What is a Tilting Skillet (Braising Pan) & Why It Belongs in a Commercial Kitchen
Teams and staff in commercial kitchens need to produce consistent, high-volume meals despite limited labor and shrinking prep windows. There is no extra help coming, and the clock does not slow down. That is why equipment that can take on multiple tasks is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.
The tilting skillet helps foodservice operations relieves some of that pressure by offering a single solution for a wide range of cooking needs, all within a compact footprint.
What is a Tilting Skillet?
A tilting skillet is a large, flat-bottomed cooking vessel with high sides and a built-in heat source, typically electric or gas. What sets it apart is the manual or electric tilt feature that allows operators to pour out liquids or transfer food safely with minimal effort.
Also called a braising pan, this versatile unit is designed to handle a wide variety of tasks, including braising, sautéing, boiling, simmering, grilling, pan-frying, steaming, and even shallow frying. It is essentially the Swiss Army knife of commercial kitchen equipment.
Why Is It Called a Braising Pan?
Braising pan is just another name for the same piece of equipment. While braising is one of its most common uses, this piece of equipment offers much more.
A tilting skillet allows kitchen staff to sear, reduce, scramble, or sauté, making it appealing to busy operations that need to make the most of every square inch.
What Can You Cook in a Tilting Skillet?
A tilting skillet is a staple in high-volume kitchens because of its versatility. For example, it enables batch cooking of scrambled eggs, making it a go-to for hotels or breakfast-focused operations.
It is also well suited for simmering large batches of soups or sauces along with reducing stocks and gravies, which is ideal for healthcare facilities or any kitchen serving consistent daily meals. For kitchens needing to sear meats before moving into a slow-cook process, the skillet’s large surface area and even heat distribution provide excellent results.
Operators can also prepare large quantities of rice, pasta, or grits directly in the pan, eliminating the need for separate pots and reducing cleanup. This usage comes in especially handy at catering events or school lunches, where time is even more precious.
5 Reasons to Add a Braising Skillet to a Commercial Kitchen
- Versatility: Replace multiple appliances like stock pots, skillets, and griddles.
- Efficiency: Faster cooking and easier batch prep.
- Safety: Reduce the risk of lifting heavy pans of hot liquid.
- Space-Saving: One unit, many functions.
- Easy Cleanup: Most models include a built-in drain and smooth stainless interior.
Is a Tilting Skillet Right for the Operation?
If the kitchen produces large volumes of food, values efficiency, and seeks to simplify its equipment lineup, then a tilting skillet is worth serious consideration. From prep to cleanup, this unit helps streamline workflow and deliver consistent results.
Finding the Right Skillet
For foodservice operations unsure which tilting or braising skillet model best suits their space and menu, Alto-Hartley is available to help. Our foodservice showroom in Alexandria, VA is open to the public, so stop in for assistance in prepping and cooking for your foodservice operation (don’t forget to download the coupon below beforehand!).
