Saving time and energy in the kitchen

Technology has completely changed the way work is done today, so much so that one cannot imagine operating without hi-tech equipment. Kitchen was an area where the use of technology was kept to the minimum, but with manufacturers introducing modern equipment, the situation is completely different. Express Hospitality checks out the influence of modern equipment.

Kitchens, as one sees them today, have come a long way since the primitive cave man invented fire and cooked food using wood. Constant development in the field of science and technology has resulted in the creation of sophisticated equipment that have become an indispensable part of present day kitchens. Apart from being effective in their performance, they have also proved to be user-friendly besides being environment-friendly.

Electricity and liquid petroleum gas are a blessing which have played a vital role in revolutionising kitchen equipment. In addition to offering various advantageous features like saving time and labour, and ensuring hygiene in, and the area of, food preparation. Furthermore, they also reduce the risks of food contamination by minimising handling of food materials.

Influence of modern equipment

Modern equipment has certainly influenced the art of cooking passed down through generations. For instance, most recipes in the area of bakery are standardised. The precise cooking time and degree of heat has been pre-defined - cooks no longer need to continue the practice of using wood as a source of energy to maintain the right temperature in ovens. Feeling the hot air was the only alternative to check the appropriate temperature then.

Things have changed drastically now. Bakery products today are made using modern ovens with a thermoheat meter. Some of them even have a timer. The only thing that the production staff has to do is pre-heat the oven to the required degree, adjust the timer and feed the raw material. Coming to the raw material aspect, even that is made simpler through the invention of planetary mixers and dough kneaders. Time management has become easier and effective owing to the use of these equipment in kitchen operations. The production staff can indulge in accomplishing other related activities while eggs are whipped or the dough is kneaded.

Meat slicers in cold kitchens offer uniform sliced products in addition to the customised ones. Mincing machines and bone saw cutting machines do reduce labour, though the latter may not be justified in a small production facility owing to its cost. Buffalo chopper does help the Garde Manger to produce excellent galantines and terrines. Microwave ovens are already making waves in hotels, restaurants and specialty outlets. With an increase in consumption of frozen foods besides fast food, they have become an indispensable part of any modern kitchen. After discussing the impact of modern equipment in the present day kitchen operations, lets take a look at various other essential aspects associated with the same.

Training: Another important aspect which needs to be taken into consideration is training the staff in using modern kitchen equipment. No equipment will function to its optimum unless it is handled with care and worked within the framework of the product manual. Modern equipment is indeed time and energy saving, if handled with care and put to the right use. However, if misused, it will certainly cause hindrances in the normal functioning.

Maintenance: Maintenance is another point which needs to be carefully dealt with. Regular preventive maintenance is necessary for any equipment to be utilised optimally. The staff operating them needs to be capable enough to handle such preventive maintenance. Maintenance staff should also be trained to handle equipment breakdown as soon as possible. This helps in avoiding uncertainty in the kitchen.