What is blast chilling?
In the catering and food service industry, it is required by law and regulations that the kitchen is equipped with cooling machines that can rapidly decrease the temperature of hot food to maintain the quality and safety of food. Thanks to this process, food can be safely stored to be consumed at a later stage. The fast-cooling process is known as blast chilling. But what exactly is blast chilling and what does it entail? Find out more in this article.
And what is a blast chiller?
A blast chiller is a robust cooling machine that blows chilled air on to food, rapidly decreasing its temperature to the core. This process is much faster than traditional cooling methods, and it helps avoid the spread of bacteria that can occur during slower cooling processes. Blast chillers are found in commercial kitchens and are not a replacement for standard refrigerators. They are used to accelerate the cooling process of cooked dishes and maintain high food quality and health standards.
Food waste is a growing global problem, with a significant environmental and economic impact. On International Day of Zero Waste, it’s important to recognize the role that the food service industry plays in this issue. While delicious food is a cornerstone of our industry, so is minimizing waste. Thankfully, innovative solutions like blast chilling offer a powerful tool to combat food waste and ensure a more sustainable future for food service.
Why are blast chillers and blast freezers essential in any commercial kitchen?
A blast chiller is essential in any commercial kitchen as it reduces the temperature of cooked or heated food from 70 °C to 3 °C (158 °F to 37.4 °F) within 90 minutes, which follows health and safety guidelines for the food and catering industry. In fact, bacteria tend to multiply faster in temperatures between +8 °C and +68 °C (46.4 °F to 154.4 °F).
Electrolux Professional’s Blast Chillers are a top-of-the-line solution for rapidly chilling and preserving food in commercial kitchens. These specialized appliances use advanced technology to quickly bring the temperature of cooked food down to safe levels, which can help prevent bacterial growth and ensure the quality and freshness of food. Electrolux Professional has been respectful of the HACCP process since 1998 and has received the HACCP International Certification, which confirms their commitment to ensuring the highest hygiene standards along the entire food chain.
Blast freezing is another safe way to keep cooked food protected from bacteria growth while preserving its taste and nutritional value. Blast freezers are kept at an air temperature as low as -41 °C, compared to standard freezers that are kept at around -18 °C (-0.4 °F ). Blast freezing accelerates the process and takes only 4 hours to freeze food, compared to the 6-12 hours it takes for a normal freezer. The freezing temperature and quick cooling time help to maintain the high quality of the food, including its nutritional value and appearance. Chefs can prepare menu items and freeze them for long-term storage without compromising their initial quality, which reduces food waste and increases efficiency.
The perfect blast chiller to suit your business needs
Blast chillers are essential appliances in modern commercial kitchens, required by local health and safety regulations to reduce time and food waste. When choosing a blast chiller, it is important to select one that meets the needs of the business and staff. Electrolux Professional offers cutting-edge technology products that are safe to use and ergonomic certified.
From small countertop units to larger models designed for high-volume operations, the company’s blast chillers and freezers are built to last, with durable stainless-steel construction and user-friendly controls that make them easy to operate and maintain. Whether you are running a restaurant, bakery, or catering service, Electrolux Professional blast chiller – freezers can help you improve food safety and efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of quality and achieving your business’ own sustainability goals.
Conclusion
By rapidly cooling cooked food, blast chillers significantly reduce the timeframe for bacterial growth, extending shelf life and minimizing the risk of spoilage. This translates to less food waste, which benefits both your bottom line and the environment.
Electrolux Professional Group is committed to developing innovative solutions that empower businesses to operate more sustainably. Together, we can make a positive impact on the future of food service.