Cooking "Quantity" On a Stovetop

[mr_misanthropy]

Hi everyone.

I'm a chef at a brick oven pizza and pasta place that just opened up last week. Among our pizza toppings are Italian sausage, onions, and caramelized onions. We prep large quantities of these things at a time. Right now I usually start with the onions and mushrooms, and have two skillets going at once. I do them in batches.

Here's my questions. Is there a larger pan or something that will cover two burners? I want to use something to cook more of these mushrooms and onions at once. Ideally I'd like to have two large pans covering four burners. The sausage I do after the veg, but I want something I can cook a lot at once with.

Can I use a roasting pan on a stove top? Are there sheet pans or anything else I should be checking out? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm just trying to cut down our prep time!

[Michael in FtW]

A good heavy gauge aluminum commercial grade roasting pan should work. Check your local restaurant supply stores.

[Katie E]

I concur with Michael. If the pan is good and heavy, it should do the trick.

[mr_misanthropy]

Thanks for the info! I'll look into that.

[mcnerd]

Reminds me of the military kitchens where everything was oversize. I wonder if there are local places for such things.

[Jeekinz]

Maybe a paella pan? But they are round. Have you tried on a cookie sheet under the broiler?

[quicksilver]

I don't know if you have a 'Chef's Warehouse' in your area, but they will have what you. Any catering supply or commercial kitchen supply will help. I have a commerial size/weight cookie tray with lip I use for bread that covers two burners. That would be bakery supply.

[GotGarlic]

Cast-iron pieces that cover two burners with a grill pan on one side and griddle on the other are available: Cast Iron Griddles and Grill Pans HTH.

[Leolady]

I think what you are looking for is this.

Heavy Gauge Aluminum RoasterMade in U.S.A.

• <LI class=bullettext>Impact-resistant 3004 aluminum
  <LI class=bullettext>Easy-to-grab loop handle on all
  four sides of pan
  <LI class=bullettext>Traditional standard with the military
  
• Cover can be used as a griddle

20⅞" x 7⅜" x 9" Aluminum Roaster w/ Cover

Restaurantequipment.com - GIGANTIC Inventory / restaurant equipment & restaurant supply

It should cover 4 burners nicely.

[college_cook]

Well if you're at a pizza place I don't imagine you have a huge budget for equipment. If it were me I would just use a couple of hotel pans.