CATERING LIGHT AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT

1. How is the importance of sustainability impacting catering light & heavy equipment?

Energy consciousness and sustainability remains a high priority, a straightforward approach to conserving energy in the professional kitchen involves activating appliances only when necessary and promptly powering them down when idle. Rational cooking systems distinguish themselves with remarkably swift heating times, minimising wait and setup periods during the cooking process.

Thanks to intelligent applications and cutting-edge technology, Rational's iVario Pro advanced bratt pan and iCombi Pro combi-steamer not only conserve resources but also enhance kitchen productivity, providing an authentically sustainable solution. The iVario ensures nearly instantaneous production, eliminating the need to keep cooking systems warm to have a hot appliance ready when required. For instance, the iVario Pro L and iVario Pro XL models boast a heat-up time to 200 °C (ideal for searing meat) in less than 2.5 minutes, up to five times faster than traditional tilting pans.

2. What are the must have features in kitchen equipment in 2024?

The connected kitchen is continuously evolving, especially with the younger generation of chefs who are comfortable with technology. RATIONAL's ConnectedCooking, is now widely used by chefs. A recent update allows users to share cooking and safety data with other manufacturers' systems in real-time, promoting transparency. In essence, connectivity has become a crucial tool in kitchens, helping operators streamline their work and meet compliance standards for greater efficiency.

“RATIONAL cooking systems give such precise results that we can be sure about that aspect of the production process, and the data collected allows us to keep full records should we need to audit or investigate issues.” says Mark Nixon, Senior Chef Manager, St Andrews University.

3. What innovations will we see emerging in this category?

Professional kitchen equipment is anticipated to prioritise smart technology integration for remote control and monitoring, emphasising energy efficiency and sustainability. Multi-functionality and space-saving designs, like RATIONAL cooking systems continue to be essential, with a focus on user-friendly interfaces and data analytics for optimised workflows. Durability, easy maintenance, and enhanced safety features remain paramount. Customisation options, support for advanced cooking techniques like sous vide, and improvements in ventilation and air quality control are expected to be key features driving the industry forward.

4. How can caterers best maintain their equipment?

Chefs rely heavily on the dependability of their cooking systems; a breakdown in a crucial appliance can lead to significant disruptions. Avoiding such potential crises hinges on ensuring that equipment receives top-notch service and maintenance.

Regular cleaning of cooking systems is imperative, Rational combi-steamers come equipped with a self-cleaning function that can be programmed to run at specific intervals. This ensures regular cleaning, and descaling minimising the accumulation of grease and other contaminants that might compromise hygiene standards and lead to potential breakdowns.

Rational's Service Maintenance packages guarantee that your cooking system consistently performs at its peak, all at a reasonable cost. Regular, planned maintenance significantly minimizes the likelihood of unexpected downtime. Inspections are conveniently scheduled based on your availability, alleviating stress for kitchen staff and management while upholding operational safety.

With ConnectedCooking, Rational Service Partners gain remote access to operators cooking system from anywhere, facilitating the prompt identification of faults and errors. Additionally, they have visibility into the cleaning status, enabling expert advice on necessary part replacements.

Any Rational customers interested in registering their cooking systems for ConnectedCooking can

do so at www.connectedcooking.com.

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