Countertop Steamers

Whichever type you decide upon, be sure to also check the overall dimensions and pan capacity. The exterior dimensions will let you know how much countertop space the machine will actually take up which can be an especially important consideration in especially tight kitchens where the steamer will need to compete for space with other pieces of equipment. The pan capacity will indicate how many full-size hotel pans (2 inches deep) the unit will accommodate, giving you a good idea of how much food you can cook at one time. Typically, three-pan steamers are best for small establishments with fewer than 50 seats, or those that are new to steaming food and don’t have very many menu items that need to be steamed. Steamers that can hold five pans or more give you more production but are still only intended for restaurants with fewer than 100 seats.