Abstract: A food chafer with a releasably lockable rolltop is provided. The chafer structure includes a framework for supporting a water pan which in turn supports a food pan therein. The rolltop is rotatably mounted to the framework with a lock mechanism. The rolltop is releasably lockable in a partially open position which allows access to food in the food pan. The rolltop is movable from the partially open position in a direction toward a closed position or in a direction toward a fully open position simply by application of force in the desired direction of movement. The working parts of the lock mechanism are completely self-contained so that no manipulation of external parts to lock or unlock the rolltop is required.