Are you looking for ways to streamline the processes in your commercial kitchen? Do you find that your current storing and cooling solutions aren’t always the most effective ways to keep food fresh and chilled? It may be time to invest in a more efficient cooling solution.
The most effective way to keep your food fresh at the required temperature is to use commercial blast chillers which are essential in a food space. If you’re still on the fence about whether or not this is the right solution for your kitchen, then keep reading as we highlight the top reasons why a commercial blast chiller is a must-have.
Commercial Blast Chillers Defined
At a glance, a commercial blast chiller may look like just another industrial freezer. Also known as flash freezers, these cooling solutions are designed to lower the temperature of food at a quicker rate than a regular freezer. Its large and functional interior space allows you to store and cool everything from freshly made desserts to veggies, sauces, and even drinks.
Blast chillers feature an industrial fan that blows chilled air over the produce, food, and drinks.
Cooling happens almost instantly but with one significant difference from a regular freezer: The food isn’t frozen.
This means that no ice crystals form on the food and there’s no need to defrost or thaw food before serving. Say goodbye to droopy and soggy food.
Work Smarter, Not Harder When You’re Prepping Food
Commercial blast chillers aren’t only for large industrial kitchens. Even the smallest corner café or bar will benefit from a flash freezer. Here is a list of the top reasons why.
1. Keeps Food Fresh
Working in a hot kitchen in the sweltering Australian climate can make enzymes in your food break down faster. Oxidation and a range of other chemical reactions cause food to start losing its flavour the longer it sits out on the counter.
Your flash freezer enables you to keep food cool (not frozen) until you need it. Once the food, desserts, or drinks have been prepared, the rapid cooling feature will keep your food fresh until it needs to be served. Fresh food retains its texture and taste for longer without needing to be frozen and then thawed.
2. Can Reduce Food Waste
Fresh produce can quickly spoil if not stored correctly. In some cases, freezing food adds to the wastage as products become tasteless and soggy once they are defrosted. Being able to store fresh produce at the right temperature will prevent deterioration from freezer burn and moisture absorption. Less wasted food also reduces the amount of money lost and also means you don’t have to shop for fresh food daily.
3. Eliminates Bacteria
Bacteria and mould are the top enemies of every commercial kitchen. In a hot environment, food will spoil a lot faster and run the risk of generating foodborne illnesses. Keeping the food in a freezer that your staff are continuously opening will also cause the temperature of the food to rise and drop.
These constant temperature fluctuations can result in bacteria growth. The last thing you need is to open a container at serving time only to mould has started forming in the corners. Avoid this by placing your food in the blast chiller.
4. Create Food Prep Flexibility
Food preparation can be challenging when you’re juggling different dishes with the fluctuating temperatures in a busy kitchen. Fortunately, being able to keep food and ingredients cool for long periods means that you can easily prepare your food prep the day before serving, rather than rushing around to get it done minutes before cooking or serving.
With no freezer burn, or ice crystals forming on the ingredients, you can be assured of fresh healthy food ending up on your customer’s plates. Chilling ice cream, dessert, wine, sauces, and veggies has never been easier. Giving your team more flexibility with food prep will free them up to focus on other equally important functions.
5. A wide Range of Sizes to Choose From
Another huge benefit of investing in a flash freezer is that you don’t require a big space in your kitchen for it. Blast chillers are available in a wide range of sizes with varying shelves that make it remarkably easy to find the best unit for your needs.
Whether you need a small model for drinks or a much larger unit to chill produce, desserts, cream and pre-cooked meals, the good news is that your local supplier will have exactly what you need. To ensure that you have space for it, you may want to ditch the regular freezer when you’re buying appliances and invest in a flash freezer from the get-go.
Final Thoughts
A blast chiller is essential in every commercial kitchen. Not only will you reduce food wastage, but you will also take the stress and rush out of food preparation. Food will also be healthier and fresher when you serve it to your customers. This will ultimately go a long way toward boosting your reputation and making your café or restaurant a popular choice among your customers.
