Hot Dog Equipment Buying Guide
What Are the Different Types of Hot Dog Equipment?
- Commercial hot dog rollers have motorized wheels and can cook hot dogs quickly and evenly.
Steamers can hold hot dogs and hot dog buns for extended periods of time without drying them out.
Merchandisers provide everything you need to sell hot dogs in a compact, mobile unit.
The piece of hot dog equipment that is right for your establishment will depend on factors such as how many customers are being served and the available space in your establishment.
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Differences Between Hot Dog Steamers and Rollers
Hot Dog Steamers
Hot dog steamers are high-volume units that allow you to cook many hot dogs at once, some as many as 200 hot dogs at a time. Steamed hot dogs have a nice snap and cook evenly for consistent, delicious results. These steamers are best used in back-of-house since their bulk output is better for production than for display purposes.
Hot Dog Rollers
Rollers are designed to cook hot dogs evenly, and they can even give the hot dogs a crispy texture. Able to hold between 10 and 75 hot dogs at once, these hot dog rollers are ideal for display purposes. Customers will be able to see and smell the hot dogs turning on the rollers, thus increasing impulse sales.
Hot Dog Roller Grills Overview
How Do Hot Dog Rollers Work?
First, allow the grill to preheat per manufacturer's instructions. Then, place hot dogs on the roller grill and allow them cook until they reach at least 145 degrees internal temperature. After cooking, hot dogs can be served immediately or held in a warmer drawer. A commercial hot dog roller grill has heated, motorized wheels that rotate hot dogs while cooking them. By rolling hot dogs during cooking these grills ensure hot dogs are cooked evenly. Roller grills can be used for cooking bratwurst, breakfast sausages, and egg rolls too!
Capacity and Usage
Smaller capacity grills are perfect for convenience stores and concession stands whereas high capacity roller grills are better for large commercial establishments with fast turnover. Larger capacity grills often have multiple cooking zones to allow for an area for cooking and another for holding hot dogs.
Types of Hot Dog Roller Grills
- Flat-top grills are primarily used for back-of-the-house cooking.
- Some models feature a nonstick roller surface for easy cleaning.
- Select models contain two temperature dials so you can set the front rollers for cooking and the back for holding.
- Flat-top grills often have removable drip trays for easy clean up.
- Different size capacities are available for a wide range of applications.
- Slanted-top grills are perfect for front-of-house display.
- The slanted design shows off your hot dogs and increases impulse sales.
- The design also makes it easier for customers to serve themselves.
- Certain models of the slanted-top grill contain multiple temperature dials.
- Some models have a removable drip tray for easy clean up.
- Different size capacities are available for a wide range of applications.
- Features a roller grill with an unheated drawer for storing buns underneath it.
- A roller grill with bun holder is great for self-serve establishments.
- Available in both flat-top and slanted-top grills.
- Different size capacities are available for a wide range of applications.
- Features a roller grill with a heated drawer for storing buns underneath.
- A roller grill with bun warmer is great for use in a self-serve establishment.
- Available in both flat-top and slanted-top grills.
- Different size capacities are available for a wide range of applications.
- Non-stick seals prevent grease from entering the base and coming into contact with the motor and drive chain.
- The non-stick coating improves the durability of the rollers and makes it easier to clean the grill
- Available in both flat-top and slanted-top grills.
- Different size capacities are available for a wide range of applications.
Roller Grill with Rear Mounted Controls
- Helps prevent accidental setting changes in front-of-house applications.
- The design also makes it easier for customers to serve themselves.
- Different size capacities are available for multiple applications.
Hot Dog Steamer Overview
How do I steam hot dogs? First, allow the hot dog steamer ample time to heat up per the manufacturer's instructions. Then, place hot dogs inside the steamer tray and allow them to cook until they reach at least 145 degrees internal temperature. After cooking, hot dogs can be served immediately or held in the steamer until they are ready to serve.
Standard Style Hot Dog Steamer
- Warm up water to heat your buns and cook hot dogs all in one compact place.
- Best suited for concession stands and restaurant.
- Hot dogs can sit for extended periods of time and the steam will keep them plump and juicy.
- Available with either vertical compartments or in a horizontal double-decker style.
- Units with decals are typically used for front of house or at the point of sale.
- Food warmer hot dog steamers are better suited for high-volume businesses like stadiums.
- This steamer is larger and takes up more counter space than other types of steamers.
- Hot dogs can sit for extended periods of time and the steam will keep them plump and juicy.
- Offer a convenient and effective way for a large quantity of buns and dogs to be heated.
- Many food warmer style steamers have a steam well for keeping onions, sauce or other toppings hot.
- European style hot dog steamers are perfect for serving customers in style.
- Can only hold and heat a few hot dogs and buns at one time.
- The steamer spikes create pockets in the bun which can be filled with condiments that will be dispensed around the hot dog.
Hot Dog Merchandisers
Complete with graphics and illumination, hot dog merchandisers catch customers' eyes quickly. Merchandisers have insulated glass, stainless steel food pans, and wheels to offer everything you'll need to easily sell hot dogs in a compact, mobile unit. Merchandisers come with common NEMA-plug and voltage requirements to make it easy to find power sources while on the go.
With a merchandiser, hot dogs are put on display through the insulated glass while buns stay warm in the storage tray below. Additionally, the adjustable thermostats and on/off switches give the operator complete control over the cooking and storage environments. Merchandisers not only ensure hot dogs are evenly cooked, they show off the perfectly browned franks effortlessly.
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Hot Dog Bun Warmers and Cabinets
Whether you're operating a small concession stand, need a self-serve station in your convenience store, or are serving hundreds of hungry customers at a stadium, our hot dog bun warmers and hot dog bun cabinets make sure you've got the right amount of warm and soft buns to accommodate your delicious hot dogs.
Warmers and cabinets are meant to work in conjunction with roller machines. Check the dimensions of your roller grill to make sure you'll have adequate space on top of or next to your bun warmer. This way you'll always be ready to pair your hot dogs with warm, soft buns.
Hot Dog Bun Warmers
Hot dog bun warmers have temperature controls which allow you to set and hold buns at the perfect serving temperature for extended periods of time. Additionally, warmers are available in dry or moist heat options.
Hot Dog Bun Cabinets
Hot dog bun cabinets are much simpler than warmers and do not have any electrical components or temperature controls. One of their main advantages is that they don't use electricity and therefore are one less piece of equipment drawing amperage from electrical circuits. Hot dog bun cabinets should be used when holding buns for shorter periods of time as they won't hold temperature for as long as warmers.
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Hot Dog Accessories, Equipment and Mechanical Parts
Create separate sections on a grill for cooking a variety of foods.
Hold cooked hot dogs below the grill or as a standalone drawer.
Perfect for organizing and arranging hot dogs, or adding condiments to orders.
Ideal for sanitation and come in a variety of materials and colors.
Great for on-the-go service. Available in many sizes and colors.
Convenient for carrying and sealing heat. Easy to label and serve.
Keep your hot dogs sanitary from various airborne contaminents.
Related Resources
Types of Hot Dogs
During the Great Depression, the hot dog emerged as a quintessential American food, symbolizing convenience, affordability, and a taste of tradition all in one bite. President Franklin D. Roosevelt served this humble yet beloved sausage sandwich at the White House to the visiting King of England, George VI. This iconic moment solidified the hot dog's place in American culinary history. Not only is it a storied food, but with the rise of inflation and economic uncertainty, the hot dog is making a resurgence. Like the different types of American BBQ , hot dogs are diverse. There are countless regional variations of the hot dog, with different parts of the country building a unique dish on the base of sausage and bun. Shop All Hot Dogs Click b
Hot Dog Roller Reviews
Hot dog rollers are perfect for cooking and merchandising hot dogs in your convenience store, concession stand, gas station, dining hall, or cafeteria. These grills feature sets of rollers that cook contents evenly and thoroughly, and they also have temperature dials that allow you to turn down the heat so you can hold cooked hot dogs at safe and warm temperatures. We've provided a hot dog roller comparison that goes over each option's unique features to help you choose the best grill for your low- or high-volume establishment. Check out these hot dog roller reviews to help you decide whether you need a slanted top grill that enhances product visibility for increased impulse sales or a flat top model for back-of-house use.
How to Buy a Food Truck
Whether starting a food truck business or looking to upgrade your existing one, finding the right truck is integral to your success. However, there is more to the process than just picking one out and driving off the lot. There are several different ways to buy a food truck, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages. Identifying a food truck that fits your price range, meets your culinary needs, and adheres to local regulations can be difficult, but understanding the options available can make the process easier. We'll examine the different ways to buy a food truck below so that you can prepare for your purchase. Shop All Food Truck Supplies & Equipment Click any of the tips below to skip to the food truck purchasing step that i
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