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Chef Louella Villa
Cook
07.23.24

Summer Heat Meets Vulcan Steam

Nothing signifies summer in the Baltimore Test Kitchen more than Maryland blue crabs. Cherished for their sweet and tender meat, these delicacies are a regional highlight of the season. Each year, the Maryland seafood industry contributes nearly $600 million to the state’s economy. What better way to celebrate the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay than by harnessing the power of Vulcan? Vulcan’s range of steamers and kettles offers a variety of ways to transform those wonderful crabs from Bay blue to bright orange!

Vulcan Kettles

Vulcan Kettles are the essential tool your operation needs to serve large crowds effortlessly and consistently. Whether countertop or floor model, these kettles are all about high capacity, reliability, efficiency, and user-friendliness. They can handle massive batches of crabs (and other products) perfect for busy restaurants, food trucks, or seafood festivals, boosting efficiency and customer satisfaction. With consistent temperature control, you get perfectly cooked crabs every time, ensuring top-notch texture and flavor. Our efficient design means faster heating and better steam distribution, cutting down on cook times and saving on energy costs. Plus, the optional tilting feature makes it easy to transfer cooked crabs to serving trays, keeping the process smooth and safe. 

Optimize Your Vulcan Kettle with Optional Accessories:

  1. Stand - STAND VSKT30: A stand provides a stable base for the kettle, ensuring safety during operation. It raises the kettle to a comfortable working height, reducing strain and making it easier to manage large batches. The stand also comes with wheels for mobility, allowing movement of the kettle as needed for cleaning, storage, or repositioning in the kitchen layout. Plus, the built-in sliding drain pan makes liquid disposal not only safer, but easier, preventing messy spills. 
  1. Strainer - STRAINR K12: A strainer insert can be attached to the top of the kettle, allowing for easy removal of crabs and other products once they are cooked. This helps prevent overcooking by facilitating quick and efficient straining of cooking liquid. 
  1. Lid - COVER K12: A well-fitted lid helps maintain consistent steam and heat levels, ensuring even cooking. This helps to lock in flavors and moisture. Using a lid can reduce cooking times and energy consumption, as it prevents heat from escaping, making the cooking process more efficient.
  1. Hose and Faucet Assembly - DBPTYTS WSHDWN: A hose and faucet assembly can greatly enhance the functionality of the kettle. It allows for easy filling of the kettle and can be used to wash down the interior after cooking, ensuring cleanliness and hygiene. The faucet can be mounted to the kettle for convenient access to water, making the cooking process safer and more efficient. 

Vulcan Steamers

In addition to Vulcan Kettles, a Vulcan Steamer is another excellent option for cooking Maryland blue crabs. The high heat and moisture from steam penetrate the crabs quickly and evenly, cooking them thoroughly without drying out the sweet meat. 

Steam is all about the power that is generated at 212 degrees. It’s powerful enough to penetrate the toughest crab exterior and dense products like potatoes. While at the same time, it can cook more delicate items such as leafy greens or corn. Another standout feature of Vulcan Steamers is the ability to prevent flavor transfer between dishes, ensuring that each item retains its intended taste. It excels in large batch cooking, making it ideal for catering events and high-volume restaurants by ensuring consistent, high-quality results while reducing labor costs. For prep work, steamers are perfect for blanching vegetables, par-cooking proteins, and reheating pre-cooked items – overall streamlining kitchen operations. They also shine in à la carte cooking - by providing precise and efficient preparation of individual portions, ensuring perfect results every time. Additionally, steamers are excellent for desserts, creating moist and delicate items like sponge cakes, custards, and flans.

We also have a variety of ENERGY STAR® certified steamers to choose from, so you can save on energy consumption without sacrificing steam power and quality. Our powerful LWE Series Steamer is the first and only ENERGY STAR® qualified electric à la carte counter steamer, designed to conserve water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional models. Save money, earn rebates, and never sacrifice cook time.

Whether you’re using a Vulcan Kettle or Steamer, your Vulcan will elevate your cooking, especially during the busy summer season. From perfectly steamed Maryland blue crabs to a variety of other dishes, Vulcan’s products are designed to enhance productivity and ensure consistent, high-quality results. Embrace the summer and the power of Vulcan to make the most of your seafood offerings, delighting customers with every perfectly cooked bite.

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