1. What are the most important factors that caterers should consider when selecting light catering equipment – e.g., energy-efficiency, ease of operation, connectivity, ability to reduce food waste?
Energy efficiency: RATIONAL cooking systems incorporate cutting-edge technology, including intelligent sensors and precise temperature control, to cook food with exceptional energy efficiency, reducing electricity consumption by up to 34% and water usage by 53% compared to conventional appliances. Professional kitchen equipment should be designed to minimise energy consumption, reducing operational costs and environmental impact. The Rational iCombi Pro combi steamer XS offers energy-efficient performance, thanks to intelligent cooking applications like the iProductionManager and iCookingSuite that have precise temperature control. The iCookingSuite finds ways for the desired cooking results and its sensors recognises the size, quantity and condition of the food. This means that it is easy to use by all staff, no checking, no supervision and this saves you time, raw materials and energy. Additionally, the iProductionManager feature helps you cook and organise your á la carte, Mise en place and other complex operational cooking intelligently. Whereby, it cooks different products at the same time, and this means energy optimised without loss of quality in results.
Ease of operation: User-friendly controls and intuitive interfaces are essential for efficient operation and minimal training requirements. Both the XS iVario and XS iCombi Pro offer simple and intuitive controls, making them easy to use for staff of all skill levels.
Connectivity: The ability to connect to digital systems and networks can enhance efficiency and streamline operations with ConnectedCooking. The Rational cooking systems can be connected to various digital platforms, allowing for remote monitoring, data analysis, and recipe management.
Ability to reduce food waste: Equipment that helps to minimise food waste, such as through precise cooking and portion control, can lead to significant cost savings. The Rational iVario and iCombi Pro offer features like intelligent cooking assistants and precise temperature control, which can help to reduce food waste by ensuring even cooking and preventing overcooking with less shrinkage on food.
2. What are the essential items of light catering equipment that a hospital kitchen should have?
The Rational iCombi Pro combi-steamer XS model, measuring just 655mm by 621mm, is an efficient cooking appliance that can be a vital component of a hospital kitchen's light catering equipment. Its versatility in cooking a wide range of foods—from meats and vegetables to pastries and desserts—using various methods such as steaming, grilling, roasting, and baking, makes it ideal for meeting the diverse needs of a hospital setting. By streamlining food preparation processes, these appliances ensure timely, high-quality meals for both patients and staff, all while saving valuable kitchen space by eliminating the need for multiple appliances.
3. What are the latest technological developments caterers should be aware of?
RATIONAL's new iHexagon model seamlessly integrates steam, hot air, and microwave technology, enabling the highest food quality to be achieved quickly and evenly across all racks in the 6-1/1 unit.
At the heart of this innovation is the iClimateBoost, an intelligent cooking assistant that precisely adjusts steam, convection, and microwave heat to suit each type of food. This allows operators to achieve exceptional food quality in minimal time. The microwave has been paired with the most powerful heating system RATIONAL has ever developed, restoring a balance of power. Combined with fresh steam, these energy sources are intelligently managed to produce succulent dishes with the perfect browning and rich roasted flavours.
4. What equipment is there to help caterers to meet the wider 24/7 hot food requirements for NHS staff?
The Rational iCombi Pro XS model is an invaluable asset for hospital caterers, especially those serving NHS staff around the clock. This high-performance combi-steamer offers unmatched versatility, efficiency, and precision, making it ideal for the demanding 24/7 food service environment. The iCombi Pro enables a diverse and nutritious menu.
Investing in advanced cooking systems like the iCombi Pro allows caterers to meet the unique nutritional and logistical needs of hospital catering, consistently delivering high-quality meals throughout the day and night. In a hospital setting, where speed and efficiency are crucial, the iCombi Pro's quick cooking times help ensure that meals are prepared and served promptly, enhancing patient and staff satisfaction.
With its ability to cook large quantities of food efficiently and consistently, the iCombi Pro ensures a continuous supply of hot meals for staff, guests, and patients. This accessibility to hot meals at any time reduces wait times, improves overall satisfaction, and contributes to a better dining experience for everyone in the hospital.
