fan-of-fans
Well-known member
I purchased a Vollrath countertop warmer last November. I finally got it out the other day and tried it. I heated the water for about 20 minutes on high with an empty pan on top. There's a disc shaped element in the bottom of the water well. The water did bubble over that element but surprisingly the water at the edges only temped out around 140 F. Which I guess is hot enough, but I was expecting it to boil water like I've seen some do. Or at least have an even simmer around 160-180F being it was on high.
I've also noticed this with an "Avantco" brand warmer I used at an event. This one was set on around 4-5 out of 6 on the temp dial and water just steamed a little. That one was built different and it used what I assume is a rod element which is mounted under the water well.
I have seen some countertop roaster ovens both vintage and new with a set of small pans which works on same principle. Never had or used it, but I expect a roasting oven should be able to boil water since the dial goes high enough to bake.
I realize that 140-160 F is plenty high enough to keep food safe though. So in actuality if the water is steaming it is probably hot enough.
I've also noticed this with an "Avantco" brand warmer I used at an event. This one was set on around 4-5 out of 6 on the temp dial and water just steamed a little. That one was built different and it used what I assume is a rod element which is mounted under the water well.
I have seen some countertop roaster ovens both vintage and new with a set of small pans which works on same principle. Never had or used it, but I expect a roasting oven should be able to boil water since the dial goes high enough to bake.
I realize that 140-160 F is plenty high enough to keep food safe though. So in actuality if the water is steaming it is probably hot enough.
