Vulcan Steam Kettles

Vulcan Kettles: What You Need to Know

Vulcan steam kettles make quick work of preparing huge batches of soup, chili, sauce, and pasta. Direct-steam and steam-jacketed versions are available, with direct-steam kettles requiring a hookup to an external steam source – namely, a steam generator or boiler.

Vulcan steam-jacketed kettles come at a higher cost but only require electricity or a gas connection. In this type of kettle, steam is created from sterilized water that's permanently sealed into the jacket of the kettle and will rarely, if ever, need replacing.

Common Questions About Vulcan Steam Kettles

How do Vulcan steam kettles work?

Steam kettles, whether they use direct steam or a steam jacket, operate differently than a traditional stock pot. Because the kettle's jacket, or dual layers, surround product as it cooks, heat penetrates the food from all sides and below at the same time. This method heats food more quickly and evenly than a pot placed on a stove burner, which is heated from below only. Additionally, the kettles have built-in thermostats that enable them to maintain a steady temperature for hours without employee intervention.

Once the food is cooked, the kettles' ellipsoidal bottoms streamline pouring by eliminating interior corners and edges where food can get stuck. Inside the kettle, gallon and liter marks are embossed, making it easy for operators to measure ingredients as they're added to the kettle. Because these markings are embossed, they will not wear off over time.

How do you clean a Vulcan kettle?

Both the interior and exterior should be washed thoroughly between different products or at the end of the day, and if the Vulcan steam kettle is used continuously throughout the day, it should be cleaned every 12 hours. Before cleaning or servicing the kettle, users should disconnect it from any electrical power and allow it to cool completely.

To start the cleaning process, empty the kettle, close the draw-off valve, and fill the unit with fresh cleaning water. Adding water prevents residue from drying and sticking to the kettle's interior. You can use mild non-bleach, non-chlorine detergents along with a nylon brush to remove buildup in Vulcan steam-jacketed kettles.

If food is stuck inside the kettle, you can let the water and cleaning solution soak on a low temperature setting to loosen it. After the cleaning water is poured out, the kettle must be wiped thoroughly with a soft cloth. Cleaning the exterior of a Vulcan kettle is a much shorter process as it just needs to be wiped clean with a damp cloth and then dried with a dry cloth.

Because they can damage the material, you should never use corrosive or harsh cleaning chemicals on your kettle. Scraping the unit's interior with abrasive cleansers, steel scouring pads, and metal tools will scratch the surface, creating crevices that can shelter bacteria and ruin the kettle's appearance.