Food

What to know about pan sprays

Photograph: Stratas Foods

In restaurant kitchens, food sticking to baking pans or cookware may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can have several adverse effects on the back-of-house operations. For instance, stuck-on food may need to be thrown away or remade, which can add up to a lot of waste—not to mention slower service and guests who have to wait longer for their food. Using cooking sprays or pan sprays is the obvious solution, but with numerous options available, it can be challenging for operators to make the right choice. Understanding the benefits and ideal uses of different pan sprays can ensure perfectly cooked food that rarely or never sticks.

Features and differences to consider

Operators use pan release products for a variety of reasons and usually look for these features:

  • Food release and anti-stick properties
  • Adds flavor and provide texture
  • Easy cleanup
  • Saves on expensive maintenance for cooking utensils
  • Convenience
  • Prevents food from burning
  • Enhanced food appearance
  • Value and cost control
 

When selecting cooking sprays, operators should be aware of some differences. In general, "food release" may indicate water or alcohol formulations to facilitate spraying or stretching the product, and they are not suitable for demanding, all-purpose applications. Depending on the usage, these ingredients may result in suboptimal finished dishes or buildup on pans. Products labeled "pan release” or “pan coatings" typically reflect higher quality products with good performance characteristics. Operators should choose a spray made for its intended application.

Effectiveness and best practices

Operators can make informed decisions by understanding the recommended uses of different types of sprays. Stratas Foods' Prep Pan Release, for instance, is a premium pan spray suitable for numerous all-purpose applications, including grilling and sauteing. Prep Pan Release provides an excellent spray pattern without overspray and bearding; it sprays on white so the operator can see where it has been sprayed. It is 100% oil, containing no water or alcohol, which causes running. It delivers better coverage than the leading high-yield competitor while resisting browning and gumming, offering exceptional easy cleanup characteristics.

On the other hand, Primex Premium Baking Release is formulated specifically for demanding bakery applications. Its no-lecithin formula is perfect for baking, providing quick release and easy cleanup when used on pans, casserole dishes, baking tins and waffle irons. Advanced release agents mean even the most demanding sweet batters will not stick to cooking surfaces. Primex is a clear, non-foaming spray that will not darken or "gum up," saving expensive cooking utensils.

Learn more about pan sprays

Choosing the right pan spray is essential for operators seeking the best end result, whether it's perfectly sauteed vegetables or a delicious batch of muffins. Stratas Foods takes pride in offering high quality, high performance products to operators, enabling them to prepare the food their customers love. To learn more about pan sprays, visit https://stratasfoods.com/contact-us.

This post is sponsored by Stratas Foods

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