There are several important aspects to consider before purchasing a steam table. The first thing you should do is fill it with a small amount of water, about 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Next, determine the temperature you want to reach. The temperature should be around 140degF, which is just right for cooking vegetables and fish. Make sure to maintain the temperature at this level to ensure your food is properly cooked. Depending on your model, this could vary from a single cup to a liter.
Gas or electric
If you’re planning to add a steam table to your restaurant, you should know that there are several different kinds available. One of the main differences is whether they run on gas or electricity. Gas steam tables are faster to heat, but they do require hard connections to gas pipelines. Electric steam tables are more portable and easy to connect, and they avoid the inherent liabilities of gas line safety. Whichever you choose, you’ll have no trouble serving food.
Depending on your space, you can choose between an electric or gas table. If your kitchen is limited in space, a dual bay model might be ideal. In addition, these tables feature an adjustable galvanized steel undershelf, bullet feet, and a built-in polycarbonate cutting board. Either way, steam tables are an essential addition to most restaurant kitchens. They provide a safe and reliable method to hold hot foods for serving to customers.
Electric or gas restaurant steam tables are convenient for mobile use. You can find small or large tables with multiple wells. A gas table also requires less energy and can run on 115v to 240v. Both types of steam tables come with the appropriate NEMA plug configurations. And don’t forget to check the specifications of your steam table before buying it. A gas table will also give you an indication of how much power is left.
Before buying a restaurant steam table, make sure you know how to properly maintain it. While you’ll be using it for food preparation, it’s important to clean it properly to avoid scale deposits and corrosion. Don’t leave water sitting in the well for too long. Instead, use a soft sponge and mild detergent to wash it thoroughly. You should never use harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive scrubbers on stainless steel tables. If you use a sponge, it’s best to wipe with a grain instead of in a circular motion. Spills will dry up quickly due to the heat of the unit.
Open well or sealed well
There are many differences between open and closed-well restaurant steam tables. While open-well tables can be used to heat moist and dry foods, the latter is better for frying and other foods that need dry heat. Open-well tables tend to be less expensive, but the downside is that they require more labor to operate. Nonetheless, if your restaurant steam table is going to be used for cooking fried foods, it might be worth the extra money.
Choosing between an open-well and a sealed-well steam table depends on the layout of your kitchen. If you’re working in a small or compact kitchen, open-well models are more convenient for cooking in. For larger kitchens, sealed-well models offer a more space-efficient option. Open-well models are a good choice for restaurants that need to save on space, while sealed-well units are more suitable for large kitchens.
When choosing a restaurant steam table, you should first consider the type of food you’ll be cooking. A sealed-well table is more practical for cooking foods that don’t require a high temperature. It won’t require spillage pans and will hold foods at a safe serving temperature. Similarly, an open-well steam table won’t be as convenient if you’re preparing meals for a larger crowd.
Choosing the best type of table is also important. Choose a table that is compatible with the equipment you have. A sealed-well steam table is more efficient for buffet applications and electric models are more efficient for restaurants and cafeterias. For maximum versatility, choose an open-well steam table. It’s not uncommon for a chef to plate their own food. If that’s the case, make sure to consider adapter plates to allow more variety in one well.
Maintenance
Maintaining your restaurant steam table is crucial for several reasons. For starters, steam tables help keep foods warm and maintain the efficiency of the kitchen. They also ease the timing issues involved with food preparation. To maintain your steam table and avoid any mishaps, follow these simple tips. First, drain the water from your steam table. Second, scrub the table gently using a mild detergent. Third, dry it thoroughly before reusing it.
In general, restaurant steam tables are not difficult to maintain. If you have a gas-heated unit, it is important to maintain its burners and pilots. If your steam table is electric, make sure to check the gas valves, too. And don’t forget to inspect the drains and well. By following these simple steps, you can prolong the life of your steam table and cut operating costs. Listed below are some tips to ensure proper maintenance of your steam table.
Make sure your table is maintaining the correct temperature. If you notice bubbles in the water, it means the water is simmering. If there are no bubbles in the water, your steam table is not working properly. A replacement pan or heating element may be necessary. If you notice the water is no longer simmering, contact a steam table repairman to check the heating mechanism. Replace any faulty parts, including the pans, to keep your steam table in good shape.
In general, you should not leave any space between the pans in your steam table. This will prevent the heat from escaping from them and could cause a fire hazard. A well-maintained steam table is an investment that will benefit you in the long run. And a well-maintained steam table will produce more satisfied customers. The following are some tips to maintain a restaurant steam table. It’s not hard, once you have a basic knowledge of how to use it.
Safety precautions
There are many benefits of using a steam table in a restaurant, including a variety of food preparation options and preserving the temperature of hot foods for long periods. These tables are especially helpful in cafeterias and buffet areas, where it is important to maintain food temperatures and ensure food integrity. However, there are several safety precautions to follow when using a steam table in a restaurant. Listed below are some of the most important factors to consider.
Water absorbs a large amount of heat. It can be dangerous for food before a steam table can reach the desired temperature. Different models of steam tables also have different run-up times. Also, some foods are more dense than others and may require a higher level of heat than a standard steam table can produce. To prevent this from happening, you can purchase a heat lamp and use it to keep dense products warm. Just keep in mind that the heat generated by a heat lamp will change the consistency of the food.
Gas-powered steam tables are an easy choice for restaurants with gas lines. The connections to the gas system are already in place and are easily accessible. Also, gas lines do not travel far. If your restaurant is mostly electric, an electrical steam table may be the best choice. Electric steam tables are also much easier to connect, portable, and don’t present the same risks associated with gas lines. There are also many different accessories available for your restaurant steam table.
Before operating a steam table, be sure to know all of the risks and benefits associated with it. As with any piece of equipment, proper care and maintenance are important for preserving the unit and its lifespan. If you follow these guidelines, you can extend the life of your steam table and reduce the cost of operating it. You can also minimize the risk of health problems from steam. These precautions are especially important if you have a steam table in a restaurant.
Cost
The first step to purchasing a restaurant steam table is to decide on the configuration. There are many options and features to choose from, including a mobile or stationary unit that you can use throughout your facility. Another option is a drop-in unit that is permanently installed into a countertop. Each type of steam table comes with different features and options and will suit any size operation. Listed below are some of the most popular types and their cost.
The gas-powered steam table is the most popular choice for restaurants that operate primarily with gas. Gas systems are easy to use, since they run through existing gas lines. Electric tables, on the other hand, require no gas lines to install, so they are more convenient for restaurants that don’t run gas appliances. Ultimately, you must decide whether you want to run your steam table on gas or electricity. If you plan to operate your restaurant on gas, make sure to find out the local pricing before purchasing.
Another type of electric steam table is an electric model. Electric steam tables have a bottom well where water is heated to create steam. The food pans are then placed on top of this water, and the steam will keep them warm until they are served. Unlike gas-powered tables, electric models are powered by electricity, making them portable and easy to move. They are ideal for restaurants that serve a buffet style of food, or for high volume kitchens.
The cost of a restaurant steam table depends on its size and features. A high-volume restaurant steam table usually features two or more compartments, so you can hold larger or smaller pans. Besides that, you can also use a combination of smaller pans to keep multiple courses warm and ready for serving. There are also several options for heating a steam table, including electric, liquid propane, or natural gas. Regardless of which type you choose, it will keep your food at an acceptable serving temperature.