In the world of catering, the choice of professional hot plate is crucial: it’s not merely another piece of useful equipment in the kitchen, but a strategic tool that directly affects productivity, service quality and consumption management. This is why choosing the right one is critical. For example, SuperChrome is a real revolution in the world of hot plates. Find out what it is and the benefits of its use.
Professional hot plate: innovation starts with materials
Today the market mainly offers two types of professional hot plates: gas hot plates and electric hot plates. The first has high heating power, thanks to which the desired temperature is reached quickly and performance is optimal. The second has less power but the strong heating elements on the plates ensure that the temperature is reached quickly with lower energy expenditure.
Both plates are offered in different materials: mild steel that ensures even heat conductivity and high strength but is laborious to clean; cast iron with high heat conductivity but subject to thermal shocks; ceramic glass, which is particularly delicate; and chrome-plated steel, which has great pluses but also some drawbacks.
And it is precisely thanks to research into materials for improving quality and performance that the most important innovations arise. Such as the Superchrome hot plate, a brainchild of Lotus Kitchens. It is created through an advanced hard chrome-plating process that gives the surface a slightly wrinkled, rough texture. This technology allows to combine the benefits of chrome, such as stainlessness and ease of cleaning, with the strength of steel or iron surfaces, making the plate more resistant to scratches, impacts and thermal shocks.
SuperChrome vs traditional professional hot plate: what actually changes?
Let's examine the differences between traditional electric or gas plates made of chrome-plated steel and SuperChrome in more detail:
COATING TECHNOLOGY
SuperChrome:
The thick-base hard chrome=plating process carried out on a sandblasted or micromachined surface provides perfect adhesion, high mechanical strength, and better thermal conductivity than aesthetic chrome plating.
Mirror polished chrome:
A very thin coating with a surface that has been polished to obtain a mirror effect. This type of chrome was not conceived to withstand prolonged thermal stress and may be subject to flaking or micro-cracking with heavy use.
SuperChrome advantage: technology developed to last and withstand professional use.
DURABILITY AND STRENGTH
SuperChrome:
Designed to withstand continuous heat cycling, impacts and mechanical stresses. The plate does not warp and retains its properties over time, even in intensive work settings.
Mirror polished chrome:
More delicate, it tends to lose lustre with use and may be more easily damaged under prolonged loads or high temperatures.
SuperChrome advantage: greater durability, less extraordinary maintenance.
VERSATILITY AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
SuperChrome:
The coating of the SuperChrome professional hot plate offers great operational versatility, as its scratch and impact resistance allows the use of metal utensils without damaging the surface, enabling operations such as cutting food directly on the plate.
Mirror polished chrome
This type of hot plate requires very delicate treatment, hence the surface tends to be more sensitive to scratches and impacts, which makes it necessary to use dedicated utensils. Directly cutting food on the plate is not recommended because it could ruin the glossy finish, compromising functionality and aesthetics.
SuperChrome advantage: great operational versatility, greater functionality for the operator
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
SuperChrome:
Requires rigorous cleaning because the surface is rough. However, for excellent results, simply use a non-corrosive dish soap on the plate while slightly hot, then rinse and use abrasive sponges, such as a scotch brite or kitchen sponge.
Mirror polished chrome:
The gas and electric hot plates with polished chrome surfaces are easy to clean but often tend to show streaks, fingerprints and food residue. Achieving optimal results requires the use of abrasive tools, but these risk damaging the mirror effect.
SuperChrome advantage: increased resistance to deep cleaning, improved hygiene.
Food safety: the SuperChrome hot plate is number 1!
Food safety is a crucial aspect in any food preparation environment, and the coating of the hot plate plays a key role in this regard.
SuperChrome coating has obtained Food Safe health certification issued by MOCA (Materiali e Oggetti a Contatto con gli Alimenti, Materials and Objects in Contact with Food), ensuring that the material is suitable for direct contact with foods without compromising safety.
This certification distinguishes SuperChrome from traditional chrome plates, which due to their shiny and delicate surface can be more susceptible to contamination and deterioration over time.
Want to learn more about the SuperChrome professional hot plate? Write to lotus@lotuscookers.it or fill out the contact form.