What is a Rethermalizer?

A rethermalizer is a heavy cooking appliance that works to heat up pre-packed foods from a chilled or frozen state (below 40⁰F) to a temperature above 165⁰F, in about 90 minutes.  It is also capable of holding the temperature of food at 150⁰F, until ready to serve.  The main difference between a rethermalizer and a food warmer (like a soup kettle or bain Marie), is that a rethermalizer helps bring foods through the HACCP “danger zone,” which is between 41⁰F and 135⁰F.  In other words, a rethermalizer helps save a step of heating food, then transporting to a warmer.

Common types of food heated in a rethermalizer include pastas, soups, gravies, sauces, vegetable, and meats.  The ingredients are pre-cooked, placed in a 2” wide by 12” long by 10” high package, and then frozen.  The packages are delivered in their pre-packaged state, and all you have to do is pull out a package and slip it in the rethermalizer – helping to save time and labor.

Other benefits of rethermalizers, include:

• Consistent Food Quality. The water bath that surrounds the food is gentle enough that even delicate foods come out with consistent food quality.  It also helps to prevent food shrinking and overcooking.
• Lower Food Waste. No need to guess at how much food to cook up – the packages are pre-measured, so you’ll always know exactly how much to prepare.
• Menu Versatility. Because the meals are packaged, different menu items can be cooked at the same time.  This also helps with cross-contamination concerns with food allergies.
• Meal Flexibility. Entire meals can be heated in a rethermalizer, or just focus on the sides, so you can concentrate on the entrée.

Skeptical about the menu choices available with rethermalizers?  The menu above is a list of menu items prepared in the Pitco Cafe – all of which were heated with a rethermalizer.  Tempting, right!  Still unclear if a rethermalizer is right for you?  Leave a comment below and we’ll help you out, or give our sales team a call at 888-388-6372.