Revolutionize Your Kitchen: The Benefits of Taylor's Double-Sided Grills with Platen Gap Tech
In high-output foodservice environments, speed, consistency, and labor optimization are not optional—they are operational imperatives. Traditional flat-top grills, while versatile, often require manual flipping, constant monitoring, and inconsistent cook cycles. Enter Taylor Company’s double-sided grills equipped with Platen Gap Technology—a system engineered to transform throughput efficiency and product uniformity in commercial kitchens.
This article examines how Taylor’s double-sided grills work, what Platen Gap Technology actually does, and why it delivers measurable ROI for quick-service restaurants (QSRs), cafeterias, and institutional kitchens.
What Is a Double-Sided Grill?
A double-sided grill—also known as a clamshell grill—uses two heated cooking surfaces:
A lower platen (flat grill surface)
An upper platen that lowers automatically
Food cooks simultaneously from both sides, eliminating the need for manual flipping. This design dramatically reduces cook times while ensuring even heat distribution.
Unlike conventional grills, Taylor’s system integrates programmable controls and gap calibration, which is where Platen Gap Technology becomes critical.
Understanding Platen Gap Technology
Platen Gap Technology allows operators to precisely set and maintain the distance between the upper and lower platens based on product thickness.
Why This Matters
In traditional clamshell grills, fixed pressure can compress delicate products or leave thicker items undercooked. Taylor’s adjustable gap system:
Accommodates varying product thickness
Prevents over-compression
Ensures uniform browning
Maintains internal temperature consistency
By controlling platen spacing, kitchens eliminate guesswork and reduce product variability.
1. Faster Cook Times Without Quality Loss
Because heat is applied from both sides simultaneously, cook cycles are significantly shorter compared to flat-top grills.
Operational Impact:
Increased order throughput
Reduced ticket times
Improved peak-hour performance
For QSR operations, shaving even 30–60 seconds per batch can increase daily output substantially.
2. Superior Product Consistency
Consistency is central to brand integrity. Customers expect the same texture, sear, and doneness across locations and shifts.
Taylor’s programmable controls allow operators to:
Set precise temperature parameters
Define cook times per product
Store menu presets
Combined with platen gap control, this reduces operator dependency and standardizes results across multiple units.
3. Reduced Labor Dependency
Labor shortages continue to affect the foodservice industry. Double-sided grills simplify the cooking process by:
Eliminating manual flipping
Reducing monitoring time
Automating press control
This allows a single crew member to manage multiple cooking stations simultaneously. Less hands-on time translates to higher labor efficiency and lower operational stress during rush periods.
4. Energy Efficiency and Heat Retention
Because cooking is faster and more controlled, energy usage per product cycle decreases. The upper platen traps heat within the cooking chamber, minimizing energy loss into the surrounding kitchen environment.
Benefits include:
Lower energy consumption
Reduced ambient heat in the kitchen space
Improved HVAC efficiency
This is particularly valuable in high-volume restaurants where grill stations operate continuously.
5. Enhanced Food Safety Compliance
Maintaining consistent internal temperatures is critical for protein safety. Double-sided heat transfer ensures:
Faster time-to-temperature
Reduced cold spots
Consistent core cooking
Programmable controls also reduce undercooking risks, supporting compliance with food safety regulations and HACCP protocols.
6. Menu Versatility
Taylor’s adjustable platen gap expands menu capability beyond burgers.
Operators can prepare:
Chicken breasts
Breakfast sandwiches
Paninis
Quesadillas
Steak portions
The ability to calibrate gap height ensures optimal contact without crushing layered or delicate items.
7. Lower Long-Term Maintenance Costs
Precision engineering reduces mechanical stress on components. When platens close at calibrated gaps rather than through forced compression, wear on hinges, actuators, and heating elements decreases.
Key durability advantages:
Reduced platen misalignment
Less strain on lift mechanisms
Even heat distribution prevents hotspot damage
Routine preventive maintenance combined with proper calibration extends equipment lifespan and reduces service calls.
ROI Analysis: Why Operators Upgrade
When evaluating capital equipment, decision-makers typically assess:
Initial investment cost
Throughput gains
Labor reduction
Energy savings
Product consistency improvement
Taylor’s double-sided grills deliver measurable improvements in each category. Over time, increased speed and reduced labor demands often offset acquisition costs, particularly in high-volume QSR environments.
Ideal Applications
These grills are especially beneficial for:
Quick-service restaurants
Franchise chains require uniform output
Institutional kitchens (schools, hospitals)
High-traffic cafeterias
Fast-casual burger or sandwich concepts
Any operation prioritizing speed, repeatability, and process control can benefit from Platen Gap Technology.
Implementation Best Practices
To maximize performance:
Calibrate platen gaps based on standardized product thickness.
Train staff on preset programming features.
Perform routine cleaning to prevent carbon buildup.
Schedule periodic inspections of the lift and heating systems.
Proper training and maintenance ensure the technology delivers its full operational advantage.
Final Thoughts
Taylor’s double-sided grills with Platen Gap Technology represent a strategic evolution in commercial cooking. By combining dual-sided heat transfer with adjustable platen precision, these systems enhance throughput, improve consistency, and optimize labor allocation.
For foodservice operators seeking to streamline operations while maintaining product integrity, upgrading to Taylor’s advanced grill systems is not merely a convenience—it’s a competitive advantage.
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FAQs
1. How does Platen Gap Technology improve cooking results?
Platen Gap Technology allows operators to precisely control the distance between the upper and lower grill surfaces based on product thickness. This prevents over-compression, ensures even heat distribution, and delivers consistent internal temperatures and browning across batches.
2. Are Taylor double-sided grills suitable for high-volume operations?
Yes. Taylor Company designs its double-sided grills specifically for high-throughput environments such as QSRs and institutional kitchens. Dual-sided cooking significantly reduces cook times while maintaining product consistency.
These grills are versatile and can handle burgers, chicken fillets, breakfast sandwiches, paninis, quesadillas, and steaks. Adjustable platen settings allow operators to accommodate varying thicknesses without damaging delicate products.
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