Abstract: A temperature-retaining food container includes an outer shell having an inner chamber that can be filled with a temperature storing medium. The shell is shaped to provide an expansion zone within the chamber to permit expansion of the medium. A support is formed to provide additional volume to the chamber and the expansion zone. The support structure can optionally be provided to automatically expand in response to an increase in pressure within the chamber. A lid is provided which covers the container and further operates as a serving platter. The shell of the container can optionally be formed from a plurality of separate portions, which interlock to form the complete serving container and disassemble for storage or use with smaller or crowded appliances.

Abstract: A temperature-retaining food container includes an outer shell having an inner chamber that can be filled with a temperature storing medium. The shell is shaped to provide an expansion zone within the chamber to permit expansion of the medium. A support is formed to provide additional volume to the chamber and the expansion zone. The support structure can optionally be provided to automatically expand in response to an increase in pressure within the chamber. A lid is provided which covers the container and further operates as a serving platter. The shell of the container can optionally be formed from a plurality of separate portions, which interlock to form the complete serving container and disassemble for storage or use with smaller or crowded appliances.