venue’s circuit can handle the combined load before the day of the event.
At a Glance
| Product | Capacity/Output | Best For |
| HOMCOM Freestanding Ice Maker | 30kg/24h | Home bars, small offices, one-off events |
| HOMCOM Under-Counter Ice Maker | 45kg/24h | Bars, cafés, constant demand |
| HOMCOM 24L Catering Urn | 24L, 2500W | Weddings, all-day functions |
| HOMCOM 6.5L Catering Urn | 6.5L, 1500W | Offices, meetings, small gatherings |
| HOMCOM 5 Tray Buffet Server | 9.2L, 5 trays | Full buffet spreads |
| HOMCOM 4 Tray Buffet Server | 300W, 4 trays | Smaller, regular events |
1. Ice Makers
Freestanding Ice Maker, 30kg/24h
No installation, no cut-out, no plumbing changes. This model plugs in and starts producing ice, up to 30kg every 24 hours, with digital controls, an included scoop, and a self-clean cycle. Suits home bars, small offices, or one-off events where a built-in unit isn’t worth the hassle.
Under-Counter Ice Maker, 45kg/24h
Built for constant demand rather than occasional use. Stainless steel, fits under-counter or freestanding, and outputs 50% more ice per day than the model above. This is the one for bars, cafés, or any venue where ice can’t run out mid-service.
2. Catering Urns
24L Catering Urn
Built for volume. 2500W heating, a thermostat with keep-warm, and 24 litres of capacity, enough hot water for a wedding, an all-day function, or a church hall full of people who all want tea at once. Refills between batches, not between every cup.
6.5L Catering Urn
Same thermostat, same keep-warm function, a fraction of the size. Built for office kitchens, small meeting rooms, or gatherings under twenty people, anywhere a 24L urn would be overkill and take up too much counter space.
3. Buffet Servers
5 Tray Portable Buffet Server, 9.2L
Five separate trays, each with its own lid and independent temperature control. Nothing bleeds into anything else, and nothing overcooks because it’s sharing heat with a dish that needs less. Built for full buffet spreads where variety matters.
4 Tray Electric Buffet Server, 300W
For two or three dishes rather than five. Cool-touch handles, adjustable temperature, light enough to move mid-service without needing oven gloves. The practical choice for smaller, regular events rather than occasional big ones.
Quick Checklist
- Hot drinks for a large group all day → 24L Catering Urn.
- Hot drinks for under 20 people → 6.5L Catering Urn.
- Ice with no installation → Freestanding Ice Maker.
- Ice on tap, constantly → Under-Counter Ice Maker.
- Full buffet, multiple dishes → 5 Tray Buffet Server.
- A couple of dishes, kept warm → 4 Tray Buffet Servers.
- Tight on space → pair a compact urn with an under-counter ice maker.
- Events vary in size → buy one large unit, one compact, rather than one “in-between” size.
Shop the Full Range
Aosom’s catering equipment range covers ice makers, urns, and buffet servers for cafés, catering businesses, and one-off events alike.
For everything else in the kitchen, the Small Kitchen Appliances range covers mini fridges and coffee machines, and the Wine Racks & Cabinets range is worth a look if wine service is part of the event.
FAQs
1. What size catering urn do I need?
A 6.5L urn covers offices and gatherings under 20 people. A 24L urn suits weddings and all-day events where hot drinks need to be continuous rather than topped up constantly. Match litres to guest count and event length.
2. Freestanding or under-counter ice maker?
Freestanding needs no installation, good for home bars or occasional use. Under-counter suits venues with constant demand, bars and cafés, where a built-in unit keeps the counter clear and output steady all day.
3. How many trays does my buffet server need?
The choice depends on the number of hot dishes, not guests. For two or three hot dishes, a 4-tray buffet server is usually enough. If you’re serving more foods at different temperatures, choose a 5-tray model for greater flexibility.
4. Is catering equipment worth it for home use, not just business?
Yes. Urns, ice makers, and buffet servers all work well for parties, family gatherings, and seasonal events where standard kitchen appliances fall short. A compact urn or 4-tray server is usually the right scale for home use.