Abstract: A chafing dish assembly which contains a pair of rings that support a pair of heating elements located below a water tray. The water tray is elevated above the heating elements by a frame supported by a pair of pivoting legs. Located within the water tray are a pair of food dishes. The heating elements heat the water within the tray, which heats the food within the dishes. The frame has a bent top edge which provides a ledge for the water tray. The rings are cantilevered from the frame so that the weight of the heating elements deflect the rings away from the water tray. The height of the flame and the weight of the heating elements decrease as the fuel within the elements becomes expended. The reduction in the weight of the heating element induces an upward movement of the rings toward the water tray, wherein the smaller flame is moved into closer proximity with the tray to provide a more uniform heating process of the food.