Commercial food steamers are showing up increasingly more in restaurant kitchens. They provide a fast and easy way to prepare large amounts of food quickly. Instead of boiling large pots of potatoes or rice for over an hour, a commercial steamer can cook the same amount in mere minutes. Other popular foods that are prepared in a commercial steam oven include shellfish, pasta and vegetables.
Commercial steamers produce 6 times the energy of boiling water. When the steam condenses on the surface of cold foods, it cooks it quickly and efficiently. However, all of this convenience isn't without a price. Commercial restaurant steamers are one of the most energy-consuming appliances in a kitchen.
Before you purchase a commercial steamer, consider the following:
1. Energy use
2. Electrical wiring
3. Space
4. Plumbing
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Select Energy Star commercial food steamers for best performance
A typical commercial steamer uses nearly twice as much energy as a model that features the Energy Star. This can add up to several thousands of dollars over the life of the steamer.
I recommend: The
Food Service Technology Center of California carries an extensive list of energy efficient industrial steamers that feature the Energy Star seal. They also give advice on other ways to save money with your appliances, such as using timers to turn appliances off during slow periods.
Choose a restaurant steamer that will fit in your kitchen
Just like nearly every other piece of commercial cooking equipment, restaurant steamers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are made specifically for cooking one item, like rice or pasta, while others have multiple cooking compartments.
I recommend: Zesco.com carries a large line of natural gas and electric commercial steam cookers to fit in both large and small kitchens.
Decide between electric- or gas-powered restaurant steamers
Depending on the price of electricity and natural gas in your area, one is usually the better option for a high volume restaraunt. Keep in mind that if you plan to use a timer on your commercial steamers, electric is the better option. If you shut off gas steamer ovens in the middle of a shift, you will have to restart all the pilot lights, which can be a pain in the neck. Electric steamers often need special wiring and plugs, so be sure to factor that into the price.
I recommend: BigTray.com carries both electric and natural gas industrial steamers in floor and countertop models. Many of their electric commercial steamers do not require special plugs or wiring.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Don't forget about the plumbing. Many commercial steamers require an incoming plumbing line, as well as a drainage line. Be sure to consider this when planning your kitchen layout.
The official source of Commercial Steamers is the Commercial Steamers page at Business.com
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