Market Forge Steamer Maintenance Tips

Market Forge has been a premier provider of foodservice equipment for over a century. They even claimed to have created the first steam cooker to use stainless steel in its construction. The steam cooker remains one of Market Forge’s most popular equipment lines. Steam cooking is a preferable option for some kitchens, as it does not dry out or burn food from overcooking. Market Forge offers a variety of reliable steamers that fit a broad range of customer needs. Here are some tips on how to properly maintain your Market Forge steamer:

Power Supply

One of the first steps when cleaning any piece of mechanical equipment is to disconnect its power supply. Many machines only need you to switch the power to off, but others require a full separation from the power source. Unplugging the steamer unit is the safest way, as even if it is switched off, some electrically powered equipment tends to short circuit. Unplugging also prevents accidental activation in the middle of cleaning. Steam cooking generates a significant amount of heat, which can be considerably harmful to skin contact. Make sure the machine is powered down and has had time to cool off before subjecting it to cleaning.

Check the Equipment

Each individual piece of the steamer unit must be inspected during maintenance checkups. Inspect and clean each part and make sure each works correctly. Some disassembly and reassembly may be required to do a thorough job.

Empty the Contents

The next step requires you to remove any debris. Completely empty out the containers and clean all the nooks and crannies. This ranges from leftover food to buildups of lime and other deposits. Make sure you also drain all liquids, as well. Water and oils can build up and cause stains or, worse, bacteria to grow and fester.

Cleaning

All steam cookers must be inspected and cleaned thoroughly. Wipe down every part of the steamer with a cloth and warm water. The most important thing to look for is lime build up. Too much lime can cause serious harm to the machine, so take extra precautions and follow the specific de-liming protocols. If you use your steamer frequently, the best way to maintain cleanliness is to stick to a daily maintenance schedule. In addition, you should perform monthly checkups and at least once a year, take it apart and thoroughly inspect it.

Use the Right Materials

Take extra special care when selecting cleaning supplies for your Market Forge steamer. Most steamer products can and should be handled with simple soap and water first, but certain circumstances like a lot of lime scale or calcium deposits will require cleaning solutions. However, only certain chemical products are approved for cleaning Market Forge steamers. One common household product that works well and will not harm your machine is white vinegar. Consult the Maintenance section of your instruction manual for any approved cleaning brands.

Stainless Steel

Market Force steamers use stainless steel, which is durable, but certain chemicals and tools can cause lasting harm, ranging from superficial to ruinous. Absolutely avoid using anything remotely corrosive or abrasive when cleaning, such as bleach. Avoid any brushes or other materials that incorporate steel, unless they are also stainless. Always try to brush stainless steel against the grain to prevent scratches. Once you are finished brushing down a piece, scour it with water.

Water Supply

Market Forge ensures their instruction manuals conform to general environmental standards. However, these standards change, depending on factors like your geographic location and work environment. Different areas obtain water from different sources, for example. Potential contaminants in your water supply will affect your maintenance procedure. Your water may be too hard and tend to leave scaly deposits that can build up quickly. You might want to invest in a water softener to ameliorate the effect of the impurities.  

Drying and Storage

Once you complete these steps, wipe the machine down with a dry cloth and reassemble any sections you had removed before cleaning. Double-check that you reattached the correct parts, as using any piece not intended for that particular unit can cause harm to the machine and void your warranty. With the previous steps completed, store your Market Forge steamer in a clean and dry location.

Final Thoughts

Steamers are great alternatives to other types of cooking equipment because of their relative safety and higher efficiency. Steam cookers, whether pressure or pressureless, can help make your kitchen more efficient. Market Forge continues to provide some of the option offerings currently on the market. Their quality and availability make them an excellent choice for your commercial kitchen.