What is a Bain Marie?

A bain marie is a piece of equipment used to keep food warm over longer periods of time. By keeping food warm, it stays at the right temperature and is ready to eat for a long time.

A commercial bain marie, also called a water bath or double boiler, is a large appliance that works with gastronorm pans.

Gas or electric bains marie are popular for buffets. They come in different sizes and can provide wet or dry heat for self-service areas.

Types of Bain Maries

Wet Heat Bain Marie

A wet heat bain marie uses a chamber of hot water to keep food warm. The unit gently heats the water to a set temperature, and then you place the food pan into the water.

Best Uses for Wet Heat Bain Marie:

Sauces and Soups: Keeps them at a perfect serving temperature without reducing or thickening.
Stews and Casseroles: Maintains the consistency and flavor by keeping the food moist.
Pasta and Rice Dishes: Prevents them from becoming hard or clumpy.
Vegetables: Keeps them warm and tender without drying out.

For a buffet, use a wet heat bain marie to keep dishes like lasagna, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables warm and tasty.

Temperature Suggestion

The ideal temperature range for a wet heat bain marie is between 70°C and 80°C. Keeping food above 65°C is important to maintain its warmth and ensure safety by killing bacteria.

TIP

For use over extended periods, the water chamber may require the occasional refill. After service, it’s important to drain any excess water – using a bain marie with drain taps will make this process safer.

Types of Bain Maries

Dry Heat Bain Marie

Instead of hot water, a dry heat bain marie uses a heating element that directly heats the base of the food pan.

Best Uses for Dry Heat Bain Marie:

Fried Foods: Keeps items like French fries, chicken nuggets, and onion rings crispy and warm.
Baked Goods: Ideal for pastries, bread, and other baked items that need to stay warm without becoming soggy.
Roasted Meats: Maintains the integrity and texture of roast beef, chicken, and pork.

In catering, a dry heat bain marie is great for keeping fried chicken, bacon, and hash browns warm and crispy.

Temperature Suggestion

The ideal temperature for a dry heat bain marie is also around 70°C to 80°C. This ensures the food stays warm and safe without compromising its texture.

TIP

Using a dry heat bain marie can quickly dry out hot sauces such as gravy or custard. On some models, the positioning of the elements can mean some parts of the food pan get hotter than others.

Types of Bain Maries

Soup Kettle

A soup kettle is a good option for keeping large amounts of one item warm instead of using a wet heat bain marie. As the name suggests, you commonly use it for soup, but it is also great for holding food such as chili, curry, or gravy.

Best Uses for Soup Kettle:

Soups: Keeps large quantities warm and ready to serve.
Stews and Chilis: Maintains the consistency and flavor over extended periods.
Sauces and Gravies: Perfect for keeping sauces hot and ready to pour.

TIP

Unlike a standard benchtop bain marie, soup kettles can only hold one food type inside. Are you using it to serve a soup of the day? Use chalkboard signs to let your customers know.

Types of Bain Maries

Chafing Dish

When there is no access to mains electricity or gas, a chafing dish is an excellent alternative. Chafing dishes keep food warm using cans of fuel below the water pan, similar to a bain marie.

Best Uses for Chafing Dish:

Buffets and Outdoor Events: Portable and doesn’t require electricity or gas.
Stylish Presentations: Polished stainless steel design is perfect for hotel buffets or breakfast service.

Benefits of Using a Bain Marie in Your Kitchen

Versatility

Suitable for a wide range of dishes, from moist and tender to crispy and crunchy.

Efficiency

Allows for consistent temperature maintenance with minimal staff supervision.

Enhanced Food Quality

Keeps food warm without altering its original texture and taste.

Customer Satisfaction

Ensures that food is served at the perfect temperature, enhancing the dining experience.

Maintenance Tips for Your Bain Marie

Regular Cleaning

Clean the bain marie after each use to prevent food buildup and maintain hygiene. Use hot water and soap, and rinse thoroughly.

Descale Wet Heat Models

Periodically descale to remove mineral deposits and ensure efficient heating.

Check Components

Regularly inspect heating elements and thermostats to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Safety First

Always allow the bain marie to cool down before cleaning or performing maintenance.

Why Choose KW Commercial Kitchen?

At KW Commercial Kitchen, we have a variety of wet and dry heat bain maries to fit your business needs. Our models are strong, efficient, and easy to use, so you can get the most out of your investment.

Key Features of Our Bain Maries:

Stainless Steel Construction: Durable and easy to clean.

Adjustable Thermostats: Precise temperature control to keep your food at the ideal serving temperature.
Variety of Models: From chocolate bain maries to commercial bain maries suitable for buffets and more.

For more information or to place an order, call us at 1300 001 366 or email us at admin@kwonline.com.au. Visit our website to explore our full range of commercial kitchen equipment.