4-16
October 2012
4.4
Steam Cookers
ENERGY STAR qualified steam cookers typically use at least 90 percent less water
when compared to standard steam cooker models. ENERGY STAR qualified steam
cookers use an average of 3 gallons of water per hour, while standard models typi-
cally use 40 gallons of water per hour.
Operation, Maintenance, and User Education
For optimal steam cooker efficiency, consider the following:
••
Use batch production as opposed to staged loading of food pans (i.e., do not
continuously open the door to load and unload food pans).
••
In a multi-pan steamer, if possible, fill the steam cooker to capacity instead of
cooking one pan at a time.
••
Keep the doors closed while the steamer is operating.
••
Use only as many steamer compartments as needed.
••
Use a timer to ensure that the steam cooker returns to standby mode after use.
••
Turn the steam cooker off during long periods of non-use. This will reduce water
and energy use associated with keeping the steam cooker in stand-by mode.
••
Fix and repair any leaks. Remove any deposit buildup from the boiler on boiler-
based models.
Retrofit Options
There are currently no known retrofit options available on the market to increase the
water efficiency of steam cookers.
Replacement Options
Steam cookers come in several sizes with varying numbers of boiler pans. Be sure to
choose a steam cooker that is of the appropriate size for the steam cooking needs
of the facility. A larger-than-necessary steam cooker can waste water and energy to
heat unused compartment space.
When purchasing a new steam cooker or replacing an existing one, choose models
that are ENERGY STAR qualified.
28
Savings Potential
ENERGY STAR qualified steam cookers can use 90 percent less water and 50 percent
less energy as standard steam cookers.
29
Traditional boiler-based steam cookers use
as much as 40 gallons of water per hour. Switching to an ENERGY STAR qualified
steam cooker can reduce that water use to 3 gallons of water per hour or less.
28
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Energy Department’s (DOE’s) ENERGY STAR. Commercial Steam Cookers.
29
Ibid.
