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Blast chillers are high-powered cooling units that use forced air to quickly reduce the temperature
of cooked food. Unlike standard refrigerators, blast chillers can bring food temperatures down from
cooking temperatures to safe storage temperatures in a matter of minutes. Blast chillers were initially
developed in Europe, particularly in Italy, in the 1980s, where they gained popularity for their ability
to quickly cool cooked food, helping to maintain food safety and quality. The technology was then
introduced to North America in the following decade, where it gradually became an essential piece of
equipment in commercial kitchens, especially in high-volume foodservice operations.
Food Safety: Blast chillers rapidly cool food through the “danger zone” (41°F to 135°F), where
bacteria multiply quickly, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Blast chilling is essential for
maintaining HACCP compliance.
Quality Preservation: Rapid cooling helps maintain food texture, flavour, colour, and nutritional
value by minimizing ice crystal formation.
Extended Shelf Life: By quickly reducing bacterial growth, blast chillers extend the shelf life of
prepared foods.
Operational Efficiency: Chefs can prepare larger batches of food in advance, improving kitchen
productivity.
Compliance with Regulations: Many food safety regulations require rapid cooling of cooked foods,
which blast chillers easily achieve.
What Are Blast Chillers?
Benefits of Blast Chillers
Exploring the Options
Modern blast chillers offer a wide range of capabilities including thawing, proofing, reheating, hot
holding, dehydrating, pasteurizing, and even cooking. In recent years, manufacturers have introduced
innovative models that cater to diverse operational needs. Some feature expanded functionality with
numerous cycles, while others prioritize simplicity by eliminating unnecessary features.
When selecting a blast chiller, it’s crucial to consider your specific operational requirements. Begin by
identifying the menu items intended for blast chilling to determine the appropriate size and capacity.
Models vary significantly, accommodating anywhere from 173 to 1,380 pounds per cycle. Proper sizing
is essential as it often leads to a swift return on investment, typically within twelve months.