There are three types of braising pans:
table models, floor models (mounted on a set of open legs or a cabinet style base), and wall-mounted units. The cooking capacity of a braising pan is rated by its manufacturer. Table models range from 10 to 15 gallons. Floor models typically range from 19 to 40 gallons.
Controls for the braising pan include a power off switch and a 100° to 450°F thermostat. Some units include a 60 minute timer and buzzer. Tilting mechanisms for braising pans come in one of three types: manual, hand crank, and electric. The hand crank with a self-locking worm gear is the most popular.
With the exception of 15-gallon models, braising pan units are generally rectangular. One manufacturer produces a round, 15-gallon model. Also, some models contain infrared coils in the pan cover to accommodate special tasks such as baking and top browning.
Accessories
Braising pans may include a number of extra features that contribute to versatility and labor
savings. Some of these include:
- Hot and cold water spray hoses.
- Food receptor pan supports, hinged to facilitate tilting.
- Casters for greater mobility.
- Pan racks that hold 12 by 20 inch steaming pans.
- Electronic ignition for gas units.
- Food strainers that slip on and off the pouring spout.
- Steamer racks, pasta baskets, and poaching pans.
- A drain valve and hose.
Braising Pans
The braising pan has almost as many names as it does uses. It is perhaps the most versatile piece of commercial cooking equipment available today.
The braising pan is also known as a tilting skillet, fry pan, and braiser. It can braise, boil, simmer, griddle cook, fry, steam, thaw, poach, blanch, heat canned foods, act as a proof box or oven, and store hot bakery products.
This flexibility is a great asset in the commercial kitchen, where labor and floor space are usually a primary concern and where a menu item can be prepared entirely in this pan. Food operations can realize a 50% or greater labor savings over conventional top or stock pot methods of cooking with the braising pan. This is largely due to reduced cleaning requirements. The value of a braising pan is higher in new kitchens where its flexibility allows it to substitute for a multitude of other kitchen cookware.
The pan can be tilted a few degrees to drain fat away from food as it cooks, such as in griddling or braising meats. Boiling about an inch of water in the bottom of a covered braising pan can be used to steam food held on special perforated pans or racks. Proofing is performed in a similar manner by using hot water instead of steam.
Electric vs. Gas
There are many factors to consider when selecting a braising pan: first cost, food preparation productivity, ease of operation and heat generation in the kitchen, as well as the energy source used, electricity or gas. Keep in mind that energy accounts for only 3 to 5 percent of a food service establishment's total costs. So, while one fuel may be less expensive on a BTU to BTU comparison, the best choice in cooking equipment is the one which minimizes total operating costs, not just energy costs. Features that reduce labor costs or result in higher food product yield will nearly always outweigh any energy considerations. Make sure that you include all of these factors in any equipment evaluation.
Let’s take a closer look at the energy-use issues remembering that comparisons should be made on the basis of similar equipment where only the energy input is being changed.
Electric braising pans have several advantages over their gas counterparts. For one, an electric braising pan unit costs an average of 20 to 25% less than similar gas models. Also, electric braising pans use less energy than their gas equivalents. The average efficiency of electric models is about 80%, while gas model efficiency is just over 50%. This higher efficiency translates into less heat into the kitchen, which lowers cooling requirements from the HVAC system. Electric braising pans are also much easier to clean and maintain than gas models. Electric and gas braising pans have virtually the same preheating capabilities, both types reach a cooking temperature of 300°F in about 10 minutes.
Braising pans look like large flat griddles with 7 to 9-inch side walls. They are made of stainless steel over aluminum block, or a steel griddle base. Aluminum baffles are added to the bottom on gas heated units to promote even heating. All units are equipped with both a hinged lid and a tilting mechanism. The lid or cover is used to contain heat within the pan. The tilting mechanism tilts to beyond 90 degrees, which allows the operator to easily pour foods out of the pan and facilitates cleaning. The pouring side of the pan usually has a notched spout.
Covers should fit tightly and be counterbalanced with springs so they don’t swing shut on an operator’s hand. Lifting handles often run the length of the pan front, but allowance should be made for the operator to raise the cover from the side, thereby avoiding a blast of steam on their hand. Most lids are available with a condensate drip shield and a vent.
Member Braising Pan Manufacturers
Blodgett; Cleveland Range, LLC; Groen-Unified Brands; and Intek Manufacturing, LLC are the manufacturer members of the Electric Foodservice Council that sell fine quality electric braising pans. Please click on the manufacurer's icon and you will be taken directly to their website page that features braising pans. Click on the model number to reveal the product's spec sheet.
With four different tilting mechanisms to choose from, Blodgett offers the most diverse line in the industry. Choose from tabletop or floor model, manual, gearbox, power or hydraulic tilt.
STANDARD FEATURES:
Robust 304 stainless steel construction for long life Multiple tilt mechanisms to choose from, one is sure to fit your application Coved corners for easy cleaning Pour strainer standard Simple, easy to use controls High temperature safety cut-off standard on all models Heat proof knob on countertop models 
Electric Countertop Tilting Braising Pan
CLICK THE ICON TO THE LEFT TO SEE HOW TO BUY ANY OF THESE PRODUCTS NOW.
Product Features:
Elements:High Efficiency Heating System with even heat distribution via Heating Elements cast into Aluminum, covering entire pan bottom.Surface Structure: Stainless Steel Cooking Surface is structurally braced to prevent warping.Design: Splash ProofCooking Surface: Bead-blast Textured Cooking Surface Finish to reduce sticking.Fast Heat-Up: And Recovery TimeConstruction: Skillet and Frame are Type 304 Stainless Steel Construction, with #4 Finish.Controls: Thermostat Control conveniently located in a Drip Proof Side Console. Temperature Controlled from 190°F (88°C) to 440°F (227°C).Mounting:Sanitary Base Mounting for Table Top Installation.Electrical:Standard Voltage is 208-240 Volts, 60 Hz, 3 Phase, 3 WireCover: Lift-Off Cover with Adjustable VentMarine Lock: Self-Locking Marine Type Tilt Mechanism: Prevents accidental tiltingBalanced Design Permits: Permits Easy Tilting; with left or right mounted Tilt HandleElectrical:Standard 208-240 Volts, 60 Hz, 3 Phase, 3 Wire UL, CSA, and NSF Approved
ST28 Equipment Stand. For Counter top kettles and braising pans (skillets)
SET15: Braising Pan, Tilting Skillet, 15 gallon Electric, Counter Top
"SPLASH PROOF", 15 GALLON, ELECTRIC, TABLE TYPE, ROUND TILTING SKILLET or BRAISING PAN
SEL30T1, SEL40T1: Braising Pan Tilting Skillet, PowerPan Series Electric
TILTING BRAISING PAN SKILLET, ELECTRIC, 35" RIM HEIGHT, 30 and 40 gallons
CLEVELAND, Tilting Skillet; Complete with thermostatic and Safety Controls, Gallon/Liter Markings, 5/8" Stainless Steel Clad Cooking Surface with Bead Blasted Finish, Easy to use Manual Hand Tilt, Spring Assist Cover with adjustable Vent, Adjustable Feet with Rear Flanged and Front Bullet Style, Gallon/Liter Markings and Splash Proof Control.
SEL30TR, SEL40TR: Braising Pan, Tilting Skillet, DuraPan Series Electric
OPEN BASE DESIGN, 30 and 40 GALLONS (117, 156 Liters) "SPLASH PROOF" Contstruction
CLEVELAND, Tilting Braising Pan/Skillet, Electric heating System (14, 18 KW's) complete with Thermostatic and Safety Controls; Gallon Markings; Stainless Steel Clad; 5/8" "Bead Blasted" Cooking Surface prevents food sticking to surface; Power Tilt or Manual Hydralic Hand Tilt (Please Specifiy); Spring Assist Cover with adjustable Vent. All Stainless Steel Construction. No Clearances Required. Optional 2" (50 mm) Tangent Draw-Off (comes with front hinge pan support with Draw-Off Option-see spec sheet)
The Eclipse™ Ergonomic Tilting Braising Pan is a multi-tasking, hard-working, high-performance braising pan–so versatile it can braise, grill, hold, steam, or cook just about anything you can dish up.
40-Gallon Manual Tilt Braising Pan
Other Groen electric models to choose from are: Eclipse Braising Pan Model BPM-30E/40E Marine Package and the Eclipse Braising Pan Model BPP-30E/40E. For more literature on these products and others from Groen, please click on the button.
The following models are offered from Intek. Please click on the individual models to reveal spec sheets.
To download a current price list, click here or to contact Intek, visit their website www.intekllc.com/contact.htm
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