Selecting the Ideal Commercial Steamer for Your Kitchen

When selecting a commercial steamer for your business, consider several key factors: cooking speed, food type, and quantity. You'll also want to determine if you need to cook different foods at the same time. Steamers vary in size, with capacity based on the number of steam pans they can hold. Full-size steamers can handle up to 16 pans, while smaller models may hold only 6. Choose based on your kitchen's needs.

• Pressure Steamers

Ideal for cooking large quantities efficiently, pressure steamers can reduce cooking time by up to 70% compared to traditional methods. They cook food quickly in a sealed compartment at temperatures up to 250°F, preserving taste and energy. Modern pressure steamers have improved safety features and produce flavorful, tender food, though they are best suited for starchy vegetables and dense foods, rather than delicate items.

• Convection Steamers

Convection steamers are easier to use than pressure steamers and operate at a consistent 212°F without pressure, making it difficult to overcook food. They are popular because they are more affordable and versatile, allowing for steaming, reheating, poaching, and more. These steamers cook food evenly, with no flavor transfer between dishes, and are perfect for quickly preparing eggs, vegetables, and meats while maintaining vibrant colors and tender textures.

• Specialty Steamers

In addition to pressure and convection steamers, there are specialty steamers like sandwich steamers, microwave steamers, and rice cookers, which will be covered in a future article.

For more information or questions on commercial kitchen equipment, please contact us at benny@ntsmart.com.