Induction-based heat retentive server

A heat retentive server comprising:

• a body having an upper shell and a lower shell, the upper shell and the lower shell connected to one another to define a chamber between the upper shell and the lower shell;
• an induction-heatable member positioned in the chamber, the induction-heatable member configured to be heated to a temperature in a range of 522 degrees Fahrenheit to 700 degrees Fahrenheit;
• and
• a buffering material positioned between the induction-heatable member and the upper shell, the buffering material configured to provide a predetermined conductive heat transfer from the induction-heatable member to the body.

A heat retentive server comprising:

• a body defining a chamber, an upper shell, and a lower shell, the upper shell and the lower shell connected to one another, the chamber being defined between the upper shell and the lower shell;
• an induction-heatable member positioned in the chamber, the induction-heatable member configured to be heated to a temperature in a range of 522 degrees Fahrenheit to 700 degrees Fahrenheit;
• and
• a buffering material positioned between the induction-heatable member and the upper shell, the buffering material configured to provide a predetermined conductive heat transfer from the induction-heatable member to the body, wherein the buffering material comprises:
• a lower section between the induction-heatable member and the lower shell configured to restrict heat transfer through the lower shell;
• and
• an upper section positioned between the induction-heatable member and the upper shell, the upper section configured gradually transfer heat from the induction-heatable member to the upper shell.

A method of induction heating food on an unheated dish via a heat retentive server, the heat retentive server having an induction-heatable member enclosed within a body, the method comprising:

• induction heating the induction-heatable member to a temperature in a range of 522 degrees Fahrenheit to 700 degrees Fahrenheit;
• placing a dish including food on the body of the heat retentive server;
• covering the food and the dish with an insulative cover;
• and
• maintaining the food above a desired temperature after covering the food and dish.