One of the essential aspects of food preservation is temperature control. Maintaining food at the right temperature ensures that it remains fresh, nutritious, and safe for consumption. Two common appliances used for food preservation are blast chillers and freezers.
While both appliances are designed to keep food at low temperatures, they operate differently and have varying benefits. This article will explore the differences between blast chillers and freezers and provide insight into which appliance is best for food preservation.
Blast Chillers
A blast chiller is a specialized appliance that rapidly chills food to a safe temperature within a short period. The appliance utilizes a high-powered fan that circulates cold air around the food, reducing its temperature quickly.
Blast chillers can reduce the temperature of cooked food from 70 degrees Celsius to 3 degrees Celsius within 90 minutes. This rapid chilling process is crucial in food preservation as it inhibits bacterial growth, which can lead to food spoilage and contamination.
Blast chillers are available in different sizes, from small countertop models to large industrial types. They are ideal for commercial kitchens that prepare large quantities of food daily. They are also commonly used to preserve cooked food, such as soups, stews, sauces, and meats.
The appliance is popular in the catering industry, where food must be prepared in advance and stored for a few days.
Benefits of Blast Chillers
Blast chillers offer several benefits that make them ideal for food preservation:
- The appliance prevents dehydration, which can lead to a loss of flavour and texture.
- Blast chillers help to reduce food waste by allowing chefs to preserve leftover food.
- Blast chillers ensure food safety by inhibiting bacterial growth and reducing the risk of food-borne illnesses.
Freezers
A freezer is an appliance that cools food to a temperature below freezing point, leading to the formation of ice crystals. The appliance slows down the growth of bacteria, which can cause food to spoil.
Freezers are available in different sizes, from small household models to large commercial types. They are commonly used to preserve a wide range of foods, from fruits and vegetables to meats and dairy products.
Benefits of Freezers
Freezers offer several benefits that make them ideal for food preservation:
- The appliance can preserve food for an extended period, allowing households and businesses to store food for several months.
- Freezers can help to save money by allowing people to purchase food in bulk and store it for later use.
- Freezers can preserve the quality of food by preventing freezer burn, which can cause food to become dry and tasteless.
Differences between Blast Chillers and Freezers
The main difference between blast chillers and freezers is the speed at which they cool food. Blast chillers utilize a high-powered fan to circulate cold air around food, reducing its temperature quickly. In contrast, freezers slowly cool food to a temperature below freezing point, leading to the formation of ice crystals.
Blast chillers are ideal for preserving cooked food, while freezers are suitable for preserving a wide range of foods, including raw and cooked food.
Another difference between the two appliances is their temperature range. Blast chillers can cool food to a temperature as low as -35 degrees Celsius, while freezers can maintain food at a temperature between -18 and -24 degrees Celsius.
Blast chillers are ideal for commercial kitchens that require rapid cooling of cooked food, while freezers are suitable for households and businesses that require long-term food preservation.
Conclusion
Both blast chillers and freezers are essential appliances for food preservation. Blast chillers are ideal for commercial kitchens that require rapid cooling of cooked food, while freezers are suitable for households and businesses that require long-term food preservation.
The choice between these two appliances ultimately depends on the specific needs of the household or business. By understanding the differences between blast chillers and freezers, individuals can make informed decisions on which appliance is best for their food preservation needs.
If you are in need of a chiller for your business or event, you want to make sure you are getting the best quality and most efficient equipment available. That is where London Climate Hire comes in. Our fleet of commercial chillers has been handpicked through experience to ensure the most reliable and efficient equipment for hire in the industry. Contact us for chiller hire in London today!