History of the Steam-Jacketed Kettle
The steam-jacketed kettle has survived technological changes since the time of its invention. Steam-jacketed kettles are used to prepare large quantities of food items such as soups, sauces, vegetables, meats and beverages more efficiently. The steam is introduced into the outer wall of the kettle, which in turn heats the inner wall. In that way, the contents inside the inner wall are steam-cooked. A small kettle costs about $2,000, while a large one can run more than $20,000. Does this Spark an idea?
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Alfred Groen
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Alfred Groen was the actual inventor of the steam-jacketed kettle. In the 1890s, he started a business manufacturing tanks and repairing brewery equipment. Soon after, in the early 1900s, he established the Groen Co., which is still in operation today under the name of Unified Brands. Groen produced copper kettles and pressure vessels for industrial processors, as well as kitchen equipment for the military. Groen became well known because of the quality and innovation of his products. During World War II, the U.S. government ordered 100 steam-jacketed kettles for their ships. After the war, Groen targeted the food-service industry. He created stainless steel steam-jacketed kettles (since copper was a very scarce source at that time) which produced their own steam. These kettles made it possible for one to cook food even faster than before.
Unified Brands and Cleveland Range
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Unified Brands and Cleveland Range are the most important manufacturers of steam-jacketed kettles. Unified Brands was created when Groen Co, Avtec Corp. (which developed ventilation and air-handling systems) and Randell Co. (which manufactured refrigeration systems) merged. Unified Brands offers three types of steam-jacketed kettles: direct steam, electric and gas steam-jacketed kettles. Cleveland Range is part of Welbilt, a global manufacturer of equipment for the food service and re-tail food markets. It started business around the 1840s in Ohio and created its first line of steam-jacketed kettles in 1982. Cleveland Range also offers three types of steam-jacketed kettles: electric steam-jacketed kettles, direct steam-jacketed kettle and its new mixed steam-jacketed kettle.
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Benefits of Steam-Jacketed Kettles
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Using steam-jacketed kettles has many functional advantages: uniform heating, rapid heat transfer and easily controlled heat temperature through the use of valves. Steam can be supplied to the kettle by a boiler, or it can be produced inside the steam jacketed kettle for immediate use. These self-contained steam-jacketed kettles produce steam from an electric current or by using gas as a source of energy.
Effect of Steam-Jacketed Kettles in American Society
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Steam-jacketed kettles have brought a wide range of opportunities with its innovating system. Since the steam-jacketed kettles are used in high density population areas (places such as institutes and colleges, for instance), they have improved the preparation of sauces, soups among other meals. Moreover, it reduced the time cookers spent on the preparation of several dishes, therefore creating a modern and efficient way of producing good-quality food.
Current Activities
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Steam-jacketed kettles are used in casual dining establishments, chain and fast food restaurants, as well as institutional settings such as schools, colleges, correctional facilities, and hospitals.
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