If you're looking for a versatile and efficient way to cook food in your commercial kitchen, a countertop steamer may be just what you need. With the ability to cook a wide variety of foods quickly and evenly, countertop steamers are becoming an increasingly popular choice for chefs and restaurant owners. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs? 

Let's explore the features and benefits of countertop steamers, as well as the factors to consider when choosing the best one for your kitchen. Whether you're looking to streamline your cooking process or expand your menu offerings, a countertop steamer may be the perfect addition to your kitchen arsenal.

The Basics of Countertop Steamers

Countertop steamers are a popular choice for commercial kitchens due to their versatility and efficiency. These appliances use steam to cook food quickly and evenly, making them ideal for a variety of dishes, from perfectly cooked and nutritious vegetables to delicious protein options. One of the key benefits of countertop steamers is that they can cook large quantities of food in a relatively short amount of time, making them a valuable tool for busy kitchens with high demand. Additionally, steam cooking helps to retain nutrients and flavor in the food, resulting in healthier and more flavorful dishes.

Another advantage of countertop steamers is their compact size and portability. Unlike larger steamers that require a lot of space, countertop models can be easily moved or stored when not in use, making them ideal for kitchens with limited space. Likewise, countertop steamers can also help create profit potential from otherwise unused spaces, all because of their portability.

Many countertop steamers also come with a range of programmable features, such as temperature and cooking time settings, allowing for precise and consistent results every time. They offer a range of benefits for commercial kitchens, from faster cooking times and better food quality to space-saving and programmable features. By choosing the right model for your kitchen's needs, you can streamline your cooking process and expand your menu offerings with ease.

How to Choose the Right Steamer Size:

When choosing the right steamer size for your foodservice operation, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Determine your cooking needs: Consider the amount of food you need to cook at one time and how frequently you need to use the steamer. This will help you determine the size of the steamer you need. For example, if you only need to cook small batches of food occasionally, a smaller steamer will suffice. However, if you need to cook large quantities of food frequently, a larger steamer will be more efficient.

2. Consider the available space: You will need to have enough space to accommodate the steamer you choose. Take into account the size of the steamer, as well as the space required for ventilation, drainage, and accessibility for cleaning.

3. Look at your menu: The types of food you plan to cook will also affect your steamer size selection. If you plan to cook mostly vegetables, a smaller steamer will be adequate. However, if you plan to cook large cuts of meat or whole fish, you will need a larger steamer.

4. Determine your budget: Steamer sizes vary in price, so it is important to determine your budget before making a purchase. While larger steamers may be more expensive, they can also be more efficient and save money in the long run.

5. Consider the type of steamer: Different types of steamers have different capacities. For example, a pressure steamer can hold more food than a convection steamer of the same size.

Pressure Steamer vs. Convection Steamer

A pressure steamer and a convection steamer are both types of commercial steamers that use steam to cook food. However, they work in different ways.

A pressure steamer uses steam under pressure to cook food. The steam is heated to a high temperature and then forced into a sealed cooking chamber, where it cooks the food quickly and efficiently. The pressure inside the cooking chamber raises the boiling point of the water, which allows the food to cook faster and at a higher temperature than it would in a regular steamer. Pressure steamers are often used for cooking large batches of food quickly and are ideal for cooking tougher cuts of meat and root vegetables.

On the other hand, a convection steamer uses hot steam circulated by a fan to cook food. The steam is generated by a boiler and then circulated throughout the cooking chamber. This type of steamer is often used for cooking delicate foods, such as fish and vegetables, as it allows for gentle cooking without overcooking or drying out the food.

Market Forge Sirius

Market Forge Sirius is a line of commercial steamers designed for use in professional kitchens. Here are some benefits of using a Market Forge Sirius steamer:

1. High Quality Construction: Market Forge Sirius steamers are made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel and welded frames, making them durable and long-lasting. This means that they can withstand the heavy use that is common in commercial kitchens.

2. Easy to Operate: The Market Forge Sirius steamers are designed to be easy to operate, with user-friendly controls and intuitive features. This allows kitchen staff to quickly learn how to use the steamer and operate it efficiently.

3. Versatile Cooking Options: The Market Forge Sirius steamers offer a wide range of cooking options, including pressure steaming, convection steaming, and combination cooking. This allows for greater flexibility in the types of foods that can be cooked and the cooking methods used.

4. Efficient Cooking: The Market Forge Sirius steamers are designed for efficient cooking, with quick heat-up times and high cooking capacities. This means that large batches of food can be cooked quickly, reducing wait times for customers and improving overall kitchen efficiency.

5. Easy to Clean: The Market Forge Sirius steamers are designed for easy cleaning, with removable parts and easy-to-access areas. This makes it easy to keep the steamer clean and sanitary, reducing the risk of foodborne illness and ensuring compliance with health codes.

The Market Forge Sirius line of steamers offers high-quality construction, versatility, efficiency, and ease of use and cleaning. These benefits make them an excellent choice for commercial kitchens looking to improve their cooking capabilities and efficiency.

Market Forge Altair

Market Forge Altair is a commercial oven that uses a unique combination of steam, convection, and radiant heat to cook food. Here are some benefits of using a Market Forge Altair oven:

1. Versatile Cooking: The Market Forge Altair oven offers a wide range of cooking options, including steam, convection, and radiant heat cooking. This allows for greater flexibility in the types of foods that can be cooked and the cooking methods used.

2. Faster Cooking: The combination of steam, convection, and radiant heat cooking in the Market Forge Altair oven allows for faster cooking times. This means that food can be cooked more quickly, reducing wait times for customers and improving overall kitchen efficiency.

3. Consistent Cooking: The Market Forge Altair oven uses advanced cooking technology to ensure that food is cooked consistently and evenly. This means that food is cooked to the same high standard every time, resulting in better quality dishes.

4. Energy Efficient: The Market Forge Altair oven is designed to be energy efficient, with advanced insulation and high-efficiency burners. This reduces energy consumption and operating costs, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option for commercial kitchens.

5. Easy to Use: The Market Forge Altair oven is designed to be easy to use, with intuitive controls and features. This makes it easy for kitchen staff to quickly learn how to use the oven and operate it efficiently.

How Can This Apply to Me?

Cooking with steam is a popular method used in many commercial kitchens due to its numerous benefits. Steam cooking offers versatility, speed, and efficiency, allowing for a wide range of foods to be cooked quickly and consistently. The use of steam also helps to retain the natural flavors and nutrients of food, resulting in healthier and more flavorful dishes. Additionally, steam cooking is more energy-efficient than traditional cooking methods, reducing operating costs and contributing to a more sustainable kitchen. Overall, cooking with steam is a great fit for any commercial kitchen looking to improve its cooking capabilities, efficiency, and sustainability while producing high-quality dishes.

Interested in steam but not sure if it's right for your restaurant, school, or healthcare facility? Take our quiz to find out!