Many commercial kitchens use steam jacketed kettles. These kettles are used as a substitute for stock pots because of their highly consistent, fast and gentle cooking. Gas, electric and direct steam are the types of kettles available. A tilting mechanism is found on most kettle models, for easy draining of steam and liquids.

Kettles are manufactured to sit on the counter top or the floor. Larger kettles, such as those l100 gallons and larger, are made to be stationary. Many kettles come with a steam control valve that allows you to control the amount of moisture in the kettle while you are cooking. As you think about the needs of your business, consider the following:

1. Purchase used kettles to save money

2. Find gas kettle dealers

3. Locate electric kettle distributors

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Save money by purchasing used kettles

Purchasing a used kettle will allow you to get the kitchen equipment you need while saving money. Used kettle dealers sell high-quality, fully functioning equipment at a fraction of the price that a new kettle costs.

I recommend: Genemco is a leading retailer of used equipment in the United States. They have a large variety of kettles from several manufacturers, including Cleveland Cook and Lee Industries. Find kettles with capacities from 10 to 1000 gallons. Machinery & Equipment Company is also a vendor of used kettles. They sell several different models of kettles by several different manufacturers, such as Brighton, Hamilton and Willflow.

Find vendors that sell gas kettles

When your main source of power to your kitchen is gas, you will want to purchase a gas kettle. Gas kettles come in sizes that hold anywhere from ten gallons of food to hundreds of gallons. The amount of people you are cooking for will determine the size of kettle to purchase.

I recommend: Cooks Direct is a kettles provider that sells gas kettles. They carry the Cleveland KGL series in 40 to 100 gallons. Instaware is also a kettles provider. They carry gas kettles at a discounted rate. Find kettles information in a downloadable specification sheet located on their site.

Locate providers of electric kettles

Electric kettles are what you will need if you don't have a gas supply in your kitchen. Electric kettles come in the same sizes as gas kettles, the only difference being the source of power.

I recommend: Find electric kettles at Restaurant Services. Their kettles list includes table top and floor kettles in varying capacities from 10 quarts to 100 gallons. Restaurant Source is also a supplier of electric kettles. They carry kettles that have 40 to 80 gallon capacities. Many items at this site have free shipping offers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Steam kettles are available for places of business that are heated with a boiler. Steam kettles are hooked up to the boiler, which pumps steam into the kettle for heating.