What Is a Blast Chiller? 5 Benefits for Effective Home Use

Blast chillers provide exceptional food preservation in domestic settings opening up more possibilities for food storage and reducing food waste.

These innovative appliances offer rapid cooling solutions that not only extend the shelf life of perishable foods but also lock in nutrients, texture, and taste, maintaining the integrity of your culinary creations from kitchen to table.

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What Is a Blast Chiller and How Does One Work?

A blast chiller is a specialised kitchen appliance which is used to rapidly lower the temperature of cooked food, either hot or cold, to a safe storage temperature. It is used both domestically and commercially due to the range of benefits which are presented to users.

The process of blast chilling involves quickly reducing the temperature of food to below 4°C (40°F) which prevents bacterial growth and helps to preserve food quality and safety. This rapid chilling process prevents the formation of large ice crystals, which can damage the texture and flavour of food by releasing excess moisture. It also minimises the time during which food is in the "danger zone" temperature range (where bacteria can proliferate).

Blast chillers typically use powerful fans and refrigeration systems to rapidly circulate cold air around the food, expediting the cooling process and helping to maintain food safety standards and quality.

What Are the Benefits of a Blast Chiller?

Blast chillers are designed to bring a range of benefits for use in the home, particularly for cooking enthusiasts or individuals who frequently prepare large batches of food. Some of the main benefits of using a blast chiller include:-

Food safety
Food quality preservation
Reduced food waste
Batch cooking and meal preparation
Versatility

Food Safety

Blast chillers can quickly lower the temperature of cooked food to safe storage levels, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness since food is protected from the “danger zone”. This is particularly beneficial for preserving the quality of leftovers or meals prepared in advance.

Food Quality Preservation

Rapid chilling helps preserve the texture, flavour, and nutritional value of food by minimising the formation of large ice crystals, which can damage food quality by releasing excess moisture. This rapid chilling process is especially advantageous for delicate foods such as seafood, desserts, and fresh produce.

Reduced Food Waste

Blast chillers can extend the shelf life of cooked food through rapid chilling, and also help reduce food waste by allowing you to safely store leftovers for longer periods without sacrificing quality. This will help you save money in the long run, giving you a longer window to enjoy food at its best quality.

Batch Cooking and Meal Preparation

Blast chillers enable efficient batch cooking and meal prep by allowing you to prepare and chill large quantities of food in advance. Families could benefit the most from this since blast chillers can help streamline meal preparation and make it easier to adhere to dietary goals or busy schedules.

Versatility

Blast chillers are versatile appliances that are capable of dealing with a variety of different foods, including soups, stews, sauces, baked goods, and more. They can also be used to rapidly chill beverages and freeze certain items. This can open up a range of different meal opportunities for the user since blast chillers are able to effectively deal with a broad scope of food.

Blast Chiller vs Blast Freezer

Blast freezers take the temperature lower than a blast chiller, freezing food down to -40°C, compared to blast chillers which chill food around 4°C. Many people confuse blast chillers with blast freezers since they share similar characteristics. While both blast chillers and blast freezers are designed for rapid temperature reduction of food, they actually serve different purposes. Blast chillers are used for chilling cooked food quickly to safe storage temperatures, preserving quality, while blast freezers are used for rapidly freezing raw or cooked food to increase the longevity of their shelf life. Both appliances help maintain food safety by quickly lowering the temperature of food to prevent bacterial growth and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Spotlight on - Smeg's SBC4104G Linea Blast Chiller

The Linea Blast Chiller (SBC4104G) is an innovative appliance that provides a range of opportunities for food preservation and storage. There are some key features to this product which provide functionality benefits for you and your family:-

Multi-step Function - This allows you to sequence two different programs and let the blast chiller carry out all preparations automatically. For example, you can cook at a low temperature and activate freezing immediately afterwards.
Yoghurt Function - From a simple jar of yoghurt or leavening agents in combination with milk, it is possible to obtain a large enough quantity for the whole family and store it at its best.
Leavening Cycle - Smeg blast chillers allow you to achieve optimal leavening results for any type of dough. A differentiated leavening cycle of up to 3 steps can be set for maximum lightness and digestibility.
Drinks Cooling Function - This allows bottles to be chilled quickly. In just a few minutes, wines or beverages can be brought to the desired temperature and will be ready to be served.
Ready To Eat Function - This feature maintains your food at a consistent refrigerator temperature throughout the day, preventing bacteria and spoilage. Then it reheats the meal just before the preset time.
Child Lock - This feature locks the blast chiller during the programme, preventing it from being accidentally changed.

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FAQs

How cold is a blast chiller?

Blast chillers quickly reduce the temperature of food to below 4°C, making it a safe temperature for storage, and preventing bacteria growth.

Can you put hot food in a blast chiller?

Yes, you can - this is one of the main functions of a blast chiller, to rapidly cool down hot food to safe storage temperatures. However, proper food safety guidelines should be followed, such as cooking the food correctly to the desired temperature before transferring it to the blast chiller.

How do I clean and maintain a blast chiller?

Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of a blast chiller. Regularly clean the interior and exterior surfaces of the appliance, remove food debris and spills promptly, sanitise the shelves and racks, and inspect and replace gaskets, filters, and other components as needed, according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

What size blast chiller do I need for my kitchen?

The size of the blast chiller needed for a kitchen depends on factors such as the volume of food to be chilled, the frequency of use, available space, and budget constraints. Blast chillers come in various sizes and capacities, ranging from small countertop models suitable for small kitchens to larger floor-standing units for high-volume operations.
Smeg blast chillers are available in a reduced height of 45cm perfect for cube layouts with a 60cm oven on the left and a vacuum drawer beneath the blast chiller. They can also be installed vettically incolumn.

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