Why Your Restaurant Should Consider Investing in a Commercial Steamer

Are you looking to improve the efficiency and quality of your restaurant’s food production? Then investing in a commercial steamer may be just what you need. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a commercial steamer in your restaurant kitchen.

What is a Commercial Steamer?

A commercial steamer is a kitchen appliance used to cook food items with steam. It works by heating water to produce steam, which is then circulated around the food to cook it. Commercial steamers are available in various types, including countertop models and floor-standing models.

Investing in a commercial steamer for your restaurant can provide numerous benefits. Some of these benefits include:

1. Faster Cooking Times

Commercial steamers cook food much faster than traditional cooking methods. This is because steam conducts heat more efficiently than air, allowing food to cook faster without drying out or overcooking.

2. Improved Food Quality

Steam cooking helps to preserve the natural flavors, colors, and nutrients of your food. Unlike boiling, which can cause some nutrients to leach out into the water, steam cooking retains most of the nutrients in the food.

3. Increased Efficiency

Using a commercial steamer can increase the efficiency of your restaurant’s food production process. Because steam cooking is so fast, you can cook more food in less time, freeing up kitchen space and reducing wait times for customers.

4. Versatility

Commercial steamers can be used to cook a wide range of food items, including vegetables, fish, meat, and grains. They can also be used for tasks such as blanching, poaching, and reheating.

5. Healthier Cooking

Steam cooking is a healthier option compared to traditional cooking methods like frying. It requires little or no added oil, making it a low-fat cooking method that can help to reduce the overall calorie count of your dishes.

Types of Commercial Steamers

There are three main types of commercial steamers available:

1. Convection Steamers

Convection steamers use a combination of hot air and steam to cook food. They are versatile and can be used for a range of food items, but they tend to be more expensive than other types of commercial steamers.

2. Boiler-based Steamers

Boiler-based steamers rely on a separate boiler unit to produce steam, which is then piped into the cooking chamber. They come in both countertop and floor-standing models and are often less expensive than convection steamers.

3. Pressure Steamers

Pressure steamers use high-pressure steam to cook food quickly. They are ideal for high-volume kitchens as they can cook large quantities of food at once.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Steamer

When choosing a commercial steamer for your restaurant, there are several factors to consider, including:

1. Capacity

Consider the size of your restaurant and the volume of food you need to cook when selecting a commercial steamer. You should also think about the size of the cooking chamber and how many trays or racks it can hold.

2. Energy Efficiency

Look for a commercial steamer that is energy-efficient. This will not only help lower your energy bills but also reduce your restaurant’s carbon footprint.

3. Ease of Use

Choose a commercial steamer with user-friendly controls and features such as automatic shut-off, self-cleaning, and digital timers.

4. Durability

Investing in a high-quality, durable commercial steamer will save you money in the long run by reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

FAQs

Q1. What types of food can be cooked in a commercial steamer?

A1. Commercial steamers can be used to cook a wide range of food items, including vegetables, fish, meat, and grains.

Q2. How does steam cooking compare to boiling or frying?

A2. Steam cooking is a healthier option compared to traditional cooking methods like frying. It requires little or no added oil, making it a low-fat cooking method that can help to reduce the overall calorie count of your dishes.

Q3. What factors should I consider when choosing a commercial steamer for my restaurant?

A3. Some factors to consider when choosing a commercial steamer include capacity, energy efficiency, ease of use, and durability.

Q4. Are commercial steamers expensive to operate?

A4. While commercial steamers do require an initial investment, they are generally not expensive to operate, especially if you choose an energy-efficient model.

Q5. Can a commercial steamer replace other kitchen appliances?

A5. While a commercial steamer is versatile and can be used for a range of tasks, it cannot replace other kitchen appliances such as ovens, grills, or fryers.

Conclusion

Investing in a commercial steamer for your restaurant can provide numerous benefits, including faster cooking times, improved food quality, increased efficiency, versatility, and healthier cooking. When selecting a commercial steamer, consider factors such as capacity, energy efficiency, ease of use, and durability. With the right commercial steamer, you can streamline your restaurant’s food production process and improve the quality of your dishes, all while saving time and money.