When choosing the right blast chiller for your needs, there are many pieces of information that you need to take into consideration. Footprint, cost, chill speed, and capacity are just some of the factors to consider. As with all restaurant supplies, the first question that you have to ask yourself is whether you need to purchase one in the first place.
Blast chillers are for:
- Restaurants that have food surpluses, like buffets
- Restaurant which have long-cook-time items that need storage
- Restaurants which are concerned with health issues surrounding the preparation of their food.
What are the main things that you should look for in a blast chiller?
Footprint
Space is always at a premium in restaurants, and can be the main determining factor on whether you should get any piece of equipment. The newer blast chillers, however, are getting smaller and smaller when compared to their older counterparts. A good chiller might take up only a 3’x3’ space, a pittance when compared to the space that a walk-in freezer occupies.
Cost
The costs of a blast chiller depend on the chiller’s capacity and power. Your costs can range anywhere from $5300 to $21,000, with machines landing at all price points in between.
Capacity
The capacity of blast chillers are measured in the number of trays that they can hold at any one time. If you have only a few items, look for technology that allows freezing of multiple types of food to avoid over-freezing.
Chilling Speed
Blast chillers drop their temperatures at different rates. It’s necessary to take a look at the wattage of the blast chiller before making your decision. Will it be able to get the food cold enough at the speed you desire?
The choice you make in a blast chiller can influence the efficiency of your kitchen. The ability to chill things quickly is an important superpower to have in your kitchen. In the next segment, we’re going to talk about the care and maintenance of your blast chiller.
