Sterno
Sterno (or Sternos) is a brand name that has become a common term in catering for portable heating fuel and equipment used to keep prepared food warm during events and service. It's similar to how people say "Kleenex" for tissue. These are small, portable heat sources that use a special gel fuel in metal containers. Caterers and food service professionals use them under chafing dishes (food warmers) to maintain proper serving temperatures at events, buffets, and catering setups. When you see this term in resumes or job descriptions, it usually refers to experience with food temperature maintenance and buffet setup.
Examples in Resumes
Managed buffet setups including proper Sterno placement for optimal food temperature maintenance
Trained staff on safe Sternos handling and replacement procedures during service
Coordinated large-scale events requiring 50+ Sterno units for multiple buffet stations
Typical job title: "Catering Service Professionals"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Catering Service Professionals
Professional Associations
Job Boards
Industry Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you plan and manage food warming equipment needs for large-scale events?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss calculating the right number of heating units needed based on event size, backup equipment planning, staff training on proper setup, and safety protocols for fuel management.
Q: Describe your experience with training staff on food temperature maintenance systems.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership in teaching proper setup, monitoring, and safety procedures for heating equipment, including emergency protocols and temperature logging systems.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What safety procedures do you follow when using portable heating equipment?
Expected Answer: Should explain proper handling of fuel canisters, safe lighting procedures, proper placement under dishes, and emergency procedures for spills or fires.
Q: How do you ensure proper food temperature throughout an event?
Expected Answer: Should discuss regular temperature checking, proper heating equipment setup, monitoring fuel levels, and having backup units ready.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the proper way to set up a chafing dish with heating fuel?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic setup: water pan usage, proper fuel placement, safe lighting procedures, and basic safety precautions.
Q: How do you know when to replace heating fuel during service?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of burn time, checking fuel levels, safe replacement procedures, and importance of maintaining constant heat.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic buffet setup
- Safe heating fuel handling
- Temperature monitoring
- Basic food safety knowledge
Mid (1-3 years)
- Equipment maintenance
- Staff training on safety
- Event setup coordination
- Emergency procedure knowledge
Senior (3+ years)
- Large event management
- Team supervision
- Equipment inventory management
- Safety protocol development
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic food safety temperatures
- Unfamiliarity with proper equipment setup
- Lack of safety awareness with heating equipment
- No experience with large-scale food service events
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