Vulcan Commercial Steamers
Vulcan commercial steamers use moist heat for vegetables, proteins, grains, and other batch-cooked foods. Compare countertop and floor models by compartment capacity, utilities, water requirements, drainage, production volume, and available kitchen space.
How to Choose a Vulcan Commercial Steamer
Start with what will be steamed, the required batch size, peak production, available space, and the utilities and water service available at the installation location. Vulcan commercial steamers are available in different capacities and configurations for operations ranging from smaller cooklines to larger institutional kitchens.
Countertop vs. Floor Steamers
Countertop steamers can add steaming capacity without taking up additional floor space and may be appropriate for lower-volume production. Floor models generally provide more capacity and can be a better fit when the operation prepares larger batches or relies heavily on steam cooking.
What Steamer Capacity Do I Need?
Compare compartment and pan capacity with the largest batches prepared during peak service. If steaming is central to the menu, selecting enough capacity to avoid repeated small batches can improve workflow during busy periods.
Water and Utility Requirements
Commercial steam equipment can require water, drainage, electricity, gas, or a combination of utilities depending on the model. Review these requirements before purchasing, including the location of water and drain connections. Water quality should also be considered because mineral buildup can affect steam equipment over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods can be prepared in a commercial steamer?
Applications can include vegetables, grains, proteins, and other foods suited to moist-heat cooking.
Should I select a countertop or floor steamer?
Choose based on batch capacity, available space, menu reliance on steaming, and production volume.
Do Vulcan steamers require water filtration?
Water-treatment requirements depend on the model and local water conditions. Review the specific equipment requirements before installation.
Are Vulcan steamers ENERGY STAR certified?
Certification varies by model. Verify ENERGY STAR status on the specific steamer being considered.
What should I check before ordering?
Confirm capacity, dimensions, water supply, drainage, gas or electrical service, clearances, and ventilation requirements where applicable.
Backed by Vulcan Expertise
Roxanne Holt, Sales Manager at Vulcan, identifies routine cleaning, water filtration, and deliming as important practices for protecting commercial cooking equipment. Holt notes that water-related problems can become especially costly when buildup affects internal components, making water requirements an important consideration when selecting steam equipment.