In a commercial kitchen, efficiency and consistency are everything — especially when preparing delicate items like custard. Whether you’re running a bakery, café, dessert bar, or catering operation, a commercial kettle can be your best friend when producing custard in large volumes.
Custard is temperature-sensitive and requires constant stirring to avoid curdling or burning. Commercial kettles, especially those with stirring arms and tilting bowls, are ideal for the job. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of making custard in a kettle, explore the benefits, and share why it’s a must-have for foodservice professionals.
Why Use a Commercial Kettle for Custard?
Traditional stovetop custard requires constant attention. You need to:
- Stir continuously
- Control heat precisely
- Prevent scorching at the base
- Manage multiple batches if serving high volumes
Commercial kettles solve all of these problems. Here’s why:
Benefits of Using a Kettle:
- Even heat distribution prevents hotspots and burning.
- Automated stirring arms keep the custard moving for a smooth texture.
- Large batch capacity reduces labour and time.
- Tilting bowl function makes pouring and portioning safe and efficient.
- Temperature control ensures custard doesn’t overcook or split.
Popular brands like Waldorf, Blue Seal, Goldstein, Giorik, and Fagor offer kettles with advanced features to help streamline production in busy commercial kitchens.
Ingredients for Commercial Custard (Batch Example – 10L
This recipe can be scaled up or down depending on your kettle size.
- Milk: 6L
- Cream (optional for richness): 2L
- Egg yolks: 48 (approx. 1kg)
- Caster sugar: 1.5kg
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening): 150g
- Vanilla extract or bean paste: to taste (approx. 40-50ml)
Step-by-Step: Making Custard in a Commercial Kettle
Step 1: Preheat the Kettle
Set the kettle to a low to medium heat (approx. 70–80°C). Add milk and cream, and begin warming.
Step 2: Mix Egg Yolks and Sugar
While the milk is heating, mix egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl (or jug). Add cornstarch if using, and whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Temper the Eggs
Once the milk is hot (not boiling), slowly ladle some into the egg mixture while whisking to temper — this prevents scrambling. Then pour the tempered mixture back into the kettle.
Step 4: Stir and Cook Gently
Activate the stirring arm (if available). Cook on low heat, gradually raising the temperature to around 82–85°C. Custard thickens at this stage. Avoid boiling.Pro Tip: The stirring arm ensures an ultra-smooth finish and removes the need for manual mixing.
Step 5: Add Vanilla
Once the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, add your vanilla and stir through.
Step 6: Pour and Cool
Tilt the bowl carefully to pour custard into trays or containers. Cool rapidly using a blast chiller or ice bath to maintain food safety.
Cleaning the Kettle After Making Custard
Custard can leave residue if not cleaned promptly. Here’s how to keep your unit in top condition:
- Rinse immediately after use to prevent sticking.
- Fill the kettle with warm water and a food-safe detergent.
- Activate the stirrer and heat gently for a self-clean effect.
- Drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Wipe down exterior and stirring mechanism.
Why Commercial Custard Makes Business Sense
Batch-cooking custard in a kettle is more cost-efficient than producing it in small pots or pans.
- Save time: No manual stirring or multiple stovetop burners.
- Consistent results: Perfect texture every time.
- Lower labour costs: One person can make 10–50L without constant supervision.
- Reduce waste: Less burning, splitting, or failed batches.
Get Started with Hospitality Connect
At Hospitality Connect, we offer a full range of commercial kettles and cooking solutions from top brands like Waldorf, Blue Seal, Goldstein, Giorik, and Fagor. Whether you need a small tilt kettle or a fully automated system with stirring arms, we’ll help you find the right unit to scale your production without sacrificing quality.
Need help choosing the perfect kettle for your kitchen?
Contact Hospitality Connect today for expert advice, quotes, and customized commercial kitchen solutions.
