Back of house, a convection steamer is vital for efficient and versatile food preparation. Not only does a steamer help cook food without losing volume or color, but it also helps food, especially vegetables, retain their nutrients. We sat down with one of our experts, Jeremy Owens, for tips on how foodservice professionals and their teams can get the most out of a convection steamer.
"A convection steamer is a crucial component of any foodservice operation. Adequately training staff on properly using steamers can significantly impact efficiency and prevent unnecessary expenses."
"All kitchen staff should be trained to use a convection steamer properly. This equipment offers a wide range of functions, including thawing, cooking, baking, and even aiding in cleaning."
"Believe it or not, a convection steamer can assist in cleaning stubbornly baked-on food from pans. Place the pan in the steamer for 10-15 minutes, before washing, and experience the convenience of quickly releasing cooked-on food without harsh cleaning tools.
Baking in a convection steamer is also a possibility. For a moist and fluffy cake, fill a 2” deep pan halfway with batter and cook it in the steamer for about 30 minutes. The results will speak for themselves."
"While cooking in a convection steamer, it's essential not to cover the products. The best results are achieved when the steam directly touches the food being cooked.
Additionally, understanding the impact of covering or leaving products uncovered in the steamer can significantly reduce cooking times, allowing for better-quality products and improved staff efficiency."
"The results will speak for themselves."
"The steamer excels in preparing frozen food to the ideal serving temperature, and some have the capability to function as a holding cabinet. While the steamer is unsuitable for thawing products, careful attention is needed if the product will only be cooked after thawing.
Choosing suitable pans for the steamer, such as perforated full and half pans, ensures efficient steam circulation around the food, leading to faster and more even cooking. When cooking proteins, a solid full pan at the bottom can also aid cleanup by trapping released fat."
"Keeping the steamer clean is vital for its optimal daily functionality. Regular cleaning, including white vinegar for removing hard water and soil buildup, is essential to ensure the steamer operates at its highest capacity."
"These tips have proven effective throughout my foodservice career, including managing a large school district with 75 sites. When addressing steamer-related issues, I always started with inquiries about the cleaning schedule and staff training. This initial insight guided my subsequent actions to resolve any problems effectively.
By understanding and implementing these best practices, you can make the most of your convection steamer, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality foodservice for your operation."