How do steam cookers qualify for the ENERGY STAR symbol?
Commercial steam cookers that are ENERGY STAR qualified can be either electric or gas. They must meet a minimum cooking efficiency of 50 percent (electric) and 38 percent (gas) while also meeting a maximum idle energy rate based on the pan capacity (that is 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-pan units). Idle energy rates are a good measure of energy efficiency because, even in busy restaurants, some steam cookers are idle up to 75 percent of the time. The following table shows the maximum idle rates for ENERGY STAR qualified units. “Commercial Cooking Appliance Technology Assessment”, Food Service Technology Center, FSTC Report #5011.02.26, 2002.
