What is a Soup Kettle?

A soup kettle is a highly versatile kitchen machine which is used to keep liquid foods such as soup, gravy or chilli warm and ready to serve. Commonly found in commercial kitchens as well as food trucks or outdoor markets, these popular machines are also known as soup warmers or soup pots and usually have a traditional cast-iron appearance as well as a large 6-12 litre capacity.

Not only does a soup kettle prevent you having to keep a pot on the cooktop all day, the machine provides a direct way of merchandising hot liquid food whilst also helping to speed up service. In most circumstances, a ten litre soup kettle is considered large enough for the majority of commercial applications.

TIP: A ten litre soup kettle will hold enough for 33 servings of soup based on using 300ml soup bowls. You can also use soup kettles for heated drinks such as mulled wine which is typically served in mugs or specialised glasses ranging from 285ml to 350ml (35-28 servings). Weigh up the expected demand against the holding capacity of your soup kettle to decide which size kettle would be the best option for your business.

How to Use a Soup Kettle

Soup kettles really are simple to operate, although if you've never used one before you might be surprised to know that you need to add water to the machine. A soup kettle works by using bain marie style warming to keep food at the perfect serving temperature.

To use a soup kettle, simply fill the outer container with the recommended amount of water and then place the inner container into the kettle. Set the machine to the desired temperature, close the lid and then wait for the kettle to reach temperature. Once ready, add your soup, sauce or beverage to the container. Keep in mind that soup kettles should not be used to cook food - it's designed to keep food warm, not cook it.

Advantages of a Soup Kettle

If you are looking to serve large batches of soup, curry, gravy or sauce without using excess space or risking a lot of food spoilage, then a soup warmer is what you need to ensure reliable heating. At the same time they provide convenience and accessibility when serving up, minimising queue times. Thanks to their robust and lightweight construction these units are easily portable, allowing them to be used both in the kitchen or on the road.

What Food and Drink Can a Soup Kettle Hold?

Despite their name, soup kettles are not limited to hot holding soup. Any liquid-based food such as chilli, curry, stew or bolognese can be stored and dispensed in a soup kettle, making them ideal for a huge range of cuisines.

Christmas is a great opportunity to use soup kettles to sell hot seasonal food such as mulled wine or cider. As a soup kettle is compact enough to fit in smaller areas, you can easily fit one into a food truck or kiosk. The enticing smell of spiced apples or a hearty soup is a perfect way to attract custom. Keeping a soup kettle topped up is also easily done, as the lid can be removed for filling.

TIP: All soup kettles feature a variable simmerstat to give you control over the holding temperature of your food or drink. This way, you can ensure whatever food you are storing is served at the perfect temperature. For example, hot clear soups are held at as close to 100°C as possible, whereas mulled wine is usually kept at around 60°C.

Which is the Best Soup Kettle to Buy?

At Nisbets we stock soup warmers from a range of different manufacturers including Apuro and Birko, each with varying capacities, features and designs.

The Apuro Soup Kettle is available in stainless steel or black and the universal design ensures it's equally fitting in holiday parks as well as pubs. With a generous ten litre capacity you can prepare large batches before service with little worry of running out during peak periods.

As an alternative, the Birko Soup Kettle has a smaller capacity but has useful carrying handles - important when you're having to transport the kettle some distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a soup kettle cook food?

No. Soup kettles are specifically designed to keep food warm - similar to a bain marie.

Can a soup kettle heat food from cold?

For food hygiene, food should be pre-cooked first and then added to the soup kettle whilst still hot.

How do you clean a soup kettle?

Turn off and disconnect the machine from the power supply. Use soapy water and a damp cloth to clean the exterior. The inner container and lid are both are dishwasher safe.