Daily chilling, preserving and storing processes in any professional kitchen must be both safe and efficient. Choosing the right freezers and blast chillers hence becomes critical in these environments. A freezer is designed to maintain food at a temperature below freezing, while a blast chiller rapidly cools food by blowing cold air over it, gradually lowering the temperature. This process helps to preserve food quality while it cools. In this article, Electrolux Professional shares about distinctions between both processes.
What are the functions of a blast chiller?
Blast chillers offer the best option for rapidly freezing food products for extended storage periods. This supports chefs, who can now prepare menu items and quickly freeze them for regeneration later, optimizing time and resources. Blast chilling involves cooling food to a low temperature quickly, allowing it to pass through the so-called “danger zone” more rapidly and preventing harmful bacteria from developing and multiplying. The “danger zone” refers to the temperature range between +8°C (46.4°F) and 68°C (140°F), where bacteria grow at an accelerated rate, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes.
Existing health guidelines mandate that food be safely blast chilled by reducing its temperature from +70°C (+158°F) to +3°C (+37.4°F) or below within 90 minutes. The Electrolux Professional range easily achieves this mandate, adhering to the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) process and guidelines. The HACCP International Certification is a unique recognition that validates Electrolux Professional’s commitment to ensuring the highest level of hygiene along the entire food chain.
What are the functions of a commercial freezer?
A freezer is an equipment that maintains food at very low temperatures, preventing it from spoiling. Although a domestic freezer is typically integrated into a refrigerator, commercial freezers are equipped with robust compressors designed to withstand frequent door opening and closing while maintaining a steady temperature across the entire cooling system.
When do you choose a blast chiller over a commercial freezer?
There are three primary reasons why blast chillers are preferred over commercial freezers. Firstly, they are better at preserving the quality and appearance of food. They save time and money. Finally, they keep food safer from bacteria.
Depending on the size of the kitchen and the volume of food prepared, a blast freezer may be a useful addition to a traditional freezer, especially if both safe freezing solutions and ample storage capacity are needed.
Electrolux Professional offers a wide selection of blast chillers that comply with all health and safety regulations. Choosing a blast freezer from Electrolux Professional can provide peace of mind and help maintain the highest standards of food quality and safety.