ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy with the mission to help consumers save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Commercial cooking products in three categories may qualify for ENERGY STAR: fryers, hot food holding cabinets and commercial steam cookers.
ACityDiscount has compiled this guide to highlight the savings of selecting energy efficient ENERGY STAR qualified products to assist you when replacing old equipment, or constructing a new kitchen.
ENERGY STAR Commercial Fryers
Commercial Fryers that have earned the ENERGY STAR are up to 15% more energy-efficient than standard models. ENERGY STAR qualified fryers include both gas and electric open-deep fat models. Fryers that earn the ENERGY STAR must meet a minimum cooking efficiency (under heavy-load conditions) of 50% (gas) and 80% (electric) while also meeting a maximum idle energy rate of 9,000 BTU/hr (gas) and 1,000 watts (electric).
These energy-efficient fryers offer shorter cook times and higher production rates through advanced burner and heat exchanger designs. Frypot insulation reduces standby losses resulting in a lower idle energy rate.
Each qualified gas fryer can save businesses 50 MBtu annually, or average of $600/year on utility bills. Each ENERGY STAR qualified electric fryer can save 930 kWh annually, or an average of $80/year on utility bills.
ENERGY STAR Commercial Hot Food Holding Cabinets
Commercial Hot Food Holding Cabinets that have earned the ENERGY STAR are 60% more energy-efficient than standard models. Hot food holding cabinet models that earn the ENERGY STAR must meet a maximum idle energy rate of 40 watts/ft3. These hot food holding cabinets are more efficient at maintaining food temperature while using less energy. Qualified models incorporate better insulation to reduce heat loss, and may also offer additional energy saving devices such as magnetic door gaskets, auto-door closures, or dutch doors. The insulation of the cabinet also offers better temperature uniformity within the cabinet from top to bottom.
Each qualified hot food holding cabinet can save businesses 4,950 kWh annually, or an average of $430/year on utility bills.
ENERGY STAR Commercial Steam Cookers
Commercial Steam Cookers that are ENERGY STAR qualified are up to 50% more energy-efficient than standard models. To earn the ENERGY STAR both electric and gas models of steam cookers must meet a minimum cooking efficiency (under heavy-load conditions) of 50% (electric) and 38% (gas) while also meeting maximum idle energy rates. Idle energy rates are given for 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-pan sizes. These energy-efficient steam cookers offer shorter cook times, higher production rate, and reduced heat loss due to better insulation and more efficient steam delivery system.
Each qualified gas steam cooker can save 45 MBtu annually, or an average of $550/year on utility bills. Each qualified electric steam cooker can save businesses 6,270 kWh annually, or an average of $550/year on utility bills.
Save water, too! In addition to saving energy, steam cookers that have earned the ENERGY STAR are 90% more water efficient than non-qualified steam cookers. (on average 2 gallons of water per hour for ENERGY STAR qualified steam cookers versus 25 - 35 gallons of water per hour for standard models).
