A batter dispenser is a kitchen gadget which is designed to dispense even portions of liquids such as batters and sauces. While not a vital addition to most home kitchens, it can be extremely handy, and it cuts down on mess. In commercial kitchens, this gadget is extraordinarily useful. Many kitchen supply stores sell batter dispensers, and the tools can also be ordered through catalogs. A squeeze bottle also makes an excellent dispenser stand in.
The basic design of the tool includes a reservoir for the batter, a dispensing nozzle, and a trigger mechanism. When the trigger is pulled, batter is forced through the dispensing nozzle, which measures out the correct portion size before closing. Many dispensers offer multiple portion sizes, allowing people to use a dispenser for different types of cooking projects. Usually, the dispenser also has a built in stand, so that it can be set down on a counter when not in use.
On the industrial level, a batter dispenser may have numerous nozzles capable of dispensing multiple portions simultaneously. This type of dispenser is usually only used in assembly line production of foods. Most commercial and home kitchens find a single nozzle dispenser sufficient.
For things like cupcakes and pancakes, a batter dispenser is a great tool. It ensures that the end product will be uniform, which also promotes even cooking. It also eliminates messiness, since the cook is not ladling batter from a bowl onto a griddle or into cupcake pans. For people who have difficulty with recipe yields, using a dispenser also helps to get the most out of a recipe.
For sauces, a batter dispenser is also very useful, especially in a busy kitchen. The dispenser can hold the sauce until it is needed, and quickly dispenses a portion without the mess of a ladle. Different portion settings allow the cook to control the amount of sauce dispensed, maintaining uniformity and efficiency.
Stainless steel and plastic are both used to make batter dispensers. The equipment may or may not be dishwasher safe, but it will need to be thoroughly rinsed to remove batter which may have accumulated around the nozzle. If the dispenser can be run through the dishwasher, make sure that all of the moving parts have been rinsed. Otherwise, wash it in warm soapy water, paying attention to cracks and crannies which might harbor batter.