What new developments are there with combi ovens that hospital caterers should be aware of?
It’s a common observation that many combi oven operators are missing out on taking advantage of the in-built technology to its full potential – and its potential is huge. At a time when staff shortages are critical, an intelligent combi oven can help a hospital kitchen produce more food with fewer people. It can increase the variety of the menu, and allow more foods to be cooked simultaneously, maximising production.
2. What steps should caterers take to ensure the oven is used to its optimum and achieves full operational efficiency?
By training their staff, hospitals can maximise all the benefits of an intelligent combi oven. So, when considering buying kitchen equipment something that must be considered is what training and customer support is provided by the supplier?
Staff turnover can mean that the knowledge gained during training is often lost, and customers then revert to manual operation instead of taking advantage of Rational’s intelligent cooking functions.
Rational’s free comprehensive training programme is available both online and face to face. There is an option for on-site training in the hospital kitchen, provided by Rational chefs, Rational’s training app or the ConnectedCooking digital kitchen management solution. Operators can book onto one of Rational’s training Academies or talk to a regional sales manager by using Rational’s ChefLine phone service which is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
3. If caterers are planning a new kitchen, what factors should they consider maximising the investment in a combi oven – eg siting, operational space, the role the combi will fulfil and menu planning?
Multifunctional cooking systems such as combi ovens can help with the issue of limited kitchen space. The iCombi Pro can be used as a steamer, a convection oven or a combination of the two. It can steam, roast, toast, bake, prove and regenerate. The flexibility of these cooking systems means they can be used throughout the day, for all cooking requirements.
4. As energy prices and inflation continue to put pressure on catering budgets, what financial savings can caterers expect from a combi oven?
The Rational iCombi Pro offers up to 50% higher productivity, 10% shorter cooking times and 10% lower energy consumption compared to its predecessor model, while still guaranteeing consistency, even at full loads.
Energy prices are rising, and it is becoming increasingly important to be able to control the carbon footprint of a professional kitchen. One way of achieving this is keeping an eye on the relevant data and taking action.
ConnectedCooking now offers operators a new function, the dashboard for digital energy usage display. This gives users an overview of the energy requirements of the iCombi Pro and enables them to identify potential savings.
5. Is connectivity fulfilling its potential yet in the hospital kitchen?
Rational’s ConnectedCooking can be used to manage and transfer cooking programs for the iCombi Pro centrally, and to easily access and download accurate HACCP data. This makes it easy to adapt menus, including accommodating special diets like gluten free and vegan foods. It allows managers and service providers to monitor the system, so that should anything be wrong, they know right away.
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