Induction cooking is more than a single cooktop on a buffet line.
When people think of induction, they usually think of just one, lonely portable cooktop on a buffet table.
But there are now more options for full, back-of-the-house commercial operations than ever before.
Vollrath, an American company that manufactures stainless steel and aluminum small-wares and equipment, sees induction as a platform for building out numerous innovative applications including countertop and heavy-duty induction ranges, specialty ranges, induction buffet warmers, dry hot wells, soup wells and more.
How does induction technology work?
With induction technology, heat is generated by the pan itself rather than by an open flame or current. An electromagnetic current in the cooktop creates alternating magnetic fields, which push against the molecules in the cookware, heating only the cookware and its contents. Very little heat pollution goes into the surrounding environment, making this method of cooking more efficient and safer than gas or open electric.
Vollrath uses the acronym S.A.F.E to illustrate the positives of cooking with induction.
Safe – Induction cooking can be done in places that do not permit the use of open flame since it is a “closed” cooking system that does not generate ambient heat.
Accurate – Vollrath induction cooktops allow for temperature control in degrees.
Fast – Induction cooking generates heat much quicker than traditional cooking methods.
Efficient – There is not ambient heat produced that would add to the rise of electricity bills. More efficiency means having a cooler, smarter kitchen.
Vollrath induction can be classified under three different categories:
- Back of the house
- Front of the house
- Specialty (catering applications)
Countertop induction cooktops
All Vollrath countertop cookers can be used for front-of-house applications like tableside cooking and omelet stations that do not require the use of a hood, as always, according to building codes. Usually, the cooking of light items that do not produce much grease-latent air are generally permitted under fire codes, but it is always important to check before purchasing a unit for this purpose.
These countertop induction cooktops can also be used in food trucks, although they’ll probably still require a suppression hood system.
The best countertop range in this category is the Vollrath Mirage Pro. It is the most intuitive and features 100 power levels—the highest in this series.
Other features include:
- 18 Gauge heavy-duty stainless-steel casing. Perfect for FOH cooking and catering applications.
- Ceramic top
- Pushbutton controls
- Digital readout is easy to read
- 90% Efficiency rating
- Overheat protection and safety auto-shut-off-function
The second best is the Mirage Cadet. Although not as intuitive as the Pro (it has 20 power levels) it is a great portable cooktop to use in mobile cooking applications.
Features include:
- 18 Gauge heavy-duty stainless-steel case
- Ceramic top
- Plastic molded bottom
- Pushbutton controls
- 20 Power levels with maximum power output
- Digital readout is easy to read
- 75% Efficiency rating
- Overheat protection
- Pan auto-detection function
Induction countertop and drop-in ranges
Vollrath countertop induction ranges are best for back-of-house operations, made to mimic the style and feel of a gas range or charbroiler with the knobs, manual temperature controls, and control over each side of the grill. Most induction ranges feature controls that operators are already familiar with, so there is not a huge learning curve. There are also models available with digital temperature control and read-outs, which give more accurate readings. These ranges are great for heating stockpots.
The Cayenne series induction ranges are heavy-duty and are 90% energy efficient compared to 40% for gas. These dual-hob units have been used for FOH applications, but experts at Vollrath say you would need something like a hood.
Top features include:
- Stainless steel framed hobs
- Firewall control protection
- Dual commercial, high-flow fans for extra durability
- Low 100°F temperature setting for holding applications
- Same look and operating height as Cayenne© charbroilers and griddles
- Rubber feet to prevent slipping
The Ultra series range is made for larger volume, heavy-duty usage, although still not suitable for 70-80qt stockpots.
Features include:
- 100 power settings for precise cooking control
- Dual fan
- Controlled high-end temperatures for sauté, stir fry, stockpot and sauce pot applications
- Maximum pan size is 14"
- Digital display is easy to clean – no knobs to collect food and helps prevent accidental temperature changes
- Single Hob – NEMA 6-20P Plug
The Professional series induction range is designed for sauté, saucepots, and small stockpots and they feature 100 power settings for precise cooking control.
Top features include:
- Maximum pan size is 14"
- 100 settings for precise cooking control —set to power level or temperature setting
- 1-180 minute timer unit shuts off at end of cycle
- Digital display is easy to clean – no knobs to collect food and it helps prevent accidental temperature changes
- "HOT" warning display for safety
- Continuous duty induction circuitry for non-stop cooking
A drop-in induction range is also available in this series.
Induction buffet warmers
For places that are not able to use open flame/butane or locations that have limited power resources, buffet warmers are a great option as they are more energy efficient and safer. They are unique in style and can change the look of your buffet station to make it more modern and they do require the use of induction-ready chafers and cookware.
They are best for use on golf courses, in upscale event halls, and in the entertainment industry. They are perfect for outdoor events where butane may not be optimal due to weather or any other circumstance.
The Mirage series induction warming shelves can be wired together on a circuit, using a maximum of two chords and plugs, and up to 5 can fit in one station.
Commercial warming shelf features:
- G4 engine for long life
- Simple 1-5 power level adjustments
- 1-180 minute timer for length of cooking time control
- 90% efficiency rating
- Warmers display HOT when unit is turned off, if the top is still hot
- Over-heat protection
- Pan auto-detection function
- Empty-pan shut-off
- Vertical control panel for runoff of liquid spills
- Unit comes complete with a 6-ft. (183 cm) cord and plug and does not require hard wiring
Induction soup wells
Vollrath induction soup wells are perfect for both FOH and BOH operations. Drop-in models are a great fit for soup and salad bars. Both are extremely beneficial as rethermalizers and warmers, great for keeping holding things like nacho cheese and chocolate at specific temperatures for a consistent period. They improve food quality and minimize food waste while using a fraction of total energy consumption.
Vollrath Mirage induction warmer features:
- Dry use
- Temperature control in °F or °C
- (4) soup presets
- Stir indicator LED
- Solid state controls with locking function
Vollrath also makes specialty induction equipment like woks and fajita warmers.
If only using these for a few, special menu items, this countertop induction wok range is a great substitute for a traditional wok burner because they use a lot less power. Perfect for BOH specialty and some catering applications, there is a button that kicks the wok into turbo power, creating the high-temperature effect of a traditional wok without the ambient heat.
The Mirage skillet induction heater is an awesome accessory for restaurants that serve fajita skillets. They are specifically designed for heating skillets to sizzle temperatures (from room temperature), where the skillets are heated, then finished foods are plated, with oil/water added to create the fajita sizzle effect.
Browse all Vollrath induction products here.
