What Steamer Does Firehouse Subs Use?

Firehouse Subs began in 1994 and has built its menu around hot subs with steamed meats and cheeses. Because the chain focuses on freshly made sandwiches, it relies on equipment that heats quickly and produces consistent results during busy service periods. To support that workflow, Firehouse Subs uses custom-built Antunes steamers.

Antunes developed Firehouse Subs equipment specifically to support the chain’s workflow, manufacturing steamers that surround food with steam to keep meat from drying out during heating. Antunes also produces stock countertop steamers with similar advantages, including programmable controls on select models and high-limit reset buttons to help prevent overheating.

How Firehouse Subs Steamers Work

Firehouse Subs portions meat and cheese for each order and steams them before transferring the heated filling to a toasted roll. The steamer uses pressurized steam to gently warm the meat and melt the cheese in about a minute. This steam heats the meat evenly while helping retain its natural oils and juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

The Firehouse-specific InfiniSteam IS-1000 uses controlled injections of dry steam inside two removable drawers. Its boiler supplies constant steam, reducing recovery time between orders. Staff can select preprogrammed cycles through a touchscreen or use each drawer as an independent steaming zone to process separate orders simultaneously.

Why Steam Instead of Toast?

Unlike many sandwich shops that toast meat and cheese in an oven along with the bread, Firehouse Subs uses steam to help retain moisture, keeping sandwiches flavorful. The humid environment from the steam also melts the cheese into a smooth, stretchy layer that helps bind the meat together. This results in a sandwich that’s hot, savory, and juicy on the inside.

The Benefits of Antunes Steamers

Antunes compact steamers are designed for countertop installation and feature programmable, push-button, or manual controls. These steamers offer several benefits for sandwich shops prioritizing dependability and consistency:

• Consistent Heating: Controlled steam cycles help staff produce repeatable results across orders
• Moisture Retention: Steam warms meat and melts cheese without the use of prolonged dry heat, keeping food moist and preserving its texture
• Programmable Controls: Timed cycles standardize preparation across multiple locations and streamline daily operations
• Compact Design: Countertop designs preserve floor space and enable operators to position the equipment near the sandwich assembly line
• Custom Configurations: Antunes works with restaurant chains to develop custom equipment around menus, production targets, and kitchen layouts

How Antunes Steamers Can Improve Your Commercial Kitchen

A countertop steamer can help a deli or sandwich operation heat fillings rapidly without sending every order through an oven or griddle. Programmed cycles support consistent preparation while allowing employees to complete other tasks, such as toasting bread or adding condiments.

The right model depends on how the steamer will fit into the production line. Operators selecting a steamer should consider daily output as well as peak production needs, available counter space, electrical requirements, water access, and cleaning procedures. A connectionless MS-150 Miracle Steamer may suit a smaller operation with limited plumbing, while an RS-1000 Rapid Steamer featuring intelligent steam adjustment and a USB connection may suit operations seeking advanced steamers that help streamline daily tasks.

KaTom's guide on How to Start a Sandwich Shop provides additional planning guidance based on workflow and available space.

Find Steamers at KaTom for Steaming Sandwich Meats and Cheeses

KaTom offers Antunes steamers for reheating meat, melting cheese, and finishing sandwiches. Compare compartment capacities, control systems, electrical requirements, and countertop dimensions to find the right model for your foodservice operation.

For more help choosing the right steamer for your operation, check out KaTom's guide on How to Choose the Best Commercial Steamer for Your Business.