Types of Commercial Steamers
Commercial steamers for restaurants are available in a range of options, from compact countertop models to extra-large kettles. Keep reading to learn about the different types of food steamers:
1. Steam Kettles
Steam kettles are large stainless steelpotsthat use steam to heat and cook food. Jacketed kettleshave a double wall design with a space between the walls that is filled with steam. The heating process in a steam kettle works by introducing steam into the jacket surrounding the kettle, which transfers heat to the food product inside. The food is heated indirectly, preventing scorching or burning that can occur with direct heat sources. This gentle cooking method helps retain the flavors and nutrients of the food being prepared.Non-jacketed kettles rely solely on direct steam for cooking. This design makes them more cost-effective and easier to maintain compared to their jacketed counterparts.
Steam kettles come in a variety of types and sizes to suit different commercial kitchen needs. Tilting steam kettles are popular in restaurants, catering facilities, and institutional kitchens for their ability to easily pour out contents. Stationary steam kettles are commonly used in larger food production settings where a continuous supply of hot food is required.
- Top Advantages: Heats food evenly and quickly,large capacity for batch cooking,energy-efficient,easy pouring and cleaning
- Best Cooking Methods:Boiling, steaming, braising
- Best Foods to Cook:Soups and stews, pasta, vegetables, mashed potatoes, seafood
2. Microwave Steamers
The microwave steamer generates steam by heating water within the cooking chamber, creating a moist environment that cooks food rapidly while preserving its natural flavors and nutrients. This method of cooking is ideal for busy kitchens looking to serve up delicious dishes in a fraction of the time. These steamers are perfect for cooking a variety of foods such as vegetables, seafood, and even grains. They are especially popular in busy kitchens where speed and consistency are key.
But how does a microwave steamer differ from a traditional microwave? While both appliances use microwave energy to cook food, a microwave steamer adds the element of steam to the cooking process. This results in food that is not only cooked quickly but also retains its moisture and nutrients, making it a healthier and more flavorful option for restaurants looking to deliver top-notch dishes to their customers.
- Top Advantages: Compact size for small kitchens, energy-efficient, user-friendly, requires minimal training
- Best Cooking Methods: Steaming and reheating
- Best Foods to Cook: Vegetables, seafood, rice, grains,poultry
3. Pressure Steamers
Pressure steamers are designed to cook food at temperatures above the boiling point of water, typically around 225 degrees Fahrenheit to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature, coupled with the pressurized steam environment, allows for faster cooking times compared to traditional steamers. As a result, pressure steamers are ideal for busy kitchens that need to produce large quantities of food quickly.
Pressure steamers are known for their energy efficiency. The high-pressure steam environment allows for faster cooking times, which can help reduce energy consumption in the kitchen. This not only saves time but also helps lower utility costs, making pressure steamers a cost-effective option for commercial kitchens.
- Top Advantages: Very rapid cooking, high output, ideal for dense and starchy foods
- Best Cooking Methods: Steaming,pressure cooking
- Best Foods to Cook:Meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, rice, grains
4. Convection Steamers
Convection steamers work by using a combination of steam and hot air to cook food. Steam is generated in a boiler within the unit and is then circulated into the cooking chamber, where it surrounds the food being cooked. The addition of hot air from the convection fan helps to evenly distribute the heat, ensuring that food is cooked thoroughly and quickly.
Restaurants that benefit greatly from convection steamers include busy establishments such as cafeterias, catering businesses, hotels, and large-scale restaurants. These units are ideal for cooking a variety of menu items, including vegetables, seafood, meats, and grains, making them a versatile addition to any commercial kitchen.
- Top Advantages:Lower cooking temperature for delicate foods, versatile cooking options
- Best Cooking Methods: Steaming,baking, roasting
- Best Foods to Cook: Vegetables, seafood,poultry
5. Electric Steamer
Commercial electric steamers work by using electricity to heat water in a reservoir, creating steam that is then used to cook food. The steam is circulated around the food, ensuring even cooking and preserving the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients. This gentle cooking method also helps to retain moisture, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes.
One of the key features of commercial electric steamers is their ease of use and precise temperature control. Many models come with digital controls that allow chefs to set the desired cooking temperature and time, ensuring consistent results every time. Some electric steamers also offer multiple cooking compartments, allowing for the simultaneous preparation of different dishes without flavor transfer.
- Top Advantages: Energy-efficient,user-friendly and requires minimal training, quick and consistent
- Best Cooking Methods: Steaming, poaching, reheating
- Best Foods to Cook: Vegetables, seafood, rice, grains, eggs
6. Combi Ovens
Combi ovens, also known as combination ovens, are versatile pieces of equipment commonly used in commercial kitchens. These ovens combine the functionality of a convection oven with the addition of steam, providing chefs with the ability to cook food in a variety of ways.
Combi ovens use steam to cook food by injecting water into the cooking chamber, which is then heated to create steam. This steam can be used in different ways depending on the cooking method desired. For example, combi ovens can be set to use dry heat, steam, or a combination of both. Theseovens often come equipped with programmable settings and controls that allow chefs to precisely adjust the cooking temperature, humidity levels, and cooking time to achieve consistent and high-quality results. Learn more in our combi oven guide.
- Top Advantages: Energy-efficient,user-friendly and requires minimal training, quick and consistent
- Best Cooking Methods: Steaming, poaching, reheating
- Best Foods to Cook: Vegetables, seafood, rice, grains, eggs
Types of Steam Generation
Commercial food steamers require a steam source to produce the hot water vapor that cooks foods. Some pieces of steam equipment have their own built-in steam generator, and some require an additional steam source. These are the common sources of steam:
Direct Steam
Direct steam vegetable steamers hook up to your building's existing steam supply. The steam supply must be potable, which means it needs to meet standards for clean drinking water.
- Cost-effective choice if your building has a ready steam supply
- Can also use steam from a standalone steam generator
- Not a viable option if your business doesn't have a steam supply or a steam generator
Steam Generator
Some commercial steamers will use an internal steam generator to produce the steam. Their exact design varies by manufacturer; some will use steam jets while others may spray water onto heating elements.
- Less susceptible to limescale buildup compared to boiler-based steamers
- Easier to clean and maintain
- Lower output and slower recovery than models with a boiler
Boiler
A boiler-based food steamer may have the boiler built into its cabinet. Other models may rest on top of a boiler base to provide steam for the unit.
- Great for high-volume operations
- Can steam large amounts of food with fast recovery time between batches
- Require diligent maintenance and deliming to maintain efficiency and performance
Boilerless
A boilerless steamer produces steam by heating water in a compartment or by spraying water onto a heated plate.
- Great for smaller, low-volume operations
- Lower maintenance and utility costs than other types
- Longer cook times than steamers with a boiler
- Compact, connectionless models are available that you can fill manually and are a great choice if you don't have a water or drain connection readily available
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