For many years, restaurants and commercial kitchens have relied on natural gas as a way to churn out high-quality meals in a relatively short amount of time. While gas cooking might still have its place, electric cooking has become increasingly popular.
There are some locations where new gas lines are being banned in an effort to improve safety and protect the environment. Furthermore, with a massive improvement in the quality of electric foodservice equipment, it is clear that the benefits of electric cooking are starting to outweigh gas cooking. What are some of the top benefits of electric cooking, and what types of cost-saving rebates are available?
The Efficiency of Electric Cooking vs. Gas
In the past, users have turned away from electric cooktops because they took too long to heat up. Now, thanks to significant advances in technology, electric cooking has become more efficient. In particular, induction stovetops have become incredibly popular. They use the flow of alternating current through an element that creates an electromagnetic field. This significantly reduces the amount of time it takes to heat up without requiring gas at all.
More traditional electric cooking options have gotten more popular as well. Safety measures have improved, cooking times have reduced, and with numerous commercial kitchens looking for ways to save money, eliminating natural gas from the equation has become a more attractive option. Electric cooking options include griddles, fryers, combi ovens, and even ranges, making electric cooking as accessible as ever. Even better, these units, because they're electric, can operate in a ventless environment.
Potential Rebates Are Available
Change is hard, and there are potential rebates that can make it easier for commercial kitchens and restaurants to make the transition. For example, customers that receive electric service from either Ameren Illinois or ComEd® could be eligible for a rebate.
Some of the equipment that could be eligible includes conveyor broilers, combination ovens, rack ovens, steam cookers, conveyor ovens, friars, griddles, convection ovens, and numerous other appliances. To qualify for the rebate, the commercial kitchen equipment that is installed has to meet minimum energy-efficiency specifications.
Discounts Are Available
These rebates can make it easier to make the transition from natural gas to electric appliances.
Once the Rebate Is Applied, Electric Cooking Could Be Cheaper Than Gas
Many commercial kitchens and restaurants have realized that natural gas prices have increased over the past few years. When this is combined with labor issues, it is important for restaurants to try to save money where they can.
Now, by eliminating the gas bill, switching to electric appliances, and using electric appliances that do not require as much labor, commercial kitchens and restaurants can save a significant amount of money on their overhead expenses. With the available rebates, electric cooking could quickly become cheaper than gas, and restaurants that make the switch now will have an edge over their competitors in terms of kitchen logistics and regulations.
ENERGY STAR-Rated Steam Equipment Is Available
Now, with novel appliances on the market, and many restaurants looking to make the transition, targeting ENERGY STAR-rated steam equipment is a must. For example, the Sirius II Convection Steamer can help commercial kitchens save time and money while reducing their overhead expenses. The ETP-10 is also one of the easiest appliances to use, with a short learning curve that can increase versatility in the kitchen. The Blodgett Combi oven can also handle numerous types of meals at the same time, helping restaurants and commercial kitchens shorten their turnaround times while keeping patrons happy.
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