Commercial Steamers Key Terms

Learn appliance terminology to get the commercial steamer to suit your applications

When running a restaurant, catering operation or food business that requires your staff to prepare hot foods quickly and efficiently, commercial steamers can help get the job done. With the ability to steam and cook everything from hamburgers to potatoes, the kitchen equipment is as versatile as it is handy. By learning key equipment terms like de-liming, connectionless steamer, and steam basket divider, you’ll be able to not only order the proper models from vendors, but also communicate the product’s features and operating instructions to your staff.

 

Steam basket divider

Save time and energy during the food preparation process with a commercial steamer that's equipped with a steam basket divider. The feature allows you to steam multiple items at the same time, while keeping ingredients and flavors from mixing.
Try: See photos of commercial steamers with removable steam basket dividers and learn more about the feature through product descriptions on the Zesco website.

Deliming

When you use tap water to generate the steam in commercial steamers, the build up of lime deposits can affect the unit's efficiency. Consider steamers with a deliming indicator or self-deliming feature so you'll know when to perform routine maintenance that will keep your equipment running smoothly.
Try: Food Service Warehouse discusses the benefits of deliming regularly and also offers commercial steamer models with self-deliming features.

Connectionless steamer

When you're not planning to do a lot of steam cooking in your kitchen, start out with a connectionless steamer rather than buying a larger unit with a direct water hook-up. The steaming feature is available in some combination commercial microwave ovens that allow you to have the option without buying an unnecessary appliance or wasting valuable counter space.
Try: MonkeyDish debates the pros and cons of connection and connectionless steamers.

Steam coil

Consider a steamer model that uses a steam coil generator to produce high-velocity steam to heat more efficiently.
Try: Check out a commercial steamer that utilizes steam coils on the Instaware website.

Direct water hook-up

Eliminate the need to frequently check the water level in your steamer and refill the device by purchasing a unit with a direct water hook-up. With a tap water line hooked directly to the commercial steamer, you'll be able to use the equipment with greater efficiency.
Try: Yourdelight.com provides examples and specifications of different direct water hookups.

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