The cashier at the station is not a chef, and food is just an additional service. That’s why next to the counter, we usually see a device with several rows of delicious sausages slowly turning on special rollers. This is a roller grill, which we’ll take a closer look at.
From the road, straight for hot dogs
The food offerings at gas stations can vary; some are practically mini-restaurants. However, every station, regardless of the chain, offers hot dogs in various flavors. Some people can’t imagine continuing their journey without grabbing a hot dog and always stop at the same fuel company’s station. Vegetarians typically head to Orlen or Lotos stations, as only there can they find meat-free hot dogs. The undeniable advantages of a hot dog are its price and ease of consumption. In any case, a hot dog on the road is a must. But for it to be a must-have, it must be quickly prepared. Without a roller grill, the entire process would take much longer.
Hot dog machine: the roller grill
The roller grill, often called a roller, is a professional catering device designed for the thermal processing of sausages and hot dogs in fast food bars, food trucks, and, of course, gas stations. Depending on the manufacturer and preferences, models vary in size, power, and the number of heating rollers (from 6 to 14), but the principle of operation is essentially the same. The heating rollers can be made of stainless steel or coated with Teflon.
Hot dog machines usually have two heating zones with independent thermostats equipped with control lights that indicate when the set temperature has been reached. A wide temperature range (up to 300 degrees Celsius) allows for quick heating of sausages, which rotate on the heated rollers at an optimal temperature, waiting for an order. Excess fat is collected in a special tray.
The roller grill is characterized by its high stability and durability, but like any heavily used device, it may eventually break down. In such cases, replacing the entire unit is usually unnecessary. Simply diagnose the fault and order the appropriate part from a store offering spare parts for hot dog machines.
Advantages of a hot dog roller grill
The device for preparing hot dog sausages has many advantages. The most important include:
- compact dimensions and low weight,
- the ability to process several or even a dozen sausages at once,
- time efficiency,
- even cooking,
- elimination of the risk of burning the sausage,
- maintenance of a constant temperature,
- hygiene,
- high resistance to mechanical damage,
- ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Steamer for sausages
An alternative to the roller grill is a sausage steamer, which is also gradually appearing at Polish gas stations. For now, they can be found in Wild Bean Café outlets at BP stations, offering hot dogs developed by Robert Makłowicz. In a steamer, sausages are placed vertically and heated by steam, making them crispy. However, not all types of sausages can be used in the device. One condition must be met – the sausages must have a natural casing.
Finally, a brief note about the bread, without which a sausage wouldn’t be a hot dog. The usual options are wheat or whole-grain buns, typically heated using a contact grill. Add mustard, ketchup, or sauces from various parts of the world, and the hot dog is ready – time to hit the road.
