Commercial Steam Cookers for Businesses and Operators

Steam cookers, also known as "compartment steamers", that have earned the ENERGY STAR are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than standard models.

ENERGY STAR qualified steam cookers include both electric and gas models. Steam cookers that earn the ENERGY STAR must meet a minimum cooking efficiency* of 50 percent (electric) and 38 percent (gas) while also meeting maximum idle energy rates. Idle energy rates are given for 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-pan sizes.

Energy efficient steam cookers that have earned the ENERGY STAR offer shorter cook times, higher production rates, and reduced heat loss due to better insulation and more efficient steam delivery system.

In addition to saving energy, ENERGY STAR qualified steam cookers also save water - 90 percent or more when compared with standard steam cooker models (using on average 3 gallons of water per hour for ENERGY STAR qualified steam cookers versus 40 gallons of water per hour for standard models). For more information on saving water, please visit "Best Practices - How to Achieve the Most Efficient Use of Water in Commercial Food Service Facilities."

Related Information

• ENERGY STAR Guide for Restaurants (1.1MB)
• Equipment Savings Fact Sheet (1.17MB)
• Austin Public Schools Case Study (884KB)
• Saratoga Restaurant Equipment Sales Case Study (203KB)
• Kessenich’s Ltd. Case Study (192KB)

• Electric steam cookers 3-pan and larger must meet a minimum cooking energy efficiency of 50% and an idle rate based on pan capacity. Gas steam cookers 3-pan and larger must meet a minimum cooking energy efficiency of 38% and an idle rate based on pan capacity.
• Steam cookers, also known as "compartment steamers", that have earned the ENERGY STAR are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than standard models.
• ENERGY STAR qualified steam cookers include both electric and gas models. Steam cookers that earn the ENERGY STAR must meet a minimum cooking efficiency* of 50 percent (electric) and 38 percent (gas) while also meeting maximum idle energy rates. Idle energy rates are given for 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-pan sizes.

Commercial Steam Cooker Key Product Criteria: ENERGY STAR

Learn How a Product Earns the Label

What else should I look for when buying a commercial steam cooker?

For a list of ENERGY STAR partners that sell ENERGY STAR qualified equipment, see Where to Buy.

For a list of CFS incentives, please see either the 2011 CFS Incentive Guide or the ENERGY STAR CFS Incentive Finder.

The ENERGY STAR CFS Incentive Finder displays utility incentives for ENERGY STAR qualified commercial food service equipment.

The 2011 CFS Incentive Guide is an excel spreadsheet that includes incentives for both ENERGY STAR qualified equipment and energy efficient equipment not covered by the ENERGY STAR program.

These are the top FAQs related to Commercial Steam Cookers and the ENERGY STAR program.