Why You Should Have a Pitco Rethermalizer

Keeping food warm and fresh all day long is a priority for restaurants focused on carryout and takeout, especially those facing a high volume of orders. With the right equipment, operators can offer juicy food held at a precise temperature. Rethermalizers are perfect for restaurants offering carryout or operations like hospitals and hotels who provide room service to guests.

What is Rethermalizing?

Rethermalizers reheat food that has been previously cooked and keeps it at a set temperature. They do this by heating water to a specific temperature and vacuum sealed product gets placed in the water. The water brings the contents of the package up to the set temperature and holds it there as long as you need it!

How it Works

The vacuum sealed food products are placed in water that is heated to a specific temperature. The advanced heat transfer unit uses specially treated stainless-steel heat tubes to maximize the exchange of heat between the flame and the contents of the tank. This is the most efficient way in which to reheat prepared foods, meeting all safety and health standard requirements.

The Difference Between Sous Vide and Rethermalizing

A frequently asked question is about how rethermalizing differs from sous vide. While the processes appear similar, there is a stark difference. During sous vide, food is cooked in vacuum sealed packaging. When rethermalized, food is reheated in vacuum sealed packaging

The Benefits of a Pitco Rethermalizer

Menu Versatility

The Pitco Rethermalizer is the perfect addition to any commercial kitchen, offering menu versatility for higher production. Previously prepared food can be easily reheated, reducing extensive labor and equipment demands. What types of food? Anything from beef and poultry to pasta and soups can be rethermalized.

Reduced Food Waste and Increased Food Safety

Food waste can be a costly issue for foodservice operations. Food that is prepared and cooked, then held in holding cabinets or food warmers can maintain freshness for only a certain period of time before being served. With rethermalizers, operators can hold food at precise, ready-to-eat temperatures for as long as its needed without the risk of overcooking or shrinking food items. And when rethermalizing frozen food packages, you only have to cook up what you need, reducing the prospect of spoiled or uneaten food.

Food safety goes hand-in-hand with food waste, and rethermalizers are ideal in following HACCP best practices and carrying frozen foods through the Danger Zone temperature range quickly. Safer food means less food is wasted, saving money for operators.

Minimized Kitchen Labor and Training

Some commercial kitchens spend a lot of time and money preparing their food in-house. This can be both time consuming and expensive. Kitchen employees need to be properly trained and costly equipment is needed. The alternative is to use a rethermalizer.

High quality food products are prepared off-site and then frozen in bulk. Using a rethermalizer, this prepared food is placed into vacuum sealed packages to preserve freshness and quality, while taking up minimal space. When needed, the package is placed into an appropriately sized basket for reheating purposes. A precise temperature is set before the basket is put into the rethermalizer. Once heated, the food maintains the desired temperature for as long as needed.

Options to Fit Your Production Needs

Pitco offers several marine grade stainless steel rethermalizer models to the meet the high demands of an operator’s kitchen. Whether your establishment is looking for gas or electric equipment options, or you’re short on space and seeking a countertop rethermalizing option, Pitco’s line of rethermalizers are designed with every operation in mind.

If a rethermalizer sounds like an ideal fit for your restaurant or foodservice operation, our team of experts are ready to help you find the right model to match your menu needs. Schedule a free Fryer Consultation from Pitco to get started.