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April 14, 2023In the early 1950s, Cambro got its start with a single product, the CamTray. Seventy years and 14,000 product lines later, Cambro containers have become the gold standard of storage for commercial kitchens.
Enduring among its product offerings are the classic CamSquares—square containers available in a variety of sizes. They remain popular because they are durable, lightweight, it’s easy to see what’s inside, and they fit into small kitchen spaces.
The recently redesigned CamSquare boasts even more kitchen-friendly features.
The Advantages of CamSquares
Cambro’s CamSquare® containers are a vital resource for commercial kitchen operators for a variety of reasons:
- Food Safety – Built with food preparation in mind, CamSquares® are designed to keep food at the proper temperature and can withstand temperatures between -40°F and 210°F (-40°C and 99°C).
- Durability – CamSquares are constructed from high-quality, long-lasting, nearly indestructible Camwear polycarbonate. Food professionals sometimes joke that employees come and go, but Cambro containers last forever.
- Organization – The CamSquare® system is color-coded with matching covers, graduation marks, and drain shelves. The containers themselves are clear so it’s easy to see which ingredients to grab and which ones need to be restocked.
- Portability – Lightweight, stackable, and easy to move, CamSquares are ideal for catering or off-site events.
- Versatility – CamSquares range from 2 to 22 quarts (1.9 to 10.8 liters), fit for every type of food prep.
- Maximizes Space – Everyone who has worked in a kitchen knows that storage is a premium commodity. CamSquares fit neatly in fridges, freezers, or shelves, which helps cooks to make the most of cramped kitchen spaces.
Also read: Speed, Power, and Efficiency: A Starting Guide to Induction Ranges
The Improved Benefits of CamSquare® FreshPro Series Food Storage Containers
Cambro builds on its legacy of innovation with the introduction of many containers this year of the FreshPro Series of CamSquares. Newly improved features include:
- Increased Storage Capacity – The new FreshPro containers supply 25% more capacity than older models. Other square food storage solutions fit three units to a shelf, but the redesigned CamSquares easily accommodate four. Additionally, CamSquare® supply 33% more storage space than round containers.
- Extended Shelf-Life – The newly improved Easy Seal Covers feature inner and outer seals to lock in freshness. When used with drain shelves, shelf-life extends by up to two additional days.
- Drain Shelves – Drain shelves fit inside CamSquares and lift ingredients out of their juices. Perfect for storing meat, seafood, and prepared produce ingredients.
- Better Grip and Pouring – The FreshPro series utilizes recessed, ergonomic handles to add more storage and keep cooks safe with a textured grip. Rounded corners allow for smooth pouring from any corner while minimizing splashing.
- Color Coding – Easy Seal Covers, graduation marks, and drain shelves are color-coded to make organization easy. Avoid cross-contamination of raw meat, egg yolks, and fish with vegetables and other ingredients. Add gluten-free or allergy-free workflows to your kitchen with the purple, allergen-free labeled containers.
CamSquare Tips and Tricks
Prep Ahead. Fast-paced kitchens can avoid the crunch of meal rushes by prepping and storing ingredients in CamSquares before meal service.
Sous Vide Cooking. CamSquares are uniquely suited to the sous vide technique. Simply place the vacuum-sealed bags in an appropriately sized CamSquare and fill it with water. The CamSquare, which has insulative properties, will hold the water at the correct temperature.
Holding Hot or Cold Food. CamSquares are ideal vessels for maintaining temperature—a perfect solution for catering, off-site and outdoor events. For these uses, Cambro offers many insulated transport solutions designed to the CamSquare® specifications.
Food Transport. The ergonomic handles, textured grips, and square design make CamSquares a solid choice for handling, transporting, and stacking ingredients for transport.
Organization. Color-coded lids, drain pans, and graduation marks are built-in organizational tools. Kitchen managers can create a custom system that works for them, but a few ideas include:
- Red can signify raw protein or that the ingredient is nearing spoilage.
- Green is usually reserved for raw veggies.
- Blue might stand for a batch to be made the same day.
- Purple containers stand for allergen-free ingredients involved in gluten-free, nut-free, or other food sensitivity offerings.
Labeling. A label maker, waterproof marker, or masking tape are all excellent ways to track what an ingredient is, when it was prepared, and other essential notes like expiration dates.
Also read: Six Easy Energy Saving Tips for the Food Industry
Invest in quality
If you work in a commercial kitchen, you likely already utilize Cambro containers to some extent. Updating your stock with the CamSquare® FreshPro Series will help keep your kitchen organized and efficient and your ingredients as fresh as possible. Contact your local RH sales rep for guidance as you upgrade your kitchen storage solutions.