Hot Dog Supplies Guide

Equipment Needed for Hot Dog Business

Running a successful hot dog business or adding hot dogs to your concession stand menu requires the right equipment to ensure efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. To help you make informed purchasing decisions, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the equipment you'll need for your hot dog business.

Hot Dog Rollers

A hot dog roller is designed to evenly cook hot dogs by rotating them on heated rollers, resulting in a consistent and delicious product. They're available in various sizes to accommodate different capacities, ranging from small countertop models to larger floor units. Hot dog rollers offer a convenient way to cook a large quantity of hot dogs at once, making them ideal for high-volume establishments. They typically offer easy-to-use controls and some models feature adjustable temperature controls for precise cooking. Hot dog rollers are versatile and can also be used to cook other items like sausages, taquitos, and egg rolls. They come in several different styles:

• Flat-Top Hot Dog Roller Grill: Primarily used for back-of-the-house cooking, flat-top hot dog roller grills come in different size capacities and are available for a wide range of applications. Some models feature a nonstick roller surface for easy cleaning and others offer two temperature dials so you can set the front rollers for cooking and the back for holding. Many flat-top grills have removable drip trays for easy cleanup.
• Slanted-Top Hot Dog Roller Grill: Perfect for front-of-house display, the slanted design shows off your hot dogs, increases impulse sales, and makes it easier for customers to serve themselves. Certain models of the slanted-top hot dog roller grill contain multiple temperature dials and others provide a removable drip tray for easy cleanup. There is a range of size capacities available to meet the needs of different commercial operations.
• Hot Dog Roller Grill with Bun Holder: These units feature a roller grill with an unheated drawer for storing buns underneath it, making them ideal for self-serve establishments. They're available in both flat-top and slanted-top grill styles and come in various size capacities.
• Hot Dog Roller Grill with Bun Warmer: These units not only help you store your buns conveniently beneath the grill, but they also keep your hot buns warm for immediate service. Most hot dog rollers with bun-warming cabinets have intuitive thermostatic controls and on/off switches, keeping your buns warm without burning them.
• Non-Stick Hot Dog Roller Grill: The non-stick coating improves the durability of these hot dog rollers and makes it easier to clean the grill. It also prevents grease from entering the base of the hot dog roller and encountering the motor and drive chain. They're available in both flat-top and slanted-top grills and multiple size capacities.
• Roller Grill with Rear-Mounted Controls: Hot dog roller grills with rear-mounted controls help prevent accidental setting changes in front-of-house applications. The design also makes it easier for customers to serve themselves. Different size capacities are available for multiple applications.

Hot Dog Steamers

A hot dog steamer is designed to efficiently heat and hold hot dogs and hot dog buns using hot steam. The steam helps retain moisture, ensuring that the hot dogs are juicy and served at the perfect temperature throughout the day. This means that you can prepare a large batch of hot dogs in the morning and rest assured that they will remain fresh and tasty until the last one is served. Most hot dog steamers have multiple compartments or levels, allowing you to cook a large number of hot dogs at once. They're user-friendly and require minimal training to operate. Simply load the hot dogs into the compartments, set the timer, and let the steamer do the work. In addition to hot dogs, many steamers can also be used to warm buns, sausages, and other food items. This versatility allows you to expand your menu offerings without the need for additional equipment. Hot dog steamers come in various styles:

• Standard Style Hot Dog Steamer: These units warm up water to heat your buns and cook hot dogs all in one compact place. Best suited for concession stands and restaurants, standard hot dog steamers with decals are typically used for the front of the house or at the point of sale. Units come with vertical compartments or in a horizontal double-decker style.
• Food Warmer Style Steamer: Offering a convenient and effective way to heat many buns and dogs at once, food warmer hot dog steamers are better suited for high-volume businesses like hot dog stands in baseball stadiums. This steamer is larger and takes up more counter space than other types of steamers. Many food warmer-style steamers have a steam well for keeping onions, sauce, or other toppings hot.
• European-Style Steamer: European-style hot dog steamers are perfect for serving customers in style. The steamer has spikes that create pockets in the bun. Staff can then fill these pockets with condiments that will be dispensed around the hot dog. European-style steamers are appropriate for gourmet hot dog businesses serving a lower volume of customers because they can only hold and heat a few hot dogs and buns at one time.

Hot Dog Bun Warmers and Cabinets

Hot dog bun warmers and cabinets are designed to maintain the perfect temperature and texture for your buns, ensuring that every hot dog you serve is a hit. Warmers and cabinets are meant to work in conjunction with roller machines. Check the dimensions of your roller grill to make sure you have adequate space on top of or next to your bun warmer. This way you'll always be ready to pair your hot dogs with warm, soft buns. Here's a breakdown of the different types of hot dog bun warmers and cabinets to help you make the best choice for your establishment.

• Dry Heat Hot Dog Bun Warmers: These warmers have temperature controls that allow you to set and hold buns at the perfect serving temperature for extended periods using dry heat. One of the main advantages of dry heat hot dog bun warmers is that they are generally more economical to operate compared to moist heat warmers. Additionally, dry heat warmers do not require water to function, making them a convenient option for busy kitchens.
• Moist Heat Hot Dog Bun Warmers (Steamers): By using steam to maintain the perfect texture and flavor of your buns, moist heat hot dog bun warmers are designed to keep your buns warm without drying them out. Like dry heat warmers, moist heat hot dog bun warmers employ temperature controls so you can set and hold your buns at the ideal temperature. These warmers are ideal for establishments that prioritize serving soft and fresh buns with their hot dogs.
• Hot Dog Bun Cabinets: Hot dog bun cabinets are a simpler alternative to warmers, as they do not have any electrical components or temperature controls. These cabinets are designed to hold buns at a consistent temperature. While they may not offer the same level of temperature control as warmers, bun cabinets are a practical solution for holding buns for shorter periods. If you need a straightforward and efficient way to keep your buns warm for immediate service, a hot dog bun cabinet is a great option.

Hot Dog Accessories

When it comes to serving up delicious hot dogs at your foodservice establishment, having the right parts and accessories is key to ensuring efficiency and quality. Hot dog equipment accessories can enhance your operations and help you create the perfect hot dog experience for your customers. Here are some essential hot dog equipment accessories to enhance your service.

• Hot Dog Dividers: This accessory creates separate sections on a grill so you can easily and cleanly compartmentalize your products.
• Hot Dog Holding Drawers: Hold cooked hot dogs below the grill or in a standalone drawer.
• Hot Dog Preparation Trays: These units are perfect for organizing and arranging hot dogs or adding condiments to orders.
• Tongs: Ideal for sanitation, tongs come in a variety of materials and colors.
• Hot Dog Paper Trays: Great for serving customers on the go, hot dog paper trays are available in many sizes and colors.
• Hot Dog Bags: Convenient for carrying and sealing heat, hot dog bags are easy to label and serve.
• Sneeze Guards: Invest in a sneeze guard to keep your hot dogs sanitary from various airborne contaminants.

Hot Dog Carts and Vending

Complete with graphics and illumination, hot dog carts catch customers' eyes quickly. Many units have insulated glass, stainless steel food pans, and wheels to offer everything you'll need to easily sell hot dogs in a compact, mobile unit. Our hot dog carts come with common NEMA plug and voltage requirements to make it easy to find power sources while on the go. Whether you're looking for a compact countertop cart, a stationary kiosk, a versatile vending trailer, or a fully equipped food truck, there are hot dog cart options to suit every business's needs. Consider the size of your operation, the type of events you'll be catering to, and your budget when choosing the right hot dog cart for your business.

• Countertop Hot Dog Carts: Countertop hot dog carts are compact and designed to sit on a countertop or table, making them ideal for smaller spaces or temporary setups. These carts typically have a built-in hot dog roller grill and sneeze guard, allowing for easy access to hot dogs while keeping them warm and fresh. Countertop hot dog carts are perfect for catering events, concession stands, or limited-service areas.
• Vending Trailers: Vending trailers are a versatile option for serving hot dogs at events, festivals, or street fairs. Food trailers are towable and can be easily transported to different locations, making them an excellent choice for mobile food vendors. Vending trailers can be customized with various equipment options such as grills, steamers, refrigeration units, and serving windows to meet specific needs.
• Food Trucks: Starting a food truck is a great way to bring your gourmet hot dogs straight to your target audience. They're fully equipped with cooking equipment, storage space, and serving areas, allowing for a wide range of menu options. Food trucks are popular in urban areas, at corporate events, and as part of street food festivals.