Vulcan Steamer

Vulcan Commercial Steamers: What You Need to Know

Vulcan steam ovens bring a unique cooking dimension to your kitchen, both in total cook time required and final results. Vulcan convection steamers combine the efficient heat transfer of steam with the flawless heat coverage of a convection oven, creating a single piece of cooking equipment that can cook nearly anything more quickly than standard ovens or steamers. With ENERGY STAR® options available, you may even qualify for a tax rebate when adding a Vulcan commercial steamer to your kitchen.

Vulcan countertop steamers enable you to add the versatility of powerful steaming without having to get rid of an existing appliance. Of course, the countertop option won't be able to cook as much as a standing Vulcan steamer, but if you have a low-volume business or a small number of menu items that need to be steamed, this could be the perfect solution. We'll answer common questions about Vulcan steamers below to help you choose the ideal piece for your needs.

Common Questions About Vulcan Steamers

Why would I want a Vulcan convection steamer?

A convection steamer combines two of the most efficient cooking methods to create one incredibly effective piece of cooking equipment. Steam cooking transfers heat to food quickly without drying the product out, while convection cooking moves the air in the cooking chamber around to ensure even cooking across the entire product. Adding a Vulcan convection steamer provides both functionalities in one piece, saving space and money compared to purchasing them separately.

Steaming food maintains the nutritional profile of the original ingredients better than most other cooking methods. Steamed vegetables are especially popular as the produce is cooked to be tender without losing the vibrant color customers look for in fresh vegetables. As steam cooking grows more popular, chefs are innovating with the technology and cooking far more than just produce. Proteins can be steamed and then finished in a salamander or pan, which creates a tender, juicy piece of meat with the seared exterior customers expect.

Are Vulcan steamers energy efficient?

Because a Vulcan Hart steamer uses both water and heat to cook food, it may seem like the utility cost of using a steamer would overtake that of other types of cooking, but Vulcan convection steamers are designed to be energy efficient from the ground up. Many Vulcan countertop steamers are ENERGY STAR certified, which means that, in addition to saving you money on utilities and being better for the environment, you can receive a tax rebate for purchasing one in many states. Consult your local governing bodies to determine if you'll receive financial incentives to purchase ENERGY STAR equipment.

Even without the ENERGY STAR certification, purchasing energy-efficient machines is simply good business. Over a long period of ownership, the money you save by buying an efficient machine can outweigh the total cost of the equipment. Factor in the cost of water to steam and the cost of electricity or natural gas to heat, and then multiply that by the number of days a year you'll be using the machine and the number of years you'll own it; with these calculations, you can see how important choosing an efficient convection steamer can be.