FYI - Info on new milk vat/warmer from Steve Shapson

[WhiteSageFarms]

I recently e-mailed Steve Shapson to ask about a unit being used to heat milk/curds in a photo of a cheesemaking class on his website. He said it's an Adcraft food warmer.

He also mentioned that he's in the process of developing his own warming device that will be for sale. He said it's going to hold 6 gallons, will come with cover, a curd rake, and a spout to release the whey. He said he's not sure of the price yet, and it's in the process of UL testing and will be out in about a month.

I'm not affiliated with him in any way, just thought it might be of interest.

~Laurie

[Spoons]

Finally! A vat designed for the hobbyist  The Adcraft food warmer looks like a nice alternative at $80 if Shapson charges too much.

Thanks for the info 

[WhiteSageFarms]

I've been looking at the Avantco W50 myself. It's about the same price as the Adcraft.

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/avantco-w50-12-x-20-electric-countertop-food-warmer/177W50.html

I use a 22 qt stainless steel stockpot for my 4 gallon cheeses. It's too tall, but the price was good and it's a fairly decent quality.

I like the idea of a warmer with a drain. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed on the price of the one he's coming out with.

Finally! A vat designed for the hobbyist  The Adcraft food warmer looks like a nice alternative at $80 if Shapson charges too much.

Thanks for the info 

[Spoons]

Would you know if these food warmers (Avantco, Adcraft, etc...) can hold and maintain temperatures as low as 86F? I'm worried that they don't and I've been researching a bit and can't find a temperaure range for these food warmers. PLUS, the interior is only 6.5" high. Could a 6" deep pan be used with it? would there be enough room for water? If my calculations are right; a 6" deep pan (filled at 5") would be able to contain about 5 gallons.

[linuxboy]

Yes, you can do 86F, but manually. The thermometer settings without a PID controller are rather worthless in situations like these. Best bet is to overheat the water, add cold milk, let it equalize, then maintain the temp. Water batch is good for temp maintenance.

Yes, you can use a 6" pan. Spoons, where in the country are you? Restaurant Depot is having a great sale right now on the Adcraft and 6" Winco pans.

[Spoons]

Thanks for the quick reply linuxboy!

Well then, I guess I'm going to improve my cheese making equipment with a food warmer! I live in Canada, but I'm going to the States next week, I'll definitely look into Restaurant Depot. Thanks for the tip!

[linuxboy]

It's a commercial supplier, member-only. They only sell to businesses. Would be tough to buy directly unless you know someone who has a membership. Maybe there's another option for an online purchase?

[WhiteSageFarms]

I've asked Shapson about the temperature range as well. Temp controls are crude on all of these. He said when he reaches target temp, he turns it off, and it holds temp for about 2 hours. If he notices its cooling off he turns it on low to tweak the temp.

I also asked how many gallons the one he uses (Adcraft) and he said he does not use an insert and it holds about 5 gallons.

I am planning on using an 8" pan if I end up buying any one of these units.

~Laurie

Would you know if these food warmers (Avantco, Adcraft, etc...) can hold and maintain temperatures as low as 86F? I'm worried that they don't and I've been researching a bit and can't find a temperaure range for these food warmers. PLUS, the interior is only 6.5" high. Could a 6" deep pan be used with it? would there be enough room for water? If my calculations are right; a 6" deep pan (filled at 5") would be able to contain about 5 gallons.

[Spoons]

Bump!

Any news on Steve Shapson's vat?

[CowDung]

Bump!

Any news on Steve Shapson's vat?

I was at a cheese workshop with Steve last weekend. He mentioned that he was in the process of putting out his own warmer. As I am very new to this (and don't anticipate buying one anytime soon), I didn't think to ask about an estimated release date. From the conversation, it sounded like it would be soon though...

[WhiteSageFarms]

I emailed him a few weeks ago ... here's his reply.

On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 10:09 AM, steve shapson <steveshapson@hotmail.com> wrote:

    Yes, the warming vat is  now in production along with the food grade plastic curd rake.  I will send out an eBlast soon.

    Steve Shapson
    TheCheeseMaker.Com
    11611 N. Grace Ct.
    Mequon, WI 53092
    steve@thecheesemaker.com
    www.thecheesemaker.com
    Text/Call:  414-745-5483


One of the aspects of his vat that I like- according to his description, it has a drain.

~Laurie

Bump!

Any news on Steve Shapson's vat?