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In any commercial or professional kitchen, the daily chilling and storing processes must be both safe and efficient. That is why choosing the right freezers and blast chillers is critical in these environments. While both appliances are designed to chill and store food, there are key differences between the two. A freezer is designed to maintain food at a temperature below freezing, while a blast chiller rapidly cools food by blowing cold air over it and gradually lowering the temperature. This process helps to preserve the quality of the food while it cools. For more information on the distinctions between these two processes, check out this informative article.

What are the functions of a blast chiller? 

Blast chillers offer the best option for rapidly freezing food products for extended storage periods. It is an excellent option for chefs, who can now prepare menu items and quickly freeze them for later use. Blast chilling involves cooling food to a low temperature quickly, allowing it to pass through the so-called “danger zone” more rapidly and preventing harmful bacteria from developing and multiplying. The “danger zone” refers to the temperature range between +8°C (46.4°F) and 68°C (140°F), where bacteria grow at an accelerated rate, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes.

Existing health guidelines mandate that food be safely blast chilled by reducing its temperature from +70°C (+158°F) to +3°C (+37.4°F) or below within 90 minutes, a feat which the Electrolux Professional range easily achieves. Electrolux Professional adheres to the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) process and is respectful of its guidelines. The HACCP International Certification is a unique recognition that validates Electrolux Professional’s commitment to ensuring the highest level of hygiene along the entire food chain.

What are the functions of a commercial freezer? 

A freezer is an equipment that maintains food at very low temperatures, preventing it from spoiling. Although a domestic freezer is typically integrated into a refrigerator, commercial freezers are equipped with robust compressors designed to withstand frequent door opening and closing while maintaining a steady temperature across the entire cooling system.

What is the difference between an industrial blast chiller and a commercial freezer? 

Although blast chillers and freezers are both commonly found in commercial kitchens and catering businesses, they involve distinct processes. Freezers are used to keep food at a temperature below freezing, while blast chillers are preferred for quickly cooling food items, which can be stored for longer periods of time afterwards, by blowing cold air over them and gradually lowering the temperature in the chamber. This rapid cooling process allows restaurateurs to prepare menu items and freeze them for later use, thus optimizing time and resources. Unlike typical refrigeration systems or freezers that are designed for food storage, blast chillers and blast freezers are not intended for this purpose.

There are three primary reasons why blast chillers should be preferred over traditional commercial freezers. First and foremost, they are better at preserving the quality and appearance of food. Secondly, they are more efficient in terms of time and money. Finally, they keep food safer from bacteria.

Depending on the size of the kitchen and the volume of food prepared, a blast freezer may be needed in addition to a traditional freezer. This is especially true if safe freezing solutions and ample storage capacity are necessary.

Electrolux Professional offers a wide selection of blast chillers that comply with all health and safety regulations. Choosing a blast freezer from a reputable brand like Electrolux Professional can provide peace of mind and help maintain the highest standards of food quality and safety.

What is blast chilling? 

In the catering and food service industry, it is required by law and regulations that the kitchen is equipped with cooling machines that can rapidly decrease the temperature of hot food to maintain the quality and safety of food. Thanks to this process, food can be safely stored to be consumed at a later stage. The fast-cooling process is known as blast chilling. But what exactly is blast chilling and what does it entail? Find out more in this article. 

And what is a blast chiller? 

A blast chiller is a robust cooling machine that blows chilled air on to food, rapidly decreasing its temperature to the core. This process is much faster than traditional cooling methods, and it helps avoid the spread of bacteria that can occur during slower cooling processes. Blast chillers are found in commercial kitchens and are not a replacement for standard refrigerators. They are used to accelerate the cooling process of cooked dishes and maintain high food quality and health standards. 

Food waste is a growing global problem, with a significant environmental and economic impact. It’s important to recognize the role that the food service industry plays in this issue. While delicious food is a cornerstone of our industry, so is minimizing waste. Thankfully, innovative solutions like blast chilling offer a powerful tool to combat food waste and ensure a more sustainable future for food service.  

Why are blast chillers and blast freezers essential in any commercial kitchen? 

A blast chiller is essential in any commercial kitchen as it reduces the temperature of cooked or heated food from 70 °C to 3 °C (158 °F to 37.4 °F)  within 90 minutes, which follows health and safety guidelines for the food and catering industry. In fact, bacteria tend to multiply faster in temperatures between +8 °C and +68 °C (46.4 °F to 154.4 °F). 

Electrolux Professional’s Blast Chillers are a top-of-the-line solution for rapidly chilling and preserving food in commercial kitchens. These specialized appliances use advanced technology to quickly bring the temperature of cooked food down to safe levels, which can help prevent bacterial growth and ensure the quality and freshness of food. Electrolux Professional has been respectful of the HACCP process since 1998 and has received the HACCP International Certification, which confirms their commitment to ensuring the highest hygiene standards along the entire food chain. 

Blast freezing is another safe way to keep cooked food protected from bacteria growth while preserving its taste and nutritional value. Blast freezers are kept at an air temperature as low as -41 °C, compared to standard freezers that are kept at around -18 °C (-0.4 °F ). Blast freezing accelerates the process and takes only 4 hours to freeze food, compared to the 6-12 hours it takes for a normal freezer. The freezing temperature and quick cooling time help to maintain the high quality of the food, including its nutritional value and appearance. Chefs can prepare menu items and freeze them for long-term storage without compromising their initial quality, which reduces food waste and increases efficiency. 

The perfect blast chiller to suit your business needs 

Blast chillers are essential appliances in modern commercial kitchens, required by local health and safety regulations to reduce time and food waste. When choosing a blast chiller, it is important to select one that meets the needs of the business and staff. Electrolux Professional offers cutting-edge technology products that are safe to use and ergonomic certified. 

From small countertop units to larger models designed for high-volume operations, the company’s blast chillers and freezers are built to last, with durable stainless-steel construction and user-friendly controls that make them easy to operate and maintain. Whether you are running a restaurant, bakery, or catering service, Electrolux Professional blast chiller – freezers can help you improve food safety and efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of quality and achieving your business’ own sustainability goals. 

Conclusion 

By rapidly cooling cooked food, blast chillers significantly reduce the timeframe for bacterial growth, extending shelf life and minimizing the risk of spoilage. This translates to less food waste, which benefits both your bottom line and the environment.  

Electrolux Professional Group is committed to developing innovative solutions that empower businesses to operate more sustainably. Together, we can make a positive impact on the future of food service.  

Restaurants come in different shapes and sizes, and their needs can vary greatly depending on the type of food they offer. However, there is one cooking solution that can meet all these different needs: the combi oven. The best kitchens are highly efficient, saving space, time, labor, and energy by using the most efficient tools to their fullest potential. Regardless of the type of kitchen, a combi oven is one of the best pieces of equipment a kitchen can acquire. It ensures that the kitchen achieves the desired level of efficiency while reducing costs. In this article, we will examine the many benefits of a combi oven, including its ability to save space and time, as well as its versatility and range of functions. 

The combi oven: a life saver 

The combi oven offers several benefits that make it an essential piece of equipment in any commercial kitchen. 

1.     Space saver 

First, the combi oven is a space saver, as it can perform various cooking modes and tasks with one single piece of equipment, thus saving valuable kitchen space. 

2.     Time saver 

Secondly, the combi oven is a time saver, as it can heat and cook food much quicker than a traditional oven, allowing restaurant staff to maintain a fast-paced environment and save valuable time. 

3.     Labor saver 

Additionally, a good combi oven can cover multiple cooking functions, freeing up a chef’s time to work on other tasks. This way, the combi oven proves to be a labor saver, equipped with a multi-timer function that allows operators to manage multiple cooking cycles simultaneously, freeing them up to attend to other kitchen tasks. 

The combi oven is an efficient and versatile piece of equipment that can save time, labor, and space, and is therefore essential in any commercial kitchen. 

Are combi ovens energy efficient? 

When it comes to energy efficiency, Electrolux Professional’s Combi Oven, SkyLine PremiumS, is designed to minimize heat loss and reduce energy consumption.

The new OptiFlow function included in the line guarantees uniform heat distribution and constant humidity and temperature within the cooking chamber. The Lambda sensor provides ultra-precise, real-time humidity control across 101 different settings, ensuring excellent cooking evenness throughout the whole oven chamber and preserving the food’s quality and flavor. 

In addition, the SkyLine Combi Oven features the new Plan-n-Save feature, which applies artificial intelligence to optimize the cooking order and minimize energy usage. This feature helps save energy by reducing the time required to preheat the oven and by optimizing cooking times for multiple dishes. The combi oven’s energy-saving capabilities make it an eco-friendly option that can help reduce energy consumption in commercial kitchens. 

The price you pay 

The cost of equipment is a crucial factor in deciding whether to acquire a combi oven for a professional kitchen. However, the initial investment does not necessarily reflect the full cycle cost of the oven. A high-quality combi oven, such as the SkyLine PremiumS, can really help reduce energy and cleaning costs. With state-of-the-art technology, such as the OptiFlow function, the oven minimizes heat loss and ensures even cooking, reducing the amount of energy needed. Additionally, the flexible cleaning technology of the SkyLine PremiumS reduces cleaning time and costs. In the long run, investing in a great combi oven can be a cost-effective solution for kitchens looking to minimize their expenditure.