In today’s fast-paced commercial kitchens, speed is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. As restaurants face mounting pressure to serve quality food quickly, efficient cooking processes can have a significant impact on customer satisfaction and overall profitability. Recognizing this, AccuTemp has introduced the XLR8™ Upper Heated Platen, designed to work in tandem with any AccuSteam™ griddle featuring 24 inch cooking depth.
The XLR8 brings a new level of performance to the already precise AccuSteam griddles, which are known for maintaining a tight ±5°F temperature range. With the XLR8, operators can expect a similar level of precision—±10°F—but with the added advantage of top-down heat. This dual-sided cooking capability reduces cook times by half or more, enabling kitchens to move orders faster without compromising food quality.
“AccuTemp is known for griddles that provide exceptional accuracy,” says John Pennington, Vice President and Corporate Chef at AccuTemp Products, Inc. “With the XLR8, operators get near-instant recovery of setpoint temperature, consistent results, and significantly faster cook times.”
The design of the XLR8 transforms a standard flat-top griddle into a double-sided cooking system, similar in principle to a clamshell grill. Relying on AccuTemp’s proprietary electric heating technology, it offers precise, efficient, and energy-conscious performance. This makes it an appealing upgrade for operators looking to streamline production without increasing kitchen space or labor costs.
Built for Speed and Simplicity
Key to the XLR8’s appeal is its usability. A digital control panel allows operators to set temperatures between 150°F and 440°F, offering the flexibility needed for a variety of menu items. The platen itself measures 11.6 inches wide by 23.6 inches deep, providing substantial cooking coverage for batch production.
A standout feature is the automatic dual-stage timer. Once the platen is lowered, the first timer begins; when it’s lifted, the system resets to the second timer—ideal for managing the next product cycle. This not only helps ensure consistency but also frees up staff to focus on other tasks, a valuable benefit during busy service windows.
The unit is designed with user-friendly functionality in mind. A single-hand lift mechanism and positive detents at the top and bottom positions offer smooth, intuitive operation. Stainless steel construction ensures durability and simplifies cleaning, while the electric power configuration (208/240V single phase) keeps energy consumption low.
Wide Menu Versatility
The XLR8’s dual-sided heating system makes it highly versatile. It can handle proteins such as burgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, and steaks, as well as breakfast items like hash browns, or grilled sandwiches and melts. Essentially, anything that cooks well on a flat top griddle can be cooked more quickly and consistently with the XLR8.
By halving cook times, restaurants can significantly increase throughput without sacrificing quality. That improved speed directly affects service efficiency, allowing for faster table turns and reduced ticket times—key metrics in high-volume operations.
Breaking Down the Numbers
To better understand the economic impact, consider this example: a restaurant using a traditional charbroiler might take 4 minutes to cook chicken breasts, plus 15 seconds for loading and unloading. Cooking 8 pieces at a time, the kitchen can produce around 106 pieces per hour, or 213 during a 2-hour lunch rush. At $12 per sandwich, that equates to $2,556 in revenue per day during peak hours.
Using the AccuSteam Griddle with the XLR8, cook time drops to roughly 1.5 minutes (including handling), allowing for approximately 160 chicken breasts per hour. Over two hours, that’s 320 pieces, and $3,840 in potential lunch revenue—an increase of $1,284 per day.
Even if the restaurant only experiences this level of demand for half the year (181 days), the additional income could reach over $232,000 annually. These figures don’t even account for further gains from labor savings, lower energy use, or increased consistency, which can reduce waste and improve food safety.
A Comprehensive Kitchen Solution
Beyond speed, the XLR8 offers other important advantages. Faster cooking times mean reduced labor intensity, and fewer items waiting on the griddle reduces the chance of cross-contamination or overcooking. Its electric power source and easy-to-clean design also contribute to lower energy and maintenance costs.
As with all AccuTemp equipment, the XLR8 is backed by a Lifetime Service and Support Guarantee, offering operators long-term peace of mind.
For restaurant operators looking to improve throughput, enhance consistency, and maximize kitchen output without expanding footprint or staff, the XLR8 presents a compelling option.
AccuTemp will be showcasing the XLR8 Upper Heated Platen at the upcoming NRA Show, Booth #3636.
