Bratt pans and tilting pans

A bratt pan, also known as a tilting pan or tilt skillet, is a large electric or gas-powered cooking appliance used to cook a variety of foods in big batches.

Usually made of stainless steel, it contains a large, rectangular pan or well with high sides and counter-balanced pull-down lids. Underneath the pans are heating elements or gas burners to provide heat for cooking.

A bratt pan can be used for various cooking methods such as braising, stewing, boiling, frying, searing, and even steaming. Its precise temperature control and even heat distribution make it suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks.

The cooking surface extends from the bottom of the pan and up the sides, allowing large amounts of food to be cooked at once.

The most distinctive feature of a bratt pan is its tilting mechanism: When the food is cooked, the pan can be tilted forward manually or automatically, allowing the food to be quickly and easily transferred into storage containers or serving dishes.

Renowned for its versatility, a bratt pan has a wide range of uses and cooking methods, including:

• frying — can be used for shallow frying foods like chicken, French fries, or seafood, achieving crispy and evenly cooked results.
• steaming — by adding water or a liquid to the bratt pan and closing its lid, the pan can be used to steam vegetables, seafood, or even dumplings.
• grilling — some bratt pans have a ribbed cooking surface and can be used to grill and sear foods such as steaks, burgers, and vegetables.
• simmering and boiling — can be used for simmering and boiling large quantities of liquids, such as stocks, soups, or sauces.
• sauteing and braising — the bratt pan excels at braising meat and vegetables and can also sauté ingredients quickly at high heat.
• holding and proofing — many bratt pans have a "hold" function that allows the cooked food to be kept warm without overcooking; with its lid closed, it can also function as a proofing cabinet for dough or bread.

Some bratt pans come with divider plates or racks that allow the pan to be divided into separate compartments for cooking different dishes simultaneously.

Commercial bratt pan sizes vary between manufacturers, but are generally available in the following size ranges:

Small bratt pans: With capacities ranging from 30 to 60 litres, they’re suitable for smaller kitchens or establishments with lower cooking volumes.

Medium bratt pans: With capacities ranging from 60 to 100 litres, they strike a balance between space-saving design and cooking capacity and are commonly found in medium-sized commercial kitchens.

Large bratt pans: With capacities exceeding 100 litres, they’re designed for high-volume cooking and are often used in large-scale operations such as catering facilities, institutional kitchens, or large restaurants.

The bratt pan has several benefits that make it a valuable appliance in commercial kitchens. These benefits include:

Versatility: Provide a single piece of equipment that can handle a wide range of culinary tasks, saving space and streamlining the cooking process.

Large capacity: The generous cooking surfaces allow large batches of food to be cooked at once, making them ideal for busy commercial kitchens.

Precise temperature control: Enables chefs to maintain the desired heat levels for different cooking techniques, ensuring even and consistent cooking results.

Even heat distribution: The large cooking surfaces promote even heat distribution, preventing hot spots and ensuring that all parts of the food cook at the same rate.

Time and labor savings: Large capacity and efficient heat transfer enable faster cooking, while the tilting mechanism makes food transfer quicker and easier.

Ease of cleaning: Smooth stainless-steel surfaces, removable parts, and built-in cleaning functions simplify the cleaning process.

Space efficiency: The versatility of bratt pans, which are typically freestanding appliances, can save valuable space in commercial kitchens by replacing the need for multiple pieces of specialised equipment.

Here are some of the pros and cons of electric bratt pans versus gas bratt pans:

Electric bratt pans

• higher energy-conversion efficiency compared to gas
• consistent and stable heat control due to the use of thermostats or temperature control systems
• produce fewer emissions than gas models
• typically take longer to heat up than gas models, resulting in slightly slower cooking times
• usually have a higher upfront cost than gas models, though long-term energy savings may offset this.

Gas bratt pans

• provide high heat output, making them well-suited for heavy-duty cooking and high-volume operations
• heat up rapidly, allowing for faster cooking and quicker temperature adjustments
• immediate and sensitive heat adjustments due to the direct control of the gas flame
• produce combustion by products that must be vented
• are usually more difficult and expensive to install than electric models.

Ultimately, the choice between an electric tilt skillet and a gas tilt skillet depends on factors such as your kitchen setup, energy availability, specific cooking
requirements, and cost considerations.

Here’s a list of the steps involved in cleaning a bratt, or tilting, pan:

1. Turn off and unplug the tilting pan and allow it to cool down to a safe temperature.
2. Drain the bratt pan of excess liquid or grease by using the appliance’s tilt mechanism or drain valve.
3. Scrape and remove food debris using a scraper or spatula.
4. Mix a mild detergent or a degreaser with warm water in a bucket or sink (see manufacturer’s instructions).
5. Clean the cooking surface with a non-abrasive scrubber, paying special attention to stubborn stains or residue.
6. Clean the appliance’s tilt mechanism and exterior using the same cleaning solution and a sponge or cloth.
7. Rinse the cooking surface, tilt mechanism and exterior with clean water before wiping them dry using a clean cloth or towel.