The electric or gas professional pastacooker is a fundamental tool in the commercial kitchens around the world. Despite its name, it is a very versatile equipment, very useful to simplify the cooking process of many foods. In this article, we will explore how to properly use a professional electric pastacooker, including its advantages and advanced features of more advanced models.
How the professional pastacooker works
The professional pastacooker is a machine designed to simulate the domestic pasta cooking process. At home it is simple or even trivial to pour salted water into a pot and make it boil, but in professional catering, speed and safety are the priority, therefore this whole process is made with a specific equipment that it is exactly the professional equipment that simulates this process.
There are two main categories of professional pastacooker: electric and gas. Both are equipped with a tank with a heating system that boils the water. The pastacooker is mainly used for pasta but it can also be used to boil vegetables, grain cereals such as rice or barley or even eggs.
Whether it is an electric or gas pastacooker in Lotus we supply models with manual water filling or automatic water filling. In the latter, the water supply is regulated by the machine itself thanks to the sensors positioned on the top and bottom part of the tank. When the water goes below the lower sensor, the machine automatically tops up the water to the level of the upper sensor. You can learn more about how the mechanism works by watching this video.
Kettle and steamer: the dual function of the professional pastacooker
One of the interesting aspects of this model is that it can also be used as a steamer. This is possible by using only the lower sensor excluding the upper one. When the water drops below the lower sensor, the pasta cooker automatically tops up the water to the upper sensor level, creating steam. This feature is very popular in cuisines that use steam cooking, such as Chinese cuisine, for example.
Doing this, with the generated steam, it is possible to cook many foods both inside the baskets and on the surface, simply by placing a perforated tray on top of the machine.
More advanced models can be equipped with an automatic basket lift, making the machine even more efficient by eliminating the manual intervention. The automatic basket lifter is much appreciated abroad, in restaurants where pasta is not often asked because not part of the local cuisine.
Cleaning of the professional pastacooker
To ensure the correct functioning and durability of this restaurant equipment, it is essential to be careful with its maintenance. Since the pastacooker works mainly with water and salt and starch-rich foods, the tanks and sensors must be cleaned regularly. The accumulation of limescale and starch can damage the 316 stainless steel of the tanks, even if it is used specifically for its resistance to salt (marine steel). Therefore, it is recommended to clean the tank and sensors regularly to avoid early deterioration.
To make cleaning operations easier, small precautions are adopted in the most advanced pastacookers as to make a big difference. In our products, for example, the water filling tap is strategically positioned to allow kitchen staff to easily clean the cooking water from starch residues from boiled foods, maintaining the machine and the cooked foods always in an optimal hygienic state during the day. Its lateral position also prevents accidental impacts and damage during use.
Do you want to know more about Lotus professional pastacookers? Write us at lotus@lotuscookers.it or fill in the contact form.