Steam tables make it easy to serve a spread of hot food to a large crowd while maintaining food-safe temperatures. They're commonly used in buffet setups and catering events to present a wide selection of dishes for self-service. They help in organizing food displays, maintaining temperature consistency, and ensuring a smooth flow of service for large gatherings. We'll outline the different features of steam tables to help you choose the configuration that meets your needs.
A steam table is a type of food-holding equipment designed to keep hot foods at a safe holding temperature in high-volume businesses. They're ideal for use in kitchens, buffets, cafeterias, or hotels. They typically feature two or more compartments to hold full-size pans or a combination of smaller pans. With multiple compartments and adjustable heat controls, steam tables allow for the simultaneous holding of various dishes at different temperatures. This makes it easier for foodservice operators to manage a diverse menu and serve hot dishes promptly.
Keep in mind that steam tables are designed to hold pre-cooked foods that are already heated. Food cannot be cooked in a steam table and cold food cannot be reheated.
To keep food warm, steam tables heat water to produce steam that gently heats the food pans. This method provides even heating to ensure all of the food pans are kept at the ideal temperature. Both sealed and open-well steam tables can utilize moist heating, which involves using water to create steam to heat the pans from underneath. Only open-well steam tables can use dry heating, which is the process of heating the pans without water.
To meet food safety guidelines, hot food should always be held at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
One of the key decisions you'll need to make when purchasing a steam table is whether to opt for a gas or electric model. Both options are suitable for commercial use and can help streamline your foodservice operation by keeping dishes hot and ready to serve. Ultimately, the choice between gas and electric steam tables will depend on your specific needs and budget constraints.
Gas steam tables are designed to be configured for either natural gas hookups or liquid propane tanks. Gas steam tables are quicker to heat up with less possibility of malfunction due to their simpler design. The cost of gas is typically cheaper than electricity but it is not as energy efficient and will raise the temperature of the kitchen or dining area in which it is being used. Most gas steam tables are designed to be stationary, but casters can be mounted onto propane-powered units for outdoor applications like catering events.
Electric steam tables take a little longer to heat up, but they are more energy efficient. They won't heat your kitchen, and they include easy-to-use, more precise temperature controls. Some electric tables use NEMA plugs while others must be hardwired (configurations available during the purchasing process). If you need to be able to easily move your table, then a portable steam table may be a better option for your business. Mobile electric steam tables with casters are ideal for applications like breakfast bars, where you might need to put your table into storage after use and then easily take it out again the next morning.
There are two kinds of well types for steam tables: open and sealed. These refer to whether the heating element of an electric unit or the open flame of a gas unit is covered or exposed. Open wells feature an exposed heat source, and because of this, spillage pans are needed for open well moist heating. Conversely, sealed wells have a covered heat source. The heating element or flame rests underneath the metal well, allowing you to add the water directly without needing spillage pans.
Open-well steam table units are versatile because they can utilize both moist and dry heating at the same time. Dry heat is especially good for holding fried foods and other crispy menu items. Open-wells feature an exposed heat source and require spillage pans for open well moist heating.
Sealed-well steam tables are deisgned with a covered heat source. The heating element or flame rests underneath the metal well, allowing you to add water directly to the unit without needing spillage pans. If your menu consists of soups, rice, veggies, pasta dishes, and other non-crispy options, a sealed-well steam table may be the right choice for you.
When selecting a steam table for your restaurant, there are features and configurations to keep in mind:
When setting up a steam table in your commercial kitchen, it’s essential to equip it with the right accessories to maximize its functionality and efficiency. Steam table pans and adaptors are crucial components that enhance the performance of your steam table and help you serve hot and delicious food to your customers.
Related Resources
September 2024 WebstaurantStore Coupon Code
Fall is here, and to celebrate Webstaurantstore is offering a selection of amazing deals! In September, you'll discover incredible prices on classic fall flavors, glassware, cold cups, and much more! Take a look at our selection of sale items below and don't forget to enter the code COZY24 at checkout to enjoy savings of up to 25%! We're also excited to introduce the new Webstaurant Rewards® Visa Business Card ! Sign up for a new card today and start earning rewards on every WebstaurantStore purchase. Discover the latest discounts on consumable food and beverage items with September's monthly coupon code. From ready-to-bake pastries to classic fall flavoring mixes, you can find great deals on essential consumables for your commercial kitche
A Guide to Commercial Drawer Warmers
Commercial drawer warmers are essential equipment for foodservice establishments looking to maintain the quality and temperature of their prepared dishes. These versatile units are commonly used in restaurants, catering businesses, cafeterias, and other commercial kitchens to keep food items warm and ready for serving. Understanding the different types of drawer warmers and how to properly operate and care for your unit allows your restaurant to serve warm and fresh meals to customers, enhancing their overall experience. Shop All Warming Drawers Use the following links to explore the different features of warming drawers: What Is a Drawer Warmer? What Are Drawer Warmers Used For? Benefits of Drawer Warmers Types of Drawer Warmers Drawer War
Commercial Water Filters FAQ
As a restaurant owner, ensuring the quality of your food and beverages is crucial for the success of your business. One key component that often gets overlooked but plays a significant role in maintaining that quality is the water filter system. Water filters are essential for providing clean and safe water for cooking, drinking, and ice production in your restaurant. Filtering your water also helps prevent mineral buildup and sediment accumulation in your equipment, such as coffee makers, ice machines, and steamers. This buildup can lead to clogs, corrosion, and reduced performance, ultimately affecting the lifespan of your equipment. If you have questions about water filters and their importance, we created this FAQ for you. Shop All Wate