An Introduction to Vollrath Cookware
Vollrath has been manufacturing kitchen equipment for more than a century and has created a selection of cookware designed to provide solutions for dozens of chefs. Such a well-established company boasts an expansive catalog, which – though full of useful products – can be potentially overwhelming if you don't know what you're looking for. From economical aluminum to mirror-finished stainless steel, Vollrath has options to outfit any type of kitchen. Read on to familiarize yourself with the company's many options so you'll know where to start when it's time to make a purchase.
Vollrath Cookware: Styles
Different kitchen tasks call for different cookware styles, but whether you need a large stock pot for simmering soups or a griddle for grilling quesadillas, Vollrath has you covered. Typically, Vollrath cookware is sold individually, so you can to curate your perfect set.
- Frying Pans: One of the most common and versatile pans, these feature curved side walls for easy food removal and limited steam buildup.
- Saute Pan: These feature straight, tall sides to minimize the risk of messes in addition to a wide bottom that maximizes heat conduction.
- Stir Fry Pan: Similar to a wok but with a flatter bottom, these pans include deep, curved sides built for cooking on high heat with lots of movement.
- Saucier: A combination of frying pan and sauce pan, a saucier's curved sides are made for efficient whisking or mixing.
- Straight or Tapered Sauce Pan: Ideal for creating sauces and gravies, these pans feature either a wide bottom (straight sides) or smaller bottom (tapered sides) for low and slow cooking.
- Brazier: Slow-cook meat or vegetables, melt butter, and more with these versatile pots that feature a wide diameter and short side walls.
- Sauce Pot: Maximize heat conduction while reducing stews, sauces, soups, and more by utilizing a sauce pot's wide bottom.
- Stock Pot: With taller side walls, a thicker bottom, and a smaller diameter than sauce pots, stock pots preserve liquids for longer and encourage flavor transfer for soups, pastas, seafood, and more.
- Griddle: Heat or brown foods such as eggs, quesadillas, and grilled cheese on the wide, flat surface of a griddle pan.
Vollrath Cookware: Materials
Once you know what cookware styles you need to round out your kitchen's collection, the next factor to consider is material. Different metals heat and cool in different ways, so depending on what you're cooking, one may be more desirable than another. Vollrath manufactures its cookware with a variety of materials, and many styles are available in multiple constructions. Familiarizing yourself with the benefits and drawbacks of each can help you choose the right cookware for your operation.
Aluminum
Typically the most economical material, aluminum heats and cools very quickly, which can make it a desirable choice for fast-paced kitchens needing a quick recovery time. However, some aluminum cookware, especially softer alloys such as Vollrath's 1100 series, can be prone to denting and warping in extreme temperatures. An uneven cooking surface can cause scorching, so operators in the market for aluminum cookware may opt for harder alloys such as 3003 or 3004, which contain other metals that help harden the aluminum.
Stainless Steel
Vollrath also offers a selection of stainless steel cookware, which is nonporous and heats more slowly than aluminum. This slower heating is worth it for many operators who value the durability that Vollrath's stainless steel cookware offers. These pans won't dent or warp, and they can cook highly acidic foods without pitting. Many of Vollrath's more premium cookware series are made of stainless steel.
Clad Cookware
Vollrath manufactures some of its cookware with a unique layered construction. These models typically consist of two layers of stainless steel encasing a core made of a different metal, such as aluminum or copper. This configuration is designed to promote quicker heating than solid stainless steel cookware. Vollrath offers two options: fully clad and clad bottom. Fully clad cookware heats evenly along the bottom and side walls, while clad bottom cookware heats most quickly at the bottom.
Carbon Steel
Like cast iron, Vollrath carbon steel cookware is a ferrous metal compatible with induction ranges that also requires regular seasoning to maintain; however, this material is thinner and lighter than cast iron for easier handling. Cookware made of carbon steel transmits heat quickly and works well with high-heat applications such as wok cooking.
If you plan to use your Vollrath cookware on an induction range, you'll need to ensure the material you choose is compatible. Clad cookware features a ferrous stainless steel outside, which is crucial to induction compatibility.
Vollrath Cookware: Series
Vollrath's cookware collection is divided into multiple series – each with its own features and benefits. Familiarizing yourself with each series can help narrow down your options when making a purchase. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly cookware in a quick-service restaurant or attractive display pieces to outfit a banquet, find the perfect Vollrath series for you.
Arkadia
Arkadia™ is Vollrath's economy line. This cookware is made of 3000-series aluminum and features sturdy, riveted handles. Each piece features a natural finish for a sleek appearance and even heating. The Arkadia series includes a collection of essentials such as frying pans, sauce pans, stock pots, and sauce pots. Silicone grips are also available for Arkadia pans to provide safer, more comfortable handling. This series is a great choice for the brand-new or budget-conscious foodservice operator.
Wear-Ever Classic Select
Vollrath's Wear-Ever® Classic Select® series is also made of aluminum, but the 3004 alloy includes magnesium and is more durable than the Arkadia line. Double-thick bottoms encourage more even heating, while double-thick rims help covers fit better. Handles on Wear-Ever models are welded instead of riveted to create a sturdier construction. The handles on many models in this series are antimicrobial-dipped and designed to stay cool to the touch throughout the cooking process; certain models feature special TriVent® silicone handles capable of withstanding temperatures as high as 450 degrees Fahrenheit through continuous use and intermittent exposure as high as 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Centurion
Perfect for the large-volume, fast-paced commercial kitchen, the Centurion® series is a collection of durable, stainless steel cookware. Vollrath ensures these items won't pit, discolor, or retain flavors between dishes, and most Centurion models include a hollow Stay Cool® handle that doesn't conduct heat to establish a safe, comfortable grip during cooking. In addition to standard cookware like sauce pots and frying pans, this series includes specialty options such as French omelet pans and pasta inserts. No matter your menu, the Centurion collection is designed to serve your kitchen through the wear and tear of the busiest shifts.
Tribute
If you're seeking cookware that combines luxury with durability, Vollrath's Tribute® series features a premium construction and promises a long product lifespan. These products feature the resilient Tri-Ply construction – a 3004 aluminum core sandwiched between layers of stainless steel – that resists damage and corrosion while creating a cookware line that's ready to use on an induction range. Handles are securely attached with the Ever-Tite™ riveting system, and some Tribute models come with the option to choose from plated, silicone, or TriVent handles. This series also includes griddles enhanced with Vollrath's nonstick CeramiGard® II interior coating.
Optio
For fast-paced restaurant kitchens or catering operations, the Optio™ series is made of durable, lightweight stainless steel. These models are designed for simple handling, reducing strain on kitchen staff and making them ideal for easy transport during catered events. Welded handles create a smooth interior that's easy to clean, and the clad aluminum bottom allows use on induction ranges. With a wide variety of essential pots and pans available to choose from, the Optio series is an efficient, versatile choice for many foodservice operations.
Intrigue
Operations with an open kitchen or emphasis on performance often look to cookware designed with aesthetics in mind. Vollrath's Intrigue® series meets this need. These heavy-gauge stainless steel pots and pans feature satin and mirror finishes to create an eye-catching display while still withstanding regular wear and tear. Items in this series feature a permanently bonded bottom layer of aluminum and stainless steel for induction compatibility. Many Intrigue models also include a rounded lip for easier, more even pouring.
Miramar
Vollrath's Miramar® series also brings a touch of beauty and elegance to your cookware. For durability and induction use, each piece in this series features a three-ply construction. Unlike Vollrath's other cookware series, however, the Miramar line is manufactured for both cooking and display purposes. Sleek, elegant designs and mirror or satin finishes make these pieces suitable additions to buffet lines or catering setups, eliminating the need to transfer finished dishes from a cooking vessel to a separate vessel intended for display and serving.
