How to Choose the Right Tilt Skillet

Tilting skillets, also known as braising pans, are among the most versatile pieces of equipment in a commercial kitchen. They can braise, sauté, boil, fry, proof, hold, simmer, melt, and steam food. Their flexibility benefits nearly every foodservice operation, and a variety of available sizes and styles make it easy to find one that fits any kitchen. This article explains what a braising pan is used for and how to choose one that enhances your kitchen's workflow.

What is a Tilt Skillet?

Tilt skillets are designed to simplify bulk food preparation. They have gas or electric burners that heat a griddle-like pan. The pan's raised metal walls create a large, round, or rectangular cooking tub, letting operators grill on the bottom or heap ingredients into the skillet. Most tilt skillets also come with lift-off covers to enable steaming.

After cooking, operators use the tilt mechanism to angle the entire skillet forward. A front-facing spout directs the ingredients into a hotel pan or food container.

To clean the skillet, operators use warm water and soap. Some units come with an attached spray hose and a drain valve to empty water without completely raising the pan. Many units feature coved corners that streamline cleanup.

What is a Tilt Skillet Used For?

The deep cooking surface and tilting mechanism on a braising pan make it a workhorse able to prepare soups, sauces, ground meats, steamed vegetables, boiled potatoes, and more. Tilt skillets are common in high-volume operations such as hotels, school cafeterias, casinos, hospitals, and commissary kitchens.

Tilt Skillet Buying Guide

Power

Tilting skillets are heated by electricity or gas. Electric models range in power from 6 to 44 kW and are more energy efficient than those powered by gas. On the other hand, gas-powered units, delivering between 60,000 and 144,000 BTU per hour, heat faster, so the loss of energy efficiency might not be a problem in busy kitchens.

Sizing & Capacity

Braising pans come in sizes to fit nearly any kitchen's needs. The smallest countertop models hold 10 to 15 gallons and work well in small cafeterias, hotels, or soup kitchens. At 24 inches wide, small sizes fit in tight kitchens. Mid-sized units holding 18 to 30 gallons are typically mounted on a table or cart. The largest floor models can hold up to 40 gallons.

Operation

Most braising pans are simple to operate. They have a temperature range between 100 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit and a solid state, digital, or touchscreen controller. Some units support multi-zone cooking, enabling separate sections of the skillet to operate at different temperatures. The tilting mechanism is either electric or manual. Electric models use a button or switch to raise and lower the pan, while manual ones use a wheel crank. Some electric lift models have a manual option for backup. Other standard controls include an on/off switch and cooking timer.

Material

Most tilting skillets are made of stainless steel to withstand heavy use. Some have cast iron interior griddles, which retain heat better but take longer to reach temperature. Some models use peened stainless steel pans with bead-blasted finishes to prevent food from sticking, while other models have polished pans that ease cleanup.

Tilt Skillet Uses, Features, & Add Ons

Additional features can improve your braising pan's versatility and efficiency:

• Draw-off valves: Drain liquid and cleaning solutions
• Pan supports: Hold hotel pans below skillet spout for efficient service
• Steamer inserts: Accommodate multiple pans for steaming ingredients
• Flexible hose sinks: Spray down and clean pans
• Strainer inserts: Drain pasta, boiled vegetables, or fried food

Braising pans are multiuse kitchen appliances ideal for bulk cooking and food prep that improve the workflow in any commercial kitchen. Browse KaTom's selection of tilt skillets today to find top brands like Vulcan, Cleveland, and Rational.

References

1. What is a Tilting Skillet? Foodservice Equipment and Supplies Magazine. Accessed July 2025.
2. Braising Pan Lessons. Foodservice Equipment Reports Magazine. Accessed July 2025.