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Types of Hot Dog Carts

Posted on: October 14, 2010

Types of Hot Dog Carts

The Hot dog cart is an urban icon throughout North America. With their umbrellas and stainless steel fronts, they may appear from the outside to all be a like. However, they often differ in cooking methods and in special features.


Here is a list of the different types of Hot Dog Carts and their features:

Boiler Cart

The boiler hot dog cart was the first type used by street vendors. The hot dogs are boiled slowly, and can sit for hours before finally being served. This cooking method is perfect for sellers who want to get the most out of their hot dog supply, it keeps hot dogs tasting fresh for long periods of time. Meaning that there is less wastage, which helps your bottom line. The boiled hot dogs remain in water for a while, and the hot water can fit many hot dogs at a time, which is helpful if you suddenly get a quick line of hungry customers.

Steamer Cart

The steamer cart is like the boiler cart, and has often now replaced it. The difference is that the hot dogs in this type of hot dog cart are steamed not boiled in water. Instead, they sit on a piece of metal sheet that is perforated. They sit just above boiling water and are cooked and warmed by steam. A steamer tank can hold as many hot dogs as the boiler tank version. The real benefit of the steamer hot dog cart over the boiler hot dog cart is that the water does not have to be changed nearly as it often as with the boiler cart style.

Grill Cart

This version of the hot dog cart is not the most economical option but many vendors choose this type of hot dog cart simply because of the different style of hot dog these carts let them sell. In places such as Chicago or Boston, there is a distinct Polish and German influence. Theses cities signature local dogs are popular grilled versions.

Deluxe Cart

There are also deluxe hot dog carts that are now manufactured that can now combine all of these methods of cooking. These carts have boilers and grills to satisfy all different customer preferences and they also have steamers to keep the buns warm. These deluxe hot dog carts may even have refrigeration units to keep drinks cold, as well as perishable supplies. With this type of cart, the possibilities of different kinds of hot dogs are endless!


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