4-20
October 2012
4.5
Steam Kettles
Operation, Maintenance, and User Education
For optimal steam kettle efficiency, consider the following:
••
Regularly monitor self-contained steam kettle water levels and maintain tem-
perature control components to ensure efficient operation.
••
Turn the steam kettle down or off between uses.
••
Make sure the steam kettle lid is secured whenever possible to reduce the
amount of energy required for simmering and boiling.
Retrofit Options
Since the steam does not come into contact with the food, if a boiler-based steam
kettle is used, a condensate return system can be installed to direct the conden-
sate back into the central boiler system for reuse (see Figure 4-3). This process will
improve both water and energy efficiency because the condensate can be used as
boiler make-up water. Facilities can purchase packaged condensate return systems
from most steam equipment suppliers and plumb them directly into an existing sys-
tem. Insulating condensate return lines will further improve their efficiency.
Figure 4-3. Boiler-Type Steam Kettle
Replacement Options
When purchasing a new steam kettle or replacing an old one, consider the kettle
cooking needs of the kitchen. For smaller needs, consider a self-contained steam
kettle without an external boiler, which uses less water and energy than boiler-based
steam kettles. If daily operations require a boiler-based steam kettle, consider a mod-
el with a condensate return system. Be sure to choose a steam kettle with a properly
sized steam trap, to prevent inadvertent dumping of condensate.
Steam
Trap
Condensate Return
Steam Supply
Water or Product
Steam
I
n
n
e
r
J
a
c
k
e
t
Outer Jacket
