A catering urn is a versatile appliance commonly used for boiling and dispensing hot water at events, offices, cafes, and catering businesses. But can it be used for more than just hot water? Many people wonder if a catering urn can handle soup, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and other beverages without affecting taste or performance.
In this article, we'll explore:
- How a catering urn works
- The best beverages to use in a catering urn
- Tips for using a catering urn for soup and mulled wine
- Cleaning and maintenance after using different liquids
- Frequently asked questions about catering urns
How Does A Catering Urn Work?
A catering urn (also known as a hot water urn, beverage dispenser, or commercial boiler) is an electric or gas-powered appliance designed to boil and keep liquids warm. It typically features:
- Large capacity (7L - 30L) for serving multiple cups at a time
- Adjustable thermostat to maintain the desired temperature
- Keep-warm function to retain heat without over-boiling
- Automatic shut-off & boil-dry protection for safety
- Easy-pour tap for mess-free dispensing
While these features are perfect for boiling water, they also make catering urns suitable for warming other beverages, with some precautions and best practices.
Can You Use A Catering Urn For Soup?
Yes! A catering urn can be used for soup, but there are some important factors to consider:
Best Types Of Soup For A Catering Urn:
✅ Clear broths (chicken, vegetable, beef, or bone broth)
✅ Thin Soups (tomato soup, miso soup, consomme)
✅ Pre-mixed or instant soups that don't contain large solids
Things To Avoid:
⛔ Thick soups like chowders, cream-based soups, or stews (these can clog the tap)
⛔ Soups with pasta, rice, or large chunks (these may stick and burn at the bottom)
⛔ Soups with dairy or cheese (can cause residue buildup and burning)
How To Use A Catering Urn For Soup:
- Preheat the urn with hot water before adding soup to maintain the temperature.
- Strain any solid ingredients to prevent clogging the spout.
- Use the lowest temperature setting to keep the soup warm without overcooking.
- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent settling and burning at the bottom.
- Serve with a ladle instead of using the tap if the soup contains small bits.
Can You Use A Catering Urn For Mulled Wine?
Absolutely! Mulled wine is one of the best beverages to prepare in a catering urn, as it requires gentle heating and a consistent temperature.
Why A Catering Urn Is Perfect For Mulled Wine:
✅ Keeps wine at the perfect serving temperature (avoid boiling, which burns off alcohol)
✅ Easy to dispense for large events, parties, and Christmas markets
✅ Infuses flavours evenly with slow heating
How To Use A Catering Urn For Mulled Wine:
- Preheat the urn with warm water before adding the wine.
- Set the temperature to 60-70°C to keep the wine warm without boiling.
- Add spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices) directly into the urn.
- Use a stainless steel tea infuser for easy spice removal after serving.
- Stir occasionally to blend the flavours evenly.
Pro tip: To prevent burning, never set the urn above 80°C.
Other Beverages You Can Use In A Catering Urn
Safe To Use In A Catering Urn:
✅ Hot chocolate - Use water-based mixes or pre-made liquid hot chocolate.
✅ Hot cider - Heat apple cider with cinnamon and cloves for a festive treat.
✅ Herbal tea - Brew large quantities of chamomile, green tea, or peppermint.
✅ Gluhwein (German mulled wine) - Similar to mulled wine but often stronger.
Beverages To Avoid:
⛔ Milk-Based Drinks - Milk can scald, burn, and leave residue.
⛔ Eggnog - Thick consistency may clog the tap.
⛔ Alcoholic Spirits - Avoid heating drinks like whiskey, rum, or vodka, as alcohol evaporates quickly.
⛔ Sugar-Heavy Drinks - Too much sugar can caramelize and damage the heating element.
Cleaning & Maintenance After Using Different Beverages
After using your catering urn for anything other than water, proper cleaning is essential to prevent lingering flavours and bacterial buildup.
Step-By-Step Cleaning Guide:
- Unplug the urn and let it cool down.
- Empty any remaining liquid and remove residue.
- Fill the urn with warm water and mild dish soap.
- Use a soft sponge to wipe the interior (avoid harsh abrasives).
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- For stubborn stains or odours: mix equal parts vinegar and water, fill the urn, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse well and run a full cycle of fresh water before using again.
Pro tip: If using the urn for both water and flavoured drinks, consider dedicating one urn for beverages like soup and mulled wine to avoid cross-contamination.
Shop The Geepas Catering Urn Collection
FAQs - Using A Catering Urn For Different Liquids
1. Can I put milk in a catering urn for hot drinks?
No! Milk can burn, stick to the heating element, and create bacterial buildup. Instead, heat milk separately and add it to drinks after serving.
2. Can I use a catering urn for hot chocolate?
Yes! Use water-based hot chocolate mix or pre-made liquid hot chocolate. Avoid milk-based drinks, as they can burn.
3. Can I put tea bags directly into a catering urn?
Yes! Add loose tea or tea bags for large batches of brewed tea. However, using a separate tea infuser makes cleaning easier.
4. How long can I keep mulled wine in a catering urn?
Up to 4 hours on a low heat setting (60-70°C). Stir occasionally to prevent spice sediment from settling.
5. Can I reheat soup in a catering urn?
Yes, but always preheat the urn first and avoid thick, chunky soups that can clog the tap.
Final Thoughts - Is A Catering Urn Right For Soup & Mulled Wine?
A catering urn is a versatile kitchen appliance that can keep a variety of beverages warm, including soup, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. By following best practices for temperature control, ingredient selection, and proper cleaning, you can safely use your catering urn for more than just hot water!
