5 Essential Reasons for Commercial Steamers in Restaurants

Consistency and efficiency are the holy grails in the high-pressure world of Aussie professional kitchens. You must churn out perfectly cooked dishes in record time while maintaining the highest quality and flavour. But achieving that delicate balance can feel like a constant battle.

Enter the commercial steamer: a culinary workhorse that’s often overlooked but can revolutionise your kitchen operations. Forget bulky ovens or greasy fryers – steamers offer a healthier, faster, and more reliable way to cook a wide range of food. Here’s why commercial steamers should be your new best friend in the kitchen:

Reason #1: Turbocharged Efficiency

There is a lunch rush at your bustling cafe. Orders are flying in; you must get those meals out fast without compromising quality. Commercial steamers come to the rescue. Unlike traditional methods like grilling or frying, which can be slow and require constant monitoring, steamers cook food with lightning speed and remarkable consistency.

The secret lies in the power of steam. Steamers cook food uniformly from all sides by gently enveloping your food in a veil of hot vapour. This translates to perfectly cooked vegetables in minutes, fluffy steamed buns ready in a flash, and large batches of seafood cooked to succulent perfection all at once. No more waiting for einzelnen dishes (that’s German for ‘individual dishes’) to finish – with a commercial steamer, you’ll be plating up a symphony of flavours in record time.

Plus, steamers are champions of bulk cooking. Need to cater a significant event? No worries. Commercial steamers can handle substantial food, ensuring everyone gets a delicious meal. This translates to less time spent prepping and cooking, freeing you and your team to focus on other crucial tasks.

Reason #2: Unlock the Secrets of Superior Flavour and Nutrition

Gone are the days of limp, flavourless vegetables or seafood robbed of its natural sweetness. Steam cooking is a gentle giant that coaxes out the best in your ingredients. The high heat and minimal contact with water or oil used in steamers preserve the food’s natural texture, vibrant colours, and delicate flavours. That perfectly crisp green bean snap? The burst of sweetness from those steamed prawns? Thank the magic of steam.

But the benefits go beyond taste. Steaming is a champion of nutrient retention. Unlike boiling, where precious vitamins and minerals leach out into the water, steaming allows you to retain a higher percentage of these essential nutrients. This means your diners get a healthy and delicious meal with every bite. As a bonus, steamed food is generally lower in fat than dishes cooked with oil or butter, making it a perfect fit for health-conscious customers.

Reason #3: A Culinary Chameleon

Be aware of the simplicity of steam. Commercial steamers are incredibly versatile and capable of handling various dishes. From fluffy dumplings and delicate dim sum to succulent seafood and perfectly steamed vegetables, there’s practically nothing a steamer can’t handle.

But steamers aren’t just for cooking from scratch. They’re also fantastic for reheating previously cooked food, ensuring it retains moisture and flavour. Need to add a final flourish to your dish? A quick steam can gently warm sauces or reheat delicate proteins without overcooking them.

Thinking outside the box? Consider specialised steamers like combi-ovens that combine steaming with convection cooking for even more versatility. The possibilities are truly endless!

Reason #4: A Cooler, Safer, and Cleaner Kitchen

Let’s face it—Aussie kitchens can get pretty hot and steamy during peak service. Commercial steamers are a breath of fresh air (literally!). Steamers operate with minimal heat emission, unlike grills and fryers, which pump out heat and smoke. This translates to a more comfortable working environment for your team and better air quality in your kitchen.

When it comes to cleaning, commercial steamers are a dream. Most models feature stainless steel construction for easy sanitation. No more scrubbing away greasy messes—with a quick wipe down, your steamer is ready for its next culinary adventure.

As a bonus, the reduced reliance on open flames and hot oil translates to a safer kitchen environment, minimising the risk of burns and splatters.

Reason #5: Embrace Sustainability

Sustainability is no longer a fad – it’s a responsibility. Commercial steamers are champions of eco-conscious cooking. They’re generally more energy-efficient than traditional cooking methods, using less power to achieve perfectly cooked results. Steaming often requires less water than boiling, making it a win for conservation efforts.

However, the benefits go beyond resource efficiency. Steaming promotes a healthier cooking style with less reliance on oil and fat. This aligns perfectly with the growing demand for healthy and nutritious menu options. By embracing steamers, you’re not just elevating your kitchen’s efficiency – you’re taking a stand for a more sustainable and responsible approach to food preparation.

The Final Simmer

Commercial steamers are more than just equipment – they’re a strategic investment in your kitchen’s success. Steamers offer many benefits that can transform your operations from lightning-fast cooking times and superior flavour retention to unmatched versatility and a commitment to sustainability.

Ready to take your kitchen to the next level? Federal Hospitality Equipment boasts many top-quality commercial steamers to suit any kitchen size or budget. Our friendly team of experts is here to help you find the perfect steamer to unlock a world of culinary possibilities and elevate your food offering. Contact us today and discover the power of steam!