Garbage grinders are found in sculleries and deep sinks. They are used to dispose of food from plates, unused food items, and other wet garbage. Always read the operating instructions posted near the grinder before using.

To clean the tank, dump a bucket of strong, hot detergent solution into the tank and scrub the interior. Rinse by flushing the interior walls with hot water. Clean exterior by scrubbing with hot detergent solution, then rinse.

STEAM TABLE

Steam tables are used for serving hot foods. There are several types: (a) those with water compartments heated by steam coils at 40 psi of pressure or less; (b) those with steam-heated water compartments and dish warmers; (c) those with water compartments heated by immersion-electric heating elements; and (d) dish warmers.

Most steam tables used in general and private messes today are immersion-electric heating element types.

Operation

Do not overload food pans. An excessive amount of food makes it difficult to maintain the correct water compartment temperature which is between 180F to 200F. If, on the other hand, water in the steam table is allowed to become hotter than 200F, the food will dry rapidly and continue cooking from the excess heat. You can correct this by adding more water to reduce the heat. Because food tastes best if served within 30 minutes (preferably within 15 minutes) after being placed on the steam table, do not place food pans on the steam table too early.

Care and Cleaning

After each meal, drain the steam table, wash the tanks with hot soapy water, and rinse with very hot fresh water of at least 180F. Wash the top and front of the steam table to make it bright, clean, and sterile; then wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

ELECTRIC TOASTERS

Electric toasters used in the galley and dining area are the intermittent and rotary types. The intermittent type is composed of chrome-plated steel and has a vertical oven with two to four openings for inserting the bread slices. The continuous type has a chrome-plated heavy-duty conveyor with motor-driven trays for the bread.

Rotary toasters are cleaned by first disconnecting the power. After toaster is cooled, remove pan, slide, and baskets. Use soft brush to remove crumbs from front surface and behind bread racks. Wipe clean frame as far as is accessible with warm hand-detergent solution. Use a nonabrasive cleaner to remove stubborn spots. Clean baskets by boiling in hot detergent water. rinse, and air dry. Then, clean and replace all parts.