Commercial Steam Table
Restaurant steam tables give operators a way to display, warm, and serve large quantities of food over significant periods of time. More
Restaurant Steam Tables: What You Need to Know
When choosing the right commercial steam table for your cafeteria or buffet, start by deciding which configuration is best for your operation: a mobile warming solution that can be rolled to different parts of a facility and temporarily used there, a stationary table used in one area, or a drop-in unit permanently installed in a countertop. Each type of steam table is available with features and options to ensure there's a suitable choice for operations of any size.
Restaurant steam tables with two, three, and four wells are most common, though some models have just a single well or as many as six. Although additional wells make it possible to serve a wider variety – or higher volume – of food, those units are obviously larger and require more dedicated space in your layout, especially if you're installing a drop-in steam table. Lengths range from 17 to nearly 100 inches, but most units require additional clearance. Before buying, double check the manufacturer recommendations as well as any installation requirements to verify the unit is compatible with your layout.
Finally, you should consider your utilities – does your operation need an electric steam table or a gas steam table? In some areas, the cost of gas makes gas-powered equipment less desirable. However, a buffet steam table powered by electricity is also the best option for mobile units because it eliminates the hassle and potential danger of disconnecting and reconnecting equipment from the gas line.
Common Questions About Commercial Steam Tables
What utilities can commercial steam tables use?
Steam tables are powered by either electricity or gas. Gas steam tables can be powered by natural gas, which is often piped into commercial kitchens, or propane, which is available in tanks for on-the-go operations. Electric steam tables usually have a cord and plug for easy installation. If you have access to both electricity and gas, consider checking local pricing to find the most cost-effective power source.
Consider also where you'll be installing your steam tables before choosing a utility. If you only have gas hookups in the kitchen but want to offer a gas steam table to your customers out front, you'll need to have some expensive utility work done. Not all electric tables have the same requirements, either; some will work with a standard 120V outlet, while others need more powerful 240V outlets. Before adding an energy-heavy piece of equipment, you should make sure your building's power grid can handle the total draw of everything running at once.
What sizes of commercial steam table are available?
KaTom's selection of commercial steam tables includes units with anywhere from two to six wells, so you can find the unit that works best for the volume of food you will be serving. Each well holds a full-size pan and can also accommodate certain fractional pans. Some units have accessories such as adaptor plates and bars to enable the use of pans as small as one-sixth size, which can be useful for items like toppings and condiments.
When choosing a size for your table, consider how many different types of food you want to offer, how quickly your customers empty those pans at the height of your day, and how long a full pan of that food can stay in a warmer before it needs to be removed from the table. These calculations will vary widely depending on the type of food your establishment serves. Larger tables will increase the number of foods you can store at any given time, while smaller tables require more attention in the form of refilling trays. On the other hand, small tables are cheaper than large ones and require less energy to run.
What other features are available?
Other options for commercial steam tables include storage under the table, a solid or slatted shelf, an attached cutting board for food prep, and a tray slide for buffet applications. We carry hundreds of different models of commercial steam tables, and choosing the right one can be tricky. Consult our steam table buyers' guide for more information on this subject.