When it comes to running a commercial kitchen in Southwest Florida, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is what type of appliances to use. While many options are available, natural gas appliances are often the preferred choice for several reasons. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the main reasons why natural gas appliances are a smart choice for commercial kitchens in Southwest Florida.
Cost-effective
One of the most significant advantages of natural gas appliances is that they are often more cost-effective than electric appliances. Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity, which results in significant cost savings for restaurants and other commercial kitchens. For example, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average cost of natural gas in Florida was $13.05 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) in 2020, while the average cost of electricity was 11.1 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This means that natural gas can be a more cost-effective fuel for cooking and heating in commercial kitchens.
Since natural gas is less expensive than electricity, this means that your monthly utility bills will be lower if you use natural gas appliances. This is especially important for commercial kitchens, where energy costs can add up, and margins are often razor-thin.
In addition to lower monthly utility bills, natural gas appliances often require less maintenance than electric appliances. This can also reduce costs in the long run, as you’ll spend less money on repairs and replacements over time.
Faster Cooking Times
One of the main advantages of using natural gas appliances in a commercial kitchen is the speed of cooking. Natural gas burners provide an instant, intense flame that heats up cookware quickly. This means that chefs can cook food faster, which is essential in a busy commercial kitchen where time is of the essence. Natural gas ovens also heat up quicker and maintain a more consistent temperature than electric ovens, making them ideal for baking and roasting. The benefits of cooking your food more quickly for a busy commercial kitchen can’t be overstated. For example, if you’re cooking a large batch of pasta or boiling water for soup, natural gas appliances can help you do the job faster and more efficiently.
Faster cooking times can also help you save energy, as you will only need to keep your appliances running for a short time to achieve the desired result. This can further reduce your energy costs and help your kitchen operate more efficiently.
More Precise Temperature Control
Natural gas appliances also offer more precise temperature control than electric appliances. This is because the heat from a natural gas flame is more evenly distributed than the heat from an electric element. This means that you can more easily adjust the temperature of your appliances to achieve the desired result.
In a commercial kitchen, precise temperature control is essential for ensuring your food is always cooked to perfection. So whether you’re baking a cake or grilling a steak, natural gas appliances can help you achieve the perfect temperature for your dish.
Reliable Operation
Natural gas appliances are also known for their reliability. Unlike electric appliances, which are susceptible to power outages and other electrical issues, natural gas appliances will continue to operate even if the power goes out. Natural gas delivery through underground pipelines makes this power source less susceptible to weather-related damage than overhead power lines.
Improved Taste and Texture of Food
Another benefit of using natural gas appliances in a commercial kitchen is food’s improved taste and texture. Natural gas burners provide a more even heat distribution, which helps to cook food more evenly and preserve its natural flavor and texture. This is especially helpful for delicate dishes like soufflés and custards, which can be ruined by uneven cooking. Natural gas ovens also provide a moist heat that helps to keep food from drying out, resulting in juicier and more flavorful dishes.
Natural gas is a popular choice for commercial kitchens in Southwest Florida. It is a clean-burning and efficient fuel that is widely available in the area. In addition, natural gas appliances provide many benefits over electric appliances, including faster cooking times, lower energy costs, and improved taste and texture of food.
So, what are you waiting for? Connect with us at the Gas Service Center today. We are here to help you upgrade, update and elevate the power of your kitchen! Stay up-to-date with Gas Service Center on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.