Everything You Need To Know About Bain Marie

The name Bains Marie which means "Mary's Bath" and is one of these mystic names, naturally stirring up curiosity. While it might sound complicated, it's quite simple equipment that is commonly used for warming foods.

How does a Bain Marie look like?

It is a heating and cooking device that heats food slowly. However, this device is rarely used in cooking. It is usually used to preserve pre-cooked food at a ready-to-eat temperature for a longer time. This device is also known by the names water bath and double boiler. The dry heat variations do not require any water.

A commercial Bain Marie, which is compatible with gastronomy, is used in self-service and assisted for food service buffets. They can also be used for food display, in the kitchen or canteen to maintain a consistent and even temperature that is ideal for a dish.

The short history

Bain marie is a French name. It is believed that Mary, a woman alchemist, gave the name to the word. She lived between 1 and 3. Even though it looked as though it should have been in a laboratory lab, her original invention used heated water in containers to heat another container. It is the basis of the bain-maries today, which are widely used by foodservice companies.

Do you have the ability to cook in a bain-marie?

This is a very common question. It can be used to prepare certain foods that require uniform heat. It can also be used to make certain types of cheesecakes (such as those that crack easily in dry heat), depending on the chef's preference. It can also be used for melting chocolate. While it is capable of being used in cooking some select dishes, its application is very limited.

It is ideal for heating and holding delicate pre-cooked foods such as curry, baked beans, or sauces. The thermostat can adjust the heat to ensure the food is at the desired temperature.

Holding time

Although the device is great at keeping food warm without sacrificing quality, it should be kept out of direct sunlight for at least 2 hours to prevent moisture loss. Some items can perish quicker so you need to be cautious about how long these items can be kept.

The different types

These appliances come in many sizes and shapes, depending on the purpose. These appliances are generally made with stainless steel to prevent corrosion and make them easy to maintain. The main types are:

Wet Heating

This device uses heat from the wet, hence the name. It comes with a container of water. You place the food pan inside this water container. The water temperature is set to keep the food pan warm. The wet heat style has numerous benefits. The heat is very controlled, so the water temperature does not rise to boiling point. This means that the prepared food will not be burned.

The steam created by the container helps prevent the food from drying out. The dish is cooked evenly and without hot or cold spots. However, it can be challenging to move the hot water-filled pan around. You might need to refill your water supply if the device is being used for prolonged periods.

Dry heat

These appliances are markedly different from the earlier variants in that they don't include a water chamber. Also, hot water isn't used to warm up the pans. This pan's base has a heating element that heats the pans quickly. This pan design is great for catering, as it can be used immediately. This makes it easy to move appliances from one area to another. These appliances are naturally more efficient because electricity isn't wasted to heat the water. The system is also simple to use for staff. Heating might not be as consistent as when it is wet. You can dry the dish out as there is no steam to keep it moist. These are suitable for fried foods, such as chips and potato cakes.

Bain marie can come in both electric and natural gas variants. The power consumption of both the electric and gas versions is low because it uses gentle heating. The electric version is easier to put in buffets or canteens. If you don't already have enough pans, it is best if the product comes with the lids as well as the pans. You can discuss your requirements with your commercial bain marie supplier to determine which type is best for you.

Maintenance

Maintenance is required for commercial kitchen equipment. You can wipe the appliance for cleaning to remove any marks and stains. The cleaning of the wet version can be more challenging. First, drain the water, A drain makes it easy to maintain bain-maries. Regular cleaning is necessary to ensure that food particles are not dried out on the appliance.