Order an 8-Tray Steamer: Gas vs Electric — Buying Guide (Kookmate)

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Quick summary

If you need a reliable 8-tray steamer for a restaurant, hotel, bakery or cloud kitchen, the main decision is gas vs electric. This guide explains the practical differences, pros & cons, features to look for, installation needs, maintenance tips, and a clear buying checklist so you can order confidently from Kookmate.

Contact Kookmate for specs, quotes, and lead times:
Website: www.kookmate.com
Phone: 7299020000

Who this guide is for

  • Restauranteurs, cloud-kitchen operators, and hotel chefs considering an 8-tray steamer.

  • Kitchen planners and procurement managers comparing gas and electric steaming solutions.

  • Buyers who want a fast, reliable steamer for high-volume production (idli, momos, dim sum, rice, vegetables, reheating).

What is an 8-Tray Steamer?

An 8-tray steamer is a commercial steaming unit that holds eight gastronorm or perforated trays/racks for batch steaming. It’s built for medium to high throughput and commonly used for steaming breakfast items, dumplings, idlis, vegetables, rice, and reheating.

Gas vs Electric — Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor Gas 8-Tray Steamer Electric 8-Tray Steamer
Heat source LPG or natural gas burners (direct flame/heat exchange) Electric heating elements (immersion or tank heaters)
Heat-up time Fast heat-up & recovery under load Good heat control; may take slightly longer to reach full steam
Running cost Typically lower in areas where gas is cheaper Depends on local electricity tariffs; efficient models comparable
Installation Requires gas line, regulator, and proper ventilation Needs adequate electrical supply (may require dedicated circuit/three-phase)
Control precision Simple thermostats; some models with steam control Precise thermostats, timers, automatic water-feed options
Portability Often lighter on power infrastructure but needs gas connection Easier where gas isn’t available—just electrical hookup
Safety considerations Gas leak risk — needs certified installation and safety valves Avoids open flame; electrical safety and earthing required
Maintenance Burner servicing, gas valves Element cleaning/replacement, electrical checks
Best for High-volume kitchens with existing gas infrastructure Sites without gas or where electrical supply is preferred/cleaner

Key Features to Look For (Must-have for commercial use)

  • 304 stainless steel construction (interior & exterior) — hygiene & durability.

  • Tray compatibility — GN/half/full-sheet sizes; perforated trays for good steam circulation.

  • Automatic water feed with float valve — avoids manual refill during service.

  • Programmable timer & temperature control — repeatable batches and reduced operator error.

  • Pressure release & safety valve (for pressure steamers) or overheat protection.

  • Quick-drain system for daily cleaning and descaling.

  • Insulated doors and viewing window (if applicable) to reduce heat loss.

  • Mobile caster options or fixed feet depending on workflow.

  • Serviceable burner/elements access panel for easier repairs.

  • Optional extras: multi-tray dividers, stacking kit, auto-clean cycles, digital displays.

Typical Technical Specs (examples — confirm exact model specs with Kookmate)

  • Tray count: 8 trays (GN or compatible sheets)

  • Material: 304 stainless steel body & inner chambers

  • Gas models: Burner output ~20,000–60,000 BTU total (varies by design) — LPG/Natural gas compatible

  • Electric models: Power draw typically 3–9 kW (single or three-phase) depending on wattage and water-heater design

  • Water capacity: Built-in tank with auto refilling; drain outlet for descaling

  • Dimensions: Compact footprint to fit standard counters; verify door opening and vertical clearance

  • Warranty: Manufacturer parts & labour — check model specifics

Note: Always request the manufacturer’s data sheet and wiring/gas schematics before purchase and installation.

Buying Checklist — What to confirm before ordering

  1. Menu & Throughput Needs — how many batches/hour and tray sizes you’ll use.

  2. Gas or Electric — what utilities are available & cost-effective at your location.

  3. Power Supply — for electric: single vs three-phase, breaker size, cable routing.

  4. Gas Supply — pipe size, regulator, and ventilation requirements for gas units.

  5. Footprint & Ergonomics — ensure door clearance and operator access.

  6. Tray Dimensions — confirm GN/Sheet compatibility with your existing trays.

  7. Safety Compliance — local codes for gas appliances and electrical equipment.

  8. Warranty & Service — local service availability and spare parts supply.

  9. Lead Time & Delivery — production and shipping timelines.

  10. Total Cost of Ownership — purchase price + utility consumption + maintenance.

Installation & Utilities — Practical Notes

  • Gas unit installation must be completed by a certified technician. Provide Kookmate the gas type (LPG or natural) and existing pipework details. Fit an accessible emergency shutoff valve.

  • Electric unit installation may require a dedicated circuit and a qualified electrician to provide proper earthing and overload protection. Confirm voltage and phase requirements with Kookmate.

  • Ventilation & Exhaust: While steamers produce moisture rather than smoke, kitchens still need adequate ventilation to manage humidity; consult your hood vendor.

  • Water quality: Hard water causes scale. Install a water softener or regular descaling schedule to protect heating elements/burners.

Maintenance & Cleaning Tips

  • Daily: Empty and rinse water tank; wipe interiors and trays; check drain.

  • Weekly: Descale per manufacturer recommendations; check door gaskets and float valves.

  • Monthly: Test safety valves, inspect burners/elements, clean burner ports.

  • Annually: Professional service to verify controls, replace worn parts, and calibrate thermostats.

  • Spare parts: Keep a spare gasket, float valve, and element/burner igniter on hand to minimize downtime.

Energy Use & Cost Considerations

  • Gas models often cost less to run where LPG/natural gas is cheaper than electricity.

  • Electric steamers offer greater control and may be more efficient with good insulation and automatic controls.

  • Ask Kookmate for a model-specific energy use estimate based on your typical daily batches to calculate TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).

Typical Use Cases & Which Model to Choose

  • High-volume hotel/banquet steaming: Gas 8-tray steamer (fast recovery, lower running cost).

  • Cloud kitchen / Urban QSR without gas access: Electric 8-tray steamer (plug & play, clean operation).

  • Small bakery or multi-purpose kitchen: Electric for cleaner footprint and easier integration.

  • Catering businesses (mobile/temporary sites): Gas if you have portable LPG; electric if reliable power is available.

How to Order from Kookmate

  1. Request a Quote: Visit www.kookmate.com or call 7299020000 to request model specs, lead times, and pricing.

  2. Site Survey (optional): For gas installations or complex kitchen layouts, request a site survey.

  3. Confirm Utilities: Provide your utility details (gas type, pipe size, electrical phase/amps).

  4. Place Order & Schedule Delivery: Kookmate confirms production/stock, delivery, and installation dates.

  5. Installation & Commissioning: Kookmate coordinates certified installers (gas/electric) and provides operator training.

  6. After-Sales Support: Avail warranty and maintenance packages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which steamer is faster — gas or electric?
A: Gas units often heat and recover faster under heavy load. Modern electric designs with robust elements can also be very quick; model design matters more than energy source alone.

Q: Can I convert a gas steamer to electric later?
A: Conversions are generally not practical — choose the correct utility during purchase. Kookmate can advise the best option for future scalability.

Q: How often should I descale the steamer?
A: Depends on water hardness and usage—typically monthly to quarterly. Kookmate provides model-specific descaling guidance.

Q: Are Kookmate steamers covered by warranty?
A: Yes — all Kookmate commercial steamers come with manufacturer warranty. Ask for terms (parts & labour) when quoting.

Q: Do steamers need ventilation hoods?
A: Steamers produce moisture; while they may not require heavy hoods like fryers, adequate ventilation to handle humidity is essential to prevent condensation and mold.

Buying Checklist (Printable)

  • Confirm gas or electric availability and preferred model.

  • Confirm tray size and material compatibility.

  • Ask for energy consumption estimate and TCO.

  • Verify warranty, spare parts availability, and service response time.

  • Schedule professional installation (gas/electric).

  • Request operator training and maintenance schedule.

  • Get final quote with delivery & installation included.

Call to Action — Ready to Order?

Order your 8-Tray Steamer today from Kookmate. Get model specs, competitive pricing, and on-site installation support.

Website: www.kookmate.com
Phone: 7299020000

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