Tramontina Stockpots Are The Affordable Stockpot.

What chefs would prefer Tramontina as an alternative to higher priced stockpots?

Tramontina is a bargain priced stockpot, but they get the job done. Their adequate 3-ply 18/10 stainless steel is heavy, but evenly disperses heat. There are no frills, but they are a durable alternative to much more expensive brands. They come in the commercial 24 and 20 quart sizes as well as preferable smaller sizes.

Even though these are low-priced cookware, they still have quality construction. The the bottom has an aluminum center and the lid is all stainless steel. They are also NSF certified.

What size stockpot is the best?

Commercial kitchens probably already know what size is best for the operation. When considering the size of a stockpot, bigger is not necessarily better, especially with a heavy stainless steel stockpot. The problem is the weight. If the stockpot is to heavy for a staff member, there is a risk that they could spill the contents. Check the shipping weight to get a rough idea.

Water weighs 2 pounds per quart. A 20 quart stockpot weighs about 11 pounds. So, with just water, a full stockpot weighs 51 pounds. If a heavy beef stew were in it, that could reach 60 pounds of sloshing contents when moved. Make sure that your staff knows how to handle the situation and that they realize they should lighten the contents by emptying into smaller containers before emptying.

Pasta is an exception where bigger is better. For large quantities of pasta, larger quantities of water are required. Try to cook pasta without enough water and the noodles will end up soggy. Even home cooking can benefit from the size of a commercial stock pot.

Tramontina is made in China? How bad is the quality?

The quality is better than expected and worth the price. Sure, we’d all rather have the highest quality, but this stockpot is heavy enough to take the usual wear and tear. It’s one of the better products when compared to other Chinese made cookware.

 Quick Return On Investment

Stockpots are good for cooking inexpensive food in large amounts. Pasta, stews, and soups can be made easily and a good chef can make them as delicious as any other meal. A bargain stockpot and an oven top are all that’s required. The money saved cooking these types of food will quickly give you a return on your investment in a stockpot.

Technorati Tags: stainless steel, Tramontina

Hand dryers solve the problems that paper towels create. With a simple push of the button, hot air dries hands after washing. There’s no paper towels to overflow the trash cans, no germs transferred from people operating the towel dispenser, and the only cost is the machine and the electricity to run it. It would seem that these are perfect solution, but the problem is that older models don’t dry hands very at all. Some simply lose power as the get old and others never work well in the first place. Thankfully, there are new models of hand dryers that work exceedingly well.

There is some debate about what method used makes the best hand dryer. Bacteria spreads most readily using a regular warm air hand dryer, high velocity jet air hand dryers spread considerably less germs and bacteria, and paper towels spread virtually none. Your preference will come down to money and convenience. There’s no denying that forced air hand dryers save a considerable amount of money, up to 90% in many cases, over paper towels. There’s also no denying that less bacteria is spread with paper towels and that people just like using paper towels more. Many offer only air hand dryers for customers, but add paper towels for their staff to reduce the chances of bacteria spreading from dirty hands. Others offer both hot air and paper towels.

Jet hand dryers are by far a favorite choice. They dry the hands very quickly, so much so that it’s almost entertainment. They blow so hard that they wrinkle the skin when used. The best brands of jet air hand dryers are:

• Xlerator
• Blue Storm by Palmer Fixture
• eXtreme

Regular warm air hand dryers are becoming an item of the past, but they are still useful and dependable. Some common brands are:

• Airforce
• American Dryer
• Palmer Fixture
• Sloan
• World Dryer
• Touchless Hand Dryer

New technology has become available that while expensive, makes hot air hand dryers nearly as bacteria free as paper towels. The Dyson Airblade shoots a thin sheet of filtered clean air at 400mph and dries hands in 12 seconds. These are extremely efficient alternatives that have a quick return on investment.

Before installing hand dryers, check local codes. Many have specific height requirements for wall mounted hand dryers to stop the spread of germs at lower levels where children and the handicapped may be effected. Buy a quality machine for any area of heavy use.

Technorati Tags: Hand dryer, Paper towel

Not being a big fan of non-stick cookware, I’ve been ignoring some of the offerings from manufacturers like Scanpan. This has been a mistake. Non-stick has come a long way from it’s problems with teflon coatings. Their still not my favorite and I’m still cautious, but if you take the time to read this Scanpan review, you’ll see why there their offerings are so much different than the brands of non-stick that cost much less money.

Scanpan is a cookware company based in Denmark. The company is one of the most innovative in the non-stick cookware industry. Unlike other brands trying to simply improve a coating, they have a process that fuses aluminum with a titanium and ceramic coating. The result is a non-stick surface that is 10 times harder than steel. Any utensil can be used with the cookware because it is very difficult to do anything to it’s surface. It’s a remarkable result that no other non-stick cookware compares to. It’s also a healthy and economically sound material.

Here is a video demonstrating Scanpan’s abilities while cooking an egg.

There are some that say Scanpan isn’t worth the money and that they don’t work well. In my experience, this is false and every negative Scanpan review always shows the cooking at a very high heat. To much heat is a problem for any non-stick surface as the high heat opens up the surface and the food will burn to that surface. Then, they allow the pan to cool completely and the food does stick under these circumstances. Cooking like this will make any food stick. The correct heat must be used for Scanpan to work just as any other brand.

Scanpan makes all types of cookware and bakeware. The most popular pieces are -

• The Scanpan Skillet(also known as a frying pan)
• The Scanpan Saucepan Set
• The Scanpan Roasting Pan
• The Scanpan Wok

Buying an entire Scanpan cookware set can save money as compared to buying individual pieces.

The break resistant glass lids allow a chef to see the food cooking without removing the lid and letting the steam escape. Special storage racks are available for tidy lid storage and drying after washing. The handles are made of durable material and very good rivets are used to attach them. These types of quality additions make the lifetime warranty possible.

Scanpan cookware is professional quality cookware, so it is expensive, but built to last a lifetime of cooking when used correctly. Do you prefer cooking with induction? Scanpan cookware is induction safe. It also is safe to 500 degrees when cooking in an oven.

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Technorati Tags: Cookware and bakeware, fry pans, Non-stick surface

Tramontina is a 100 year old Brazilian company and they’ve been operating in the United States for over 25 years. Much of their cookware is made in Manitowoc, Wisconsinwhile other pieces are made in many factories around the world. They have a strong heritage of quality and affordable cookware. I’ve found quite a bit of value in their offerings and you will too. Honestly, some of their offerings do not meet some professional standards, but none of their products are poor. Have a look at their specifications for value that matches your needs. It pays to compare.

Tramontina knives are high carbon drop forged chrome molybdenum stainless steel that is ice hardened to produce a long lasting sharp edge. The resulting quality is an acceptable product and they price range on these knives are reasonable. The Tramontina professional series knives are their best line of cutlery. Compare the prices to other high quality chef’s knives and it’s easy to make a decision about what knives suit your needs. If an inexpensive knife is required due to new chef’s, budget constraints, or other reasons, Tramontina is a good choice. They’re tangs, blades, and handles are forged together, so they won’t fall apart and they are constructed well enough for safe handling. The Tramontina Porterhouse steak knives are excellent for table settings.

The Tramontina trash can is a great product. It’s stainless steel construction makes an eye catching piece for any kitchen. It is so much better than an ugly and stained plastic can in the work area. A quick occasional cleaning on the stainless steel gives off a great shine. When guests and health inspectors visit and see this type of attention to detail instead of a nasty old plastic can, it’s impressive. Tramontina excels with cookware of all types. Their dutch oven is a serious competitor in comparison with any other brand, but they offer different lines for many other types of cookware.

• Stockpots
• Steamers
• Cast Iron Cookware
• Fondue Set
• Stainless Cookware Set
• Saute Pans
• Nonstick
• Roasting Pan
• Pressure Cooker
• Frying Pans
• Enameled Cast Iron
• Pasta Pot

Tramontina cookware may not be the best in quality, but chef’s do not always require the highest price to meet their needs. When you buy Tramontina, it’s value and budget concerns that would make you want to choose their offerings.

Technorati Tags: Cookware, Kitchen and Dining

Magnalite is a respected name in the cookware industry. It’s American designed and made cookware is legendary in the industry. They come with a 50 year warranty. The Magnalite roaster pan is one of their fine offerings. It’s made to last a lifetime.

These roaster pans are made of thick, hand-cast aluminum. The lids are vapor tight and they transfer heat from the sides of the pan to create an even heat from all around. They’re oven save to 350 degrees. Hand washing is recommended. The handles are a tough phenolic resin that make transporting to and from the oven save and easy.

15 Inch Magnalite Roaster

18 Inch Magnalite Roaster

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Technorati Tags: Cookware, Cookware and bakeware, Magnalite, roaster pans

Analon saucepans are made by a relatively young company. Analon started making pots and pans with a hard anodized surface and coated with a non-stick surface in 1989. In 2003 they improved by adding ergonomic handles to their pans and their popularity took off. These reasonably priced high-quality anodized aluminum saucepans are by far the easiest and most comfortable available. These saucepans are made for pouring and easy straining. All of them have a handy pour spout and most come with a lid made for easy straining.

Analon does have a strong competitor with Stellar Saucepans though. I suggest comparing both before purchasing. Both are good quality with Analon winning out a bit with the ergonomic handles.

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Technorati Tags: aluminum, anodized, saucepans

Magnalite cookware is high quality aluminum cookware that’s been made in the USA in Sydney, Ohio for many years. WagnerWare makes the cookware using the same excellent design and excellent quality aluminum alloy that made Magnalite pans famous since 1934. John Gordon Rideout teamed up famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright to create the finest “form follows function” design that could be obtained with the manufacturing methods at the time. It is amazing that the cookware is still some of the best even to this day. The style has been copied many times, but the unique blend of alloys has never been duplicated.

There are different levels of Magnalite, Magpro professional cookware is for professional use and Magnalite for smaller operations and amateur chefs. Magpro is more durable, but Magnalite has the traditional design and appearance. It can be a tough choice for some operations because the Magnalite instantly reminds anyone, chefs or visitors, that the restaurant recognizes tradition and quality in their cooking style and equipment.

Magnalite pans are available in full cookware sets or individually. These include -

• Dutch Oven
• Roasting Pan
• Skillets
• Pots

The Magnalite roaster is one of the more popular pieces and the full cookware sets are great wedding gifts or Christmas presents for cooks that appreciate the old style and design.

If you wondering how to clean magnalite cookware, it’s just like any other aluminum cookware. One preferred method is to add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice per quart of water and bring the mixture to a simmer. After that, clean with a steel wool pad. Standard dishwashing with dish soap and hot water works well too, but leaving soak for long periods or using a dishwasher is not recommended.

Magnalite replacement parts are available through the WagnerWare company website. Use the contact information to find out more.

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Technorati Tags: Aluminium, aluminum cookware, Cookware, Cookware and bakeware

Soehnle kitchen scales are available in a wide range of different styles and all of them are beautiful. The quality is top notch too. Soehnle makes the thinnest kitchen scale in the world while also making very high quality traditional analog scales. They even make wall mount scales which are perfect for kitchens where space is at a premium. One of my favorites is their combination digital and analog scale because it gives the precision of digital and the quick reference of analog.

The prices for even the professional models for commercial use are very reasonable. Some added features are the ability to add a tariff weight if you need it for shipping and it converts liquid weights to a volume measurement. Most models run off of common AAA batteries, so they can be used or stored anywhere. Comparisons using lab scales are showing their accuracy to always be within a few grams which is excellent for a kitchen scale.

Technorati Tags: food scales, Scales and Weighing Equipment, Weighing scale

The Deni Slicer is a bargain and a quality slicer. They’re not top of the like a Hobart slicer, but good enough to get the job done well. New startups or home kitchens can enjoy a good slicer for a long time without spending many thousands of dollars. Deni slicers pay for themselves long before they wear out.

With the price of food going up, using your own slicer is an easy way to cut costs. More can be bought in bigger bulk when a slicer is available. It’s also an easy way for a restaurant to be sure that the cutting is done in a sanitary environment on clean equipment. Deni makes the possible for far less than it’s competitors.

Deni slicers are available in 3 different models.

• The Deni Professional Food Slicer - highest grade slicer
• The Deni Premium Food Slicer - medium grade slicer
• The Deni Electric Food Slicer  - home grade slicer

A good use for these inexpensive slicers is a situations where you need to transport it to location. Their lower price makes them less of a loss should something happen to them. Caterers and mobile vendors can appreciate this aspect.

Deni is a family owned company out of Buffalo, New York that prides itself on it’s products design. They started with 1 product, a vacuum sealer. After their success, they kept adding more products and now they offer over 100 well designed kitchen products.

I highly recommend the The Deni Professional Food Slicer for it’s design. Some of it’s highlights are -

• A large diameter, easy cleaning, stainless steel blade.
• Adjustable cutting thicknesses that go from very thin to 3/4 inch thick
• Adjustable speeds allow for cutting different food. Anything from bread to meat.
• Safety features
• Easy cleaning
• Aluminum construction for light weight
• Handles for easy carrying
• Powerful 130 watt motor

It’s true, there are much better slicers available, but none of them are affordable. If portable and inexpensive are to specifications for your next slicer, Deni is the best bargain slicer available.

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Le Creuset is a make of find French porcelain-enamel coated cast iron cookware. The cookware has been made in the mall French village of Fresnoy-le-Grand since 1925. The combination of the enamel on cast iron makes the cookware distribute heat well, clean easily, and very durable. It’s so durable that each piece comes with a lifetime warranty. The pieces are stunningly beautiful as well.

Image by Jeffery Simpson via Flickr

The aspects of the cookware make it well worth the price. These pieces highlight a kitchen with their beauty and style and they can be handed to future generations. It’s not uncommon to find old pieces of Le Crueset in use. They don’t become dust collecting antiques as cooks love to use them.

There are many good properties about an enamel coated cast iron cookware, but the downsides are -

• High Costs
• Weight
• Stainable

These problems lend this cookware more towards specific uses. A start-up kitchen should not make the considerable investment in this cookware unless it’s needed to add to the decor or there are plans for presenting a meal in the cookware. Chefs without considerable strength will not appreciate the weight. The stains are rare and can be avoided and cleaned, but an experienced staff that uses care is required. Any enamel can chip if staff abuses the pans, but Le Crueset’s warranty does cover this.

Le Crueset cookware can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. There are numerous specialty items from Le Crueset as well such as -

• Tea Kettles
• Heart shaped and other shapes of casserole dishes
• Fondue sets

These specialty pieces are destined to become heirlooms, but their commercial uses are limited.

There is a wide rage of colors available to match any kitchen’s decor. The burst pattern on many of the pieces make them easily recognized as La Crueset. Those who have experienced the use  of this cookware will instantly recognize them and note your choice of quality pieces.

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Technorati Tags: Cast iron, Cast-iron cookware, Cookware and bakeware, enamel, la crueset