The #1 Material That Every Catering Kitchen Uses

Do you know the must-have material for any catering kitchen? The thing that provides the base for any operations and food prep tasks? The substance that the majority of commercial equipment and utensils are made from? Read on to discover the, not so well-kept, secret!

Core Elements of All Commercial Kitchens

Commercial kitchens need to follow certain core principles and demonstrate mastery of certain elements. Not only do catering teams need to understand the market externally of the kitchen environment to ensure success, with areas such as menu selection and guaranteeing happy guests and returning customers, but also elements internally of the kitchen, in the natural order and running of daily operations. These principles guarantee space efficiency, productivity, consistency and high standards of hygiene. This includes areas such as ergonomic layouts to promote workflow, organisation both in terms of staff, best practice, correct procedures, effective inventory storage, hygiene for food safety, communication between staff to minimise mistakes and ensure a smooth service, and maintenance of equipment to prevent unnecessary downtime.

While basic, traditional methods are still employed and key to operations such as FIFO (First In First Out) stock rotation systems, accurate date and day labelling of ingredients, portion control, original cooking systems using gas, electric or open flame, and good old elbow grease to guarantee cleanliness and hygiene, new technology is now increasingly present in every kitchen. Whether that’s energy efficient induction cooking, the use of technology to control and monitor inventory, intelligent cooking systems that produce exquisite quality and repeatable results even when preparing large quantities, or self-cleaning equipment that takes care of itself while chefs go home to their beds, commercial kitchens have found that flexibility, versatility and the ability to adapt to and embrace a changing technological environment is vital.

Depending on the type of kitchen, the menu choice and the style of service, these core elements may vary from business to business. Although the majority of these elements, plus others, are intrinsic to running a successful commercial kitchen, there is one simple area, or material, that is common in any catering operation, regardless of business plan. Whether addressing cooking equipment, storage refrigeration, warewashing units, food preparation counters, cookware and even cooking utensils, the common denominator? Stainless steel!

Why Stainless Steel Is The Perfect Solution

Stainless steel is the superhero of the commercial environment! It's the chosen material in catering kitchens, for good reason. Durable and resistant to corrosion, it stands up to the hectic and fast paced environment. Its smooth surface prevents bacteria from sticking, so food safety and hygiene standards are met. Plus, it's easy to clean, reducing cross-contamination and ensuring kitchens adhere to food safety guidelines and regulations. An additional benefit - the sleek, modern look adds an aesthetic appeal. Stainless steel ticks all the boxes for functionality, durability, hygiene, cleanliness, and looks - and fights off rust and stains so your food can shine!

What Kitchen Equipment Is Stainless Steel Used For?

Stainless steel is a popular choice for the majority of core kitchen equipment. It offers a mix of strength, longevity, hygiene, and style for cookware, countertops, and more. Heat and corrosion-resistant, it's easy to take care of. This makes it the perfect solution for professional kitchens.

Countertops made of stainless steel don't scratch or stain, and they look modern. They're non-porous too, so bacteria can't grow. This, combined with the ability to withstand very hot and very cold temperatures without corrosion is also why many fridges, freezers and cooking equipment are manufactured using high quality stainless steel.

Warewashing equipment found in the pot wash area of a kitchen is typically a fully stainless steel affair. From dishwashers, glass washers and utensil washers to commercial sinks, entry and exit tabling, stainless steel is key. Perfectly suited to hot and humid conditions, as well as being strong, durable, easy to clean and maintain, stainless steel is the obvious, and only, sensible choice. Shelving units made of stainless steel are also a standard feature, being strong and easy to keep clean while offering plenty of storage space that can resist damage from spills.

Pots, pans, and knives are often made from stainless steel. It conducts heat well and doesn't stain easily when in repeated use cooking all manner of foods. Chefs use it for even heat distribution during cooking and durability for long-lasting utensils.

The perfect material to address the requirements stipulated in government food safety and kitchen hygiene guidelines - “equipment that comes into contact with food must be kept in good repair and be made in a way that allows it to be cleaned thoroughly and, where necessary, to be disinfected” - the success of stainless steel in commercial kitchens is evident and is why it is still the go-to choice for catering equipment manufacturers. 

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