Stainless Steel Portable Catering Equipment: Quick Guide
Outdoor dining & catering is permanently here to stay, thanks to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Restaurant & catering hall operations have already made accommodations to host outdoor dining. However, with the outdoor shift, your equipment needs to shift as well. What kind of items should you consider to enhance your outdoor operations?
In this article, we’ll explain the must have features of portable catering equipment & give you 5 IMC product categories that can fit right into your lineup. Let’s jump right in.
Why Portable Equipment?
The truth of the matter is working with cumbersome, awkward equipment is detrimental. This is especially true when equipment has to be moved all around your facility several times a day. The best portable equipment should have the following:
a. Small Footprint – The less space your equipment takes up, the more room you have to work & store other items.
b. Casters are Required – With casters, you can easily maneuver equipment without having to do any lifting.
c. Manageable Weight – Lightweight equipment is the most attractive. One person controlling a piece of equipment is the most desirable.
With the above common characteristics, here are some IMC products that are suitable for portable catering:
Cold Food Counters
If you are serving foods that need to be chilled such as salads or fruits, you will need a cold food counter to keep your items at safe temperatures. Models #CFC & #CFCR are the perfect products to fit these requirements.
#CFC features a standard ice pan for your food items, while #CFCR features a comprehensive refrigerated cold pan. 5″ heavy duty casters are standard on both cold food counters.
Both models can be customized extensively to fit your needs. For improved sanitation, equipping yours with a sneeze guard is a must. Here’s a better look at both products:
Hot Food Counters
Conversely, if you have food that needs to be constantly heated such as certain meats or noodles, then you will need to consider a hot food counter. Models #SHF & #SHFC will get the job done flawlessly.
#SHF features standard hot food wells, while #SHFC features a heated compartment for the best temperature control. 5″ heavy duty casters are standard on both hot food counters.
Model #SHF can have between 2-6 wells while Model #SHFC can have between 2-5 wells. Here’s a better look at both products:
Bar Stations
Food is now covered, but what about drinks? You’ll need a portable bar to serve up your delicious drinks for your patrons. Model #BRS-1 will be your best companion to achieve this.
#BRS-1 has all the essentials for any bartender including an insulated ice bin, a sink bowl, garnish pans, drains, speed rails/shelves & bottle holders. The product also comes with a prep area & extra storage for any supplies. Custom sizes & options are available to complement your needs.
Here’s a look at the bar station:
Ice Bins
Drinks would not be complete without ice. The fact is ice is considered a food product so it should be treated as such. However, ice needs to be stored correctly in order to keep from melting. Models #IBP-1, #ITRC & #IBT-36 will keep your ice frozen effectively.
#IBP-1 is a standard ice bin with a light footprint, #ITRC is an ice cart equipped with a hinged top cover, and #IBT-36 is a complete ice station with a utility shelf & extra storage space. 5″ heavy duty casters are standard on both ice bins.
All models comes standard with an all welded insulated double wall ice bin so melting ice will never be an issue. Here’s a look at all 3 products:
Tableware Dispensers
Plates, bowls & saucers are essential – so you’ll need a safe way to transport your wares from the kitchen to outdoors & vice versa. Models #PDU & #PDH are here to help.
#PDU is the unheated tableware dispenser that can be equipped with 2 or 4 dispensing tubes. #PDH is the heated tableware dispenser that can also be equipped with 2 or 4 dispensing tubes. Each dispensing tube holds 50-75 dishes/bowls.
Here’s a look at both products:
IMC understands that outdoor catering is vital for industry due to the recent global pandemic. Having equipment that is durable, stylish & makes the best use of space is sure to elevate your service even further. For a closer look at IMC’s stainless steel products, click here.
