Steam Table Pans Overview

Food pans are used in every stage of the food preparation and presentation process. There are many differences between the types of steam table pans. The steam table pan used for a restaurant may be different than one used for a caterer, it comes down to your needs. That is why understanding the differences between these pans will help you determine which pan is best for you. Restaurant Equipment World carries a wide collection of steam table pans and accessories to provide you with the right tools to help you be successful in your operation. See the list below for further review.

1. Solid Steam Table Pans: Steam table pans are necessary to have for any business. This is the most common type of steam table pan. They are ideal for high volume establishments like buffets, hosting parties, catering events, or transporting a variety of food. Many of our steam table pans are NSF listed making them easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and can help prevent the growth of bacteria. Steam table pans are a great cost-effective option. These products are available in a wide variety of depths and capacities, so you will be able to find exactly what you need. They are available from 1/18 to full-size pans. Due to their durable stainless steel construction, and ease of transporting they are a common piece of catering equipment. Most of these products feature anti-jam corners so they are easy to stack and easy to separate.

2. Perforated Steam Table Pans: Perforated steam table pans are a great addition to have for any establishment. They are ideal for high volume establishments like buffets, hosting parties, catering events, or transporting a variety of food. These are an excellent choice to allow the user to drain excess liquids from frozen foods as they thaw or to help you cook a pan full of vegetables. You will be able to drain water quickly making these pans ideal for steaming vegetables. Many of our pans have easy-pour corners making it almost effortless to pour out foods into storage containers. Many of our steam table pans are NSF listed making them easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and can help prevent the growth of bacteria. Due to their durable stainless steel construction, and ease of transporting they are a common piece of catering equipment. Most of these products feature anti-jam corners so they are easy to stack and easy to separate.

3. Divided Steam Table Pans: Thanks to the design of divided steam tables, you can serve multiple entrees or sides at one time. You will be able to serve hot and cold food items at the same time. Because you can serve multiple food items, at once this is great for banquet halls or buffets with limited counter space. Many of our steam table pans are NSF listed making them easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and can help prevent the growth of bacteria. Due to their durable stainless steel construction, and ease of transporting they are common equipment for caterers. Most of these products feature anti-jam corners so they are easy to stack and easy to separate.

4. Special Shape Steam Table Pans: Impress your guest as they walk through the buffet line and see intricate detailing, shiny finishes, and accented handles from these unique steam table pans. These are perfect for upscale events or restaurants. You will be able to keep food hot or cold throughout the shift or event. These pans are just can functional as they are visually appealing. They come in a collection of different shapes and sizes to hold everything from entrees, side dishes, and desserts. Many of our steam table pans are NSF listed making them easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and can help prevent the growth of bacteria.

5. Covers for Steam Table Pans: When you need to move your steam table pan or keep the contents inside warm then there is no better way than with a cover. This makes them ideal for catering because they work well for offsite events. By keeping the lids on until your guests are ready they can come through your buffet line to get food that is served hot and fresh. Guests will also take notice of the uniform and professional look of your serving line thanks to the sleek construction of these lids. You will be able to keep foods from becoming dried out and unappetizing.

Another big benefit of using lids is the ability to help protect your food germs and other airborne contaminants. We carry lids in a collection of different sizes and styles to include ones with and without handles. We also offer domed lids that offer a more sophisticated look which is great for formal events, they can also accommodate pans filled high with mashed potatoes. We offer slotted lids that are great for securing serving utensils while keeping food warm. Many of our steam table pans are NSF listed making them easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and can help prevent the growth of bacteria.

6. Adapter Bars for Steam Table Pans: Steam table adapter bars are ideal for  cafeterias, dining halls, buffets, and other self-served foodservice establishments. Not only can they help make your meal service more efficient but they can also help prevent your steam table from losing heat. We offer adapters in various lengths to help you find the right fit for you and your existing steam table. Steam table adapters are essential for caterers and buffet operators. This is because the bars can transform a larger steam table from holding one size pan into a steam table that can hold multiple smaller pans. We offer bars that come in different shapes to allow you to create the perfect configuration for you. Steam table adapter bars are similar to adapter plates, except instead of lying on top of the pans, they simply divide the pans. They are great for allowing the user to hold different types of food in the same steam table.

7. Steam Pan Wire Grates: Steam pan wire grates offer a variety of versatility. They can be used as a cooling rack, as a pan grate for your hot and cold food, or even for serving applications. When they are placed inside a pan they can help keep the food from sticking to the pan. They are excellent for holding French fries, chicken wings, onion rings, and other food under a heat lamp to keep them at a safe temperature.

One of the biggest benefits of using a grate in a pan is all the opening between the wires allows the grease and oil to drain from burgers, meatballs, and other foods to the bottom of the pan. A grate will help separate your food inside from all the grease and oil. Lastly, by raising your food off the bottom of the pan this allows for air to circulate fully around your food this can help ensure the food gets evenly cooked all the way around.

8. False Bottoms for Steam Pans: False bottom steam table pans have two main purposes. First, they elevate foods to make them more visible to customers; this reduces the chance of wasted food. They also help prevent your food from getting soggy because they allow your food to drain properly. Thanks to the holes in their plates. Liquids and sauces will drain from your solid foods and help prevent the food inside from being too saturated. Our false bottom steam table pans are constructed from durable stainless steel so they will be easy to clean and last a long time in any commercial establishment. Our steam table pans come in a variety of sizes to help you find the right fit for you. These false bottoms steam table pans fit directly into your existing pans making for an easy install.

9. Bain Marie Cover: These covers have many different benefits. They help you keep food covered while they cook or protected when they are stored in the refrigerator. Because of their tight sealing lids, they can help protect your food from airborne contaminates this will also help your food stay fresh for longer. These are also an excellent choice for buffets because you can cover your steam table with a Bain Marie cover to keep food moist and simmering until it is ready to be served. Each cover comes with a handle making it easy to use all you need to do is lift off the cover and start servings. We carry a variety of cover sizes to help you find the right fit.

10. Inset Pans: We carry wide collection vegetable insets, these are perfect for displaying and warming smaller side dishes like corn, potatoes, broccoli, and other vegetables. Pairing a pot with a cover will help trap heat and keep your food hot and fresh. We even offer covers with a hole in them so you can have a serving spoon readily available. Many of our vegetable inset pans are made from durable long-lasting stainless steel so they will be easy to clean. These pans come in many sizes so you can find the right one to suit the amount of food you are serving.

11. Inset Covers: These covers will help you keep the food inside protected from airborne contaminants. They are also excellent for temperature control because they help you keep the contents inside the pot stay warm by trapping heat inside or help you maintain a nice cool temperature while in the refrigerator. These products are easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and some are NSF listed.

12. Adapter Plate: Some raise the pan at one end so that the food is easier to see for the customers while others offer a more traditional upright look. These adapter plates are made from strong, stylish stainless steel and easily insert into a steam table pan well. They promote visibly of the steam pan and are perfect for displaying hot foods. They are the perfect complement for any buffet line and make for a popular catering supply.

13. Pan Liner: Just line the inside of a pan with the liner, fill it with food, then after you are done using it simply lift the liner out and that is it! Pan liners save you time on the clean up this is because there is no direct contact with the pan. They are a popular catering supply for this reason. These products can handle a wide range of temperatures from hot to cold. Making pan liners perfect for both steam tables and cold salad or seafood bars.

Another popular item in this category is decorative steam table pans. Not only can you keep food hot through an event but your guest will be impressed as they walk through the buffet line and see the detail, shiny finishes, and accented handle pieces on these dishes. These are perfect for anything from a breakfast buffet at a five-star hotel, or for an upscale event. We offer many different shapes, sizes, and designs to hold everything for entrees to steamed vegetables, to gravies and soups. These food pans are just as functional as they are visually appealing. They feature a mirror-like finish to complement the elegant décor of your dining hall.

14. Steam Table Pan Covers: When you need to move your steam table pan or keep the contents inside warm then there is no better way than with a cover. Buffets and caterers commonly use these. This is because they work well for offsite events or for a chef at a buffet. By keeping lids on until your guests are ready they will be able to come through your buffet line to get food that is served hot and fresh. Guests will also take notice of the uniform and professional look of your serving line thanks to the sleek construction of these lids. You will be able to keep food from becoming dried out and unappetizing. Another big benefit of using lids is the ability to help protect your food germs and other airborne contaminants.

15. Spillage Pans: These are perfect for steam tables because they are drop-in units. However, they also let your customer enjoy their favorite food without the risk of cooling. They are designed to hold a certain amount of water before being placed inside a steam table, just above the unit's heat source. After the food pan is placed on top, the water pan is heated, and then steam from the water pan coats the bottom of the food pan with hot vapor. Because of this operation, they are excellent at keeping your food at a safe temperature over several hours. They are made from either stainless steel or aluminum for daily use and durability.

16. Vegetable Insets Stainless Steel: These are perfect for displaying and warming smaller side dishes like corn, potatoes, broccoli, and other vegetables. We also carry matching covers which are can trap in heat and steam that to keep food hot and fresh. Many of our lids are available with a spoon hole so you can have a serving spoon ready. Our vegetable insets are made from durable stainless steel. This allows them to handle high heat, maintain an attractive appearance and last a long time. These products also come in a variety of sizes to suit the amount of food you are serving.

We are here to help. Restaurant Equipment World is family owned and operated. We have experienced representatives available at your service. To help you choose the right steam table pans based on your needs and budget.

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Published by:
Sean Karpowicz

REWrite Blog