Slicer Applications

Written by the Editors

Foodservice operators can employ slicers in numerous ways to support a variety of menu applications. Here are a few examples.

The main function of slicers is to provide portion-controlled slicing. By allowing users to set slice thicknesses, these machines can yield uniform portions.

Slicers are most often used to prepare deli meats and cheeses for sandwiches, but can also provide uniform slices of vegetables for grilling or garnishing. Gear-driven slicers are ideal for cutting thicker sausage, meat and cheese.

Most slicers can yield portions ranging from paper-thin to 1 ¼-inch thick. Larger units can hold food pieces up to 7 ½-inches in diameter and up to 12 inches long.

Because this equipment helps guarantee uniform portion sizes, it is useful in controlling food costs. In addition, slicers present the dual benefit of cutting both faster and potentially more safely than knives.

Original article from:

http://www.fesmag.com/products/foodservice-equipment-repair-maintenance/10770-slicer-applications

Service Tips - Mixers

Service Tips - Mixers

Written by The Editors

Bakeries, pizza places, scratch kitchens and cupcake specialists are among the operations that rely on a good mixer. A mixer's belts, gears and even transmissions make it one of the most mechanical pieces of foodservice equipment. As a result, taking care of mixers is essential to their proper long-

term operation.

Every mixer, particularly large ones with automatic bowl lifts, includes lots of moving parts. These different units all have requirements for changing belts, guidelines for lubrication and more. Foodservice operators should follow their owners' manual guidelines and rely on a trained service agent when needed.

Excessive noise and vibration can be signs of emerging problems. When this occurs, call a service agent to check out such units to prevent a full-on breakdown.

A 40-quart mixer can't handle 40 quarts of every job. Heavier and thicker dough should be made in smaller batches to prevent overworking a unit. Again, consult the owners' manual to find out more.

One common problem, especially in large heavy-duty mixers, is the agitator touching the bowl, which can damage the unit and the attachment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on adjusting the agitator or bowl height to avoid contact between the two.

Mixers come with multiple attachments — splashguards, bowl guards, drip cups — that often come into contact with dough or batter. Remove and clean these on a regular basis.

As a piece of electrical equipment, a mixer's cord and plug can get frayed or damaged. Be sure to keep an eye out for these problems.

Original article from: http://www.fesmag.com/products/foodservice-equipment-repair-maintenance/11187-service-tips-mixers

The History of Kitchen Appliances

The History of Kitchen Appliances

By Mary Bellis

By definition the kitchen is a room used for food preparation that is typically equipped with a stove, a sink for cleaning food and dish-washing, and cabinets and refrigerators for storing food and equipment.

Kitchens have been around for centuries, however, it was not until post-civil war period that the majority of kitchen appliances were invented. The reason was that most people no longer had servants and housewives working alone in the kitchen needed culinary help. Also the advent of electricity greatly advanced the technology of labor saving kitchen appliances.

History of Kitchen Appliances

Large Kitchen Appliances

Dishwasher

In 1850, Joel Houghton patented a wooden machine with a hand-turned wheel that splashed water on dishes, it was hardly a workable machine, but it was the first patent.

Ovens or Stoves
The first historical record of a stove being built refers to a stove built in 1490 in Alsace, France.

Refrigerator
Before mechanical refrigeration systems were introduced, people cooled their food with ice and snow, either found locally or brought down from the mountains.

Small Kitchen Appliances

Blender
In 1922, Stephen Poplawski invented the blender.

Eating Utensils
The history of forks, sporks, knifes, and spoons.

Electric Mixers
The first patent that can claim to be for an electric mixer was issued on November 17, 1885 to Rufus M. Eastman. Lillian Moller Gilbreth (1878-1972), the mother of 12 children, also patented an electric food mixer (at a later date).

Peelers
The nineteenth-century created numerous kitchen use inventions: toasters, potato mashers, apple/potato peelers, food choppers and sausage stuffers were all invented. Over 185 patents for coffee grinders and over 500 patents for apple/potato peelers were patented in the 1800s. Early peelers were made of iron and the patent number and other information was included in the casting. Peelers ranged from the familiar and simple round swiveling rod with a knife blade that peeled skin, to contraptions full of gears and wheels that could peel, core, slice and section. There were separate peelers designed for different fruits and vegetables; there were even peelers that removed the kernels from ears of corn.

Original article from: http://inventors.about.com/od/kstartinventions/a/kitchen.htm