3 TIPS FOR OPTIMIZING YOUR CATERING KITCHEN
At Boelter, we know that catering events come in all shapes and sizes, from intimate gatherings of 30 guests to large events with hundreds of attendees. For caterers handling multiple events each week, finding ways to streamline operations can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be!
Using quality, commercial-grade equipment can make a big difference in any catering kitchen, helping to cut costs and boost staff efficiency. We're here to help, which is why we partner with reliable manufacturers like Hamilton Beach Commercial to provide proven solutions for your catering business. Here are three key areas to consider to help optimize your catering kitchen.
Preserving Fresh Ingredients
One of the biggest challenges in any foodservice operation is extending the life of fresh foods being used in the kitchen, most notably fruits, vegetables and meats. Some items can be preserved for longer periods of time in the freezer, but unless properly sealed, freezer burn is always going to be a risk. To keep ingredients as fresh as possible, for as long as possible, consider investing in a high-quality vacuum packaging machine for a wide range of benefits.
- Extended shelf life. By removing air from the packaging, you can extend the life of fragile produce by 2-3 weeks, and meats by 6 months or more.
- Prevent freezer burn. With the strong seal provided by vacuum packaging, freezer burn will become a thing of the past and your ingredients will stay just as fresh as they were when they were first sealed.
- Save money through bulk purchasing. With the ability to store food longer than before, you can take advantage of any bulk discounts that suppliers offer. Keep out what you need right away, seal and freeze what you don’t.
- Food is sous vide ready. Sous vide cooking requires the use of vacuum sealed packaging, so you’ll be ready to cook anytime.
In-chamber vacuum sealers, such as those available in the PrimaVac line from Hamilton Beach Commercial, take storage to the next level as these units remove air via an internal chamber instead of sucking air out the side of the pouch. Because of this, liquids, marinades, and wet foods can easily be stored without any risk of creating a mess.
Simplify Large Batch Cooking
Outfitting a catering kitchen with commercial-grade equipment designed for large batch cooking can greatly enhance food preparation efficiency, particularly when compared to lower-quality options. These tools are designed to prepare large batches of food, ensuring there is plenty of food on-hand for busy events. The enhanced materials used in commercial kitchen tools also lead to lower maintenance costs, resulting in significant savings over time.
For caterers who rely on sauces and soups as staples on their menus, upgrading to one of Hamilton Beach's BigRig immersion blenders offers a wide range of benefits that can transform kitchen operations. One of the most significant advantages is the powerful motor that commercial units come equipped with. This added power enables chefs to blend larger batches of food at much faster speeds, which is especially beneficial when working with thicker dishes like soups, stews, and purees.
Another standout feature of commercial immersion blenders is their versatility compared to traditional countertop blenders. With a commercial immersion blender, chefs can blend ingredients directly in the pot or container they were cooked in. This eliminates the need for transferring hot, heavy contents to a countertop blender, saving precious time and reducing the risk of spills or accidents.
Keep Food Warm for Serving
Maintaining the ability to keep food warm for extended periods without the risk of it drying out or overcooking is critical for any chef, especially in a catering setting. In catering operations, where many dishes need to be prepared ahead of time to ensure a smooth service, this becomes even more important. Having a reliable method to hold food at the perfect serving temperature can make a significant difference in both the quality of the food and the overall efficiency of the kitchen.
One effective solution is the use of a commercial rice cooker, which is specifically designed to keep food at an optimal temperature between the cooking process and service. The "keep warm" feature ensures that the contents of the pot maintain a consistent temperature throughout the holding period, reducing the risk of overcooking. Whether holding rice, soups, or even pasta, Hamilton Beach's commercial rice cookers offer precise heat control and distributes heat evenly, preventing cold spots or overheated areas that could affect food quality.
The 18 qt. commercial roaster over from Hamilton Beach is another excellent option for keeping food warm during both preparation and transportation. Not only is it perfect for maintaining warmth after cooking, but it can also be used to hold items cooked using other methods. This versatility allows caterers to keep a wide variety of dishes, such as roasted vegetables, casseroles, baked goods, and meats warm without compromising quality. Like rice cookers, roaster ovens require minimal supervision, allowing catering staff to focus on other tasks during busy events.
Optimize Your Catering Operation With Boelter
We know that keeping up with demand is important for any catering operation, and our team is here to help guide you towards the best tools for your kitchen. With these three tips, your staff will be prepared to cut costs and prepare large quantities of food as efficiently as possible.
Looking to add some new commercial appliances to your catering kitchen? Contact us at Boelter to talk with one of our foodservice supply experts and find out how we can help take your catering business to the next level.