Cambro Questions

SeaCay · Joined: 19 Jun 2012 Posts: 9

I don't do catering, but I do host a (sometimes) sizable tailgating party for each of my Alma Mater's home games. In order to lessen the time spent preparing food at the site (and during prime drinking/ watching football time) I am thinking of getting a couple of Cambros for hot and cold foods.

My question is (yes, I understand the numbers published by Cambro on time v. temp) how long do you get, real world numbers, in the safe zone with hot and cold foods? Also, with the heat generator and cold insert, what amount of time can you realistically hold foods for prior to serving John Q. Public?
Any other tips, advice or suggestions prior to my purchase would be extremely welcome.

TIA,

CK

Oh, I'm a first post newb. Is there an initiation rite I've missed?

Slow Heat · Newbie Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 88 Location: Virginia

If food is placed in them and the door is not opened they will stay piping hot for 7-8 hours. I used the Carlise version of a Cambro and you can buy it at equippers.com for about $189 it hold 5 steam pans and is about $100 less than a Cambro. http://www.equippers.com/shop/product-detail.aspx?ret=1&pcid=14&scid=10111&pid=10338

SeaCay · Joined: 19 Jun 2012 Posts: 9

Thanks for the heads up on the website, and more specifically the answer.

Do you use a heat insert to maintain temp, or is the insulation just that good? What is general food quality like after that amount of time, and do you do anything special to maintain moisture level in the food?

PorkQPine · BBQ Fan Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 234

I have a few Cambro's and they are super. Moisture retention is not a problem and holding temp. is not a problem for hours and hours. There is a reason caterers use them and that is because they work.

Jarhead · Posted: Jun 20 2012 Post subject:

I use a heated 400 for vending.
I only use the heating element to preheat and heat it back up if I'm into it a lot.
I have no probs holding 8 hours.
I bought mine from KaTom Supply
_________________
Gunny 3073/4044/8411

Jarhead's World Blog
KCBS CBJ & HMFIC Debbie's Q Shack

SeaCay · Joined: 19 Jun 2012 Posts: 9

Thank you all for the help. Sounds like one (or two) of these may be just what I need to make game day much smoother and enjoyable for all.

Harry Nutczak · Posted: Jun 21 2012 Post subject:

Is there any reason you cannot use a large cooler such as an Igloo extreme series and save a few bucks?
_________________
Just remember that the toes you may step on during your climb to the top will also be attached to the a$$es you'll be forced to kiss on your way back down!

SeaCay · Joined: 19 Jun 2012 Posts: 9

Grnmtn BBQ Chef · BBQ Fan Joined: 24 Nov 2008 Posts: 161 Location: Vermont

6 hours this weekend for pulled pork and temp was still above 140F when pulled out of box to cool and finish cooling.
_________________
Eat hearty and live life to the fullest..... Chef Brian

Meadow Creek PR72T modified adding a 2nd Meadow Creek PR 60 this week and 2 well loved Red Rivers going into retirement