Product Knowledge


The Difference Between Cheese Melters & Salamanders Icon
The Difference Between Cheese Melters & Salamanders

Learn the differences of salamanders vs cheese melters here. KaTom will ensure you get the right equipment for your commercial kitchen.

Flywheel Slicers: Going Retro Icon
Flywheel Slicers: Going Retro

Flywheel slicers are a callback to the equipment's European roots, and are operated by hand to give chefs precise control over their cuts.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Hoods Icon
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Hoods

Compare Type 1 and Type 2 commercial hoods to find the right vent for your kitchen. Learn how each handles grease, heat, and moisture for safer ventilation.

Commercial Floor Maintenance Icon
Commercial Floor Maintenance

There are a wide variety of commercial floor cleaning supplies available to make floor maintenance simple. Find out which supplies you need here.

Walk-in Location Requirements Icon
Walk-in Location Requirements

Your geographic location can play a large role in the features and accessories you might need for your walk-in cooler.

Commercial Refrigeration: Cost of Ownership Icon
Commercial Refrigeration: Cost of Ownership

Considering the cost of ownership of your commercial refrigeration before you purchase a unit can save your business thousands of dollars over time.

Walk-in vs. Reach-in: Which Refrigerator Is Right For You? Icon
Walk-in vs. Reach-in: Which Refrigerator Is Right For You?

Understanding the different capabilities of walk-in vs. reach-in refrigeration will help you choose the right one for your kitchen. Learn more here.

Comparing Spiral Mixers & Planetary Mixers Icon
Comparing Spiral Mixers & Planetary Mixers

There are two types of commercial mixers: planetary mixers and spiral mixers. What's on your menu will determine which one you need.

ADA-compliant Commercial Refrigeration Icon
ADA-compliant Commercial Refrigeration

The Americans with Disabilities Act includes guidelines about counter height that may affect your undercounter refrigeration purchases.

Portion Control Keeps Your Budget & Customers Happy Icon
Portion Control Keeps Your Budget & Customers Happy

Restaurant portion control tools help you meet customer expectations while maintaining predictable profit margins.

The Value of Knowing the R-value Icon
The Value of Knowing the R-value

Insulation is an essential part of any refrigeration unit. The R-value of your model's insulation can help you save money and keep your cold items safe.

What Are Commercial Refrigerators Made Of? Icon
What Are Commercial Refrigerators Made Of?

The materials a commercial refrigeration unit is made of can affect its maintenance requirements, cost, and durability.

Cap Tubes vs. TXVs Icon
Cap Tubes vs. TXVs

TXVs and capillary tubes are two commercial refrigeration components that do the same thing, but in very different ways. Learn the differences here.

Mechanical vs. Electronic Controls for Commercial Refrigeration Icon
Mechanical vs. Electronic Controls for Commercial Refrigeration

Compare mechanical and electronic controls on commercial refrigeration to help you decide which option is best for your kitchen.

Commercial Deep Fryer Terms Icon
Commercial Deep Fryer Terms

These are the terms you'll need to know to find your way around a commercial deep fryer.

Commercial Ice Machine Terms Icon
Commercial Ice Machine Terms

Learn the terms used in describing the parts and operation of commercial ice machines.

Porcelain vs. Stoneware vs. China Icon
Porcelain vs. Stoneware vs. China

Learn how to shop for china like a pro! KaTom covers the key differences between porcelain, stoneware, and bone china ceramic dishes.

Choose the Right Grinds for Your Kitchen Knives Icon
Choose the Right Grinds for Your Kitchen Knives

Learn to recognize different types of knife grinds so you can determine the best maintenance and uses for your culinary knives.

Understanding How a Refrigerator Works Icon
Understanding How a Refrigerator Works

Learn how a refrigerator works with KaTom's explanation of your reach-in's components, from refrigerant to the materials used to construct it.

Autofill Options: Floats vs. Continuity Switches Icon
Autofill Options: Floats vs. Continuity Switches

Autofill is a convenient addition to equipment that requires water to operate. Learn more about the two types of autofill mechanisms here.

Food-grade Metals Icon
Food-grade Metals

Commercial kitchens are filled with metal surfaces, from refrigerator cabinets to work table tops. Learn about those materials and how to clean them here.

Hotel Pan Sizes Chart & Infographic Icon
Hotel Pan Sizes Chart & Infographic

Need to learn about hotel pan sizes? Discover the different hotel pan measurements, configurations, and accessories.

Selecting a Wooden Cutting Board for Your Kitchen Icon
Selecting a Wooden Cutting Board for Your Kitchen

Learn how the type of wood and the construction method used can affect how well a cutting board will function in your kitchen.

Comparing High-Temp & Low-Temp Commercial Dishwashers Icon
Comparing High-Temp & Low-Temp Commercial Dishwashers

High-temp and low-temp commercial dishwashers each have their advantages. Learn which one is best for your business here.