Are you starting up a commercial kitchen? Or are you looking for a way to improve or streamline the current processes in your existing café or catering kitchen? If so, then you may already be shortlisting appliances that may make some of your kitchen processes quicker.
In addition to opting for a professional cook chill system and a blast chiller, many local kitchen owners are also investing in quality pasta cookers. Not only do these nifty machines revolutionise the way you make tasty pasta dishes, but they also go a long way toward streamlining your overall food processes. This post takes a look at why a pasta cooker should be on your must-have list.
What is a Pasta Cooker?
As the name suggests, a pasta cooker is a commercial-grade appliance that has been designed for high-volume and fast cooking of dried or fresh pasta. Many commercial pasta cookers feature a basket configuration that allows for the simultaneous cooking of various pasta types. This basket system also allows for more effective portion control, which is especially handy if you’re only cooking a few plates at a single food serving.
A Must if Your Menu Has Pasta Options
Any kitchen owner who has a menu with a range of different pasta dishes will benefit greatly from investing in a pasta cooker. Our team of culinary experts has compiled a list of the top reasons why.
- Expect More Efficient Pasta Cooking
You may think that cooking pasta is pretty straightforward. However, if pasta is overcooked, it can become mushy. Too much or too little salt or using insufficient water, are only a few of the mistakes that can spoil your pasta dishes. You can avoid this by investing in a pasta cooker.
Modern pasta cookers are designed with technology that not only heats the water quickly but also ensures that the correct temperature is maintained to cook your pasta to the required level of al dente. This not only reduces overall cooking time but also ensures that different pasta types are cooked the right way for their specific dishes.
- Pasta Cookers are Highly Versatile
One of the top reasons why pasta dishes can easily be added to even the smallest menus is the diversity this food type offers. Whether you’re looking to create a basic spaghetti for your café or a more complex Trippa alla Romana for your fine dining dinner service, a pasta cooker will help you achieve the perfect results.
Creating the perfect pasta dish is as simple as entering specific settings into the pasta maker. A quick tip to follow here is to create a list of all the pasta cooking times and stick it next to the pasta cooker. This will ensure that anyone using the cooker knows how to prepare each dish according to your menu specifications.
More good news is that pasta cookers aren’t only ideal for cooking pasta. Many models are versatile enough to cook other foods. A few common examples include the following:
- Rice
- Eggs
- Potatoes
- Quinoa
Cooking these dishes in your pasta cooker involves using the machine’s cooker basket to drain or steam food. You will also have to adapt and adjust your cooking times and temperatures. With a little practice, you’ll soon be using your pasta cooker to cook a wide range of dishes.
- Look Forward to an Energy-Efficient Appliance
Adding another appliance to your cooking arsenal may leave you wondering how it’s going to affect your overall energy consumption. The good news is that pasta cookers have been designed with energy efficiency in mind.
This means that their innovative designs allow for extended use without a major increase in your overall energy consumption. You’ll not only have lower operating costs but also have an appliance that you can easily use when you need it.
- You Don’t Need a Huge Space
If you have a small kitchen, you may be wondering how you’re going to juggle the space for another appliance. Pasta cookers are compact and can easily fit into your kitchen set-up. A wide range of styles and sizes means you’ll easily be able to find the best model for your kitchen needs.
- Maintenance is Simple
The last thing any kitchen needs is more appliances and equipment to clean. This is especially since a busy food service will already have a ton of washing up to do. Pasta cookers require minimal maintenance and are remarkably easy to clean.
Many models boast non-stick surfaces and dishwasher-safe components, which add to the overall efficiency of these units. It’s a good idea to sign up for a maintenance plan with your local supplier to ensure that you remain up to date with maintenance to keep your appliance in tip-top shape.
Final Thoughts
Anyone who cooks pasta dishes or wants to include them in their summer menus should consider investing in a pasta cooker. These versatile machines will ensure that everything from spaghetti to farfalle and everything in between will be cooked effortlessly. Your pasta dishes will soon become the new favourite on your menu!
