#steam table

Steam tables are defined as the thermodynamic data that contain the properties of water or steam. These data are commonly used by engineers. It is normally used to obtain the following properties using steam pressure for saturated steam temperature and saturated temperature for saturated steam pressure.

To keep hot dishes at safe holding temperatures, restaurants use many options, and steam tables are one of them. Steam tables are very popular for buffet or self-service eateries to keep foods hot. In our article, we will review the main parameters of steam tables, and how to choose the right table to match your restaurant's needs.

A Steam Table: What Is It?

In other words, this is a special warming system that helps to keep your restaurant's foods at the needed temperatures. It's possible to find various models, including standalone and countertop steam tables and choose the most suitable, depending on your kitchen's size and other things.

You should understand it's impossible to cook food using a steam table. But you can keep cooked food warm with a table that uses the power of steam. There are many types of these tables, and some of them do not need water for work (dry-heating tables).

How to Buy a Suitable Steam Table?

Please remember you should keep several things in your mind when you're selecting a steam table for the restaurant. You need to consider many factors to choose the needed table that will meet your requirements. Keep reading our article to know the main things you have to consider.

Electric or Gas Steam Tables

Every steam table is powered by electricity or gas. Of course, if you have no gas in your kitchen, it's understandable you have to look for an electric one. Otherwise, you have to discover the pros and cons of both types to choose the best one.

If you choose a gas steam table, it can heat up very quickly and last longer. This type of table has just a few parts that can malfunction, so it's quite reliable. You need natural gas or liquid propane for this device.

Any electric table needs more time to heat up, but this type of steam table is energy efficient and has precise controls of its temperature. Plus, this table is quite simple to use. You are free to select between a hardwired and plug-in model.

If you want to get a portable table, then you should look at electric steam tables. Please be informed that gas tables can raise the temperature in your restaurant's kitchen.

Sealed Well or Open Steamed Tables

It's possible to select from sealed well or open, depending on if its heating element is covered or not.

A sealed well table is equipped with a covered heating element, so you can easily add water without using spillage pans. This type offers only moist heating, so it's not the best for crispy or fried foods. It's better to use a water steam table to keep pasta dishes, soups, vegetables, and other dishes.

An open well table has an exposed heating element, so you must use spillage pans to get moist heating for your foods. The advantage of this type is that you can choose between moist or dry heating. Needless to say, when you need to keep warm fried or crispy foods, then dry heating is the most suitable option.

The Optimal Temperature of a Steam Table

When you are searching for a steam table to use in your restaurant, please make sure you've checked its temperature range. Be informed that dishes must be kept above 140F, following the HACCP system.

If you've decided to get a steam table for your kitchen, check out if its temperature range is at least between 150F-160F to keep your dishes warm safely.