Tuesday 28 February 2017

Pancake Day!

It's Pancake Day!!

It's take a look at our Pancake Pinterest board for ideas to make scrummy pancakes! 🥞🥞 Follow our Pinterest page 


R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY
T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

Monday 20 February 2017

New Product: Smeg ALFA43XUK

New Product Infomation: Smeg ALFA43XUK Oven



The new model replaces the best selling ALFA43UK and is said to provide a compact solution for any bake off or catering requirement.
Suitable for baking and reheating – from pastries and morning goods, to sausage rolls and pasties – this new now includes a fully stainless steel outer cabinet, said to make it more hard wearing and durable.
Don't miss out on reading the Catering Insight article. - http://bit.ly/2kPPhqj

Order yours online today - 

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY
T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

Wednesday 15 February 2017

Working with R H Hall

Careers at R H Hall

Working with R H Hall
                           
Want to work with the UK's Largest Independent Foodservice Distributor?

As our business grows, so does our team - we are always striving to find dynamic and concientious individuals to join our successful team and provide support to our customers.
With roles ranging from Administration Assistants, Service Engineers, Business Development Managers and many more, we offer many varied and interesting roles within the company, covering a wide range of skills.
We are an ISO registered company, Investor in People and an equal opportunities employer. Our packages combine great prospects and excellent job security, as well as competitive salaries and many additional benefits.
Current vacancies will be posted below. Simply click for more details on the role and how to apply.
Apprentices
We are always keen to hear from enthusiastic individuals who are looking to start a career and study whilst they work.
Opportunities are available within our Customer Service, Sales, Administration, Finance and Warehouse Teams.
Send us your CV, or a letter of interest - either by post or email to jobs@rhhall.com
Are you interested in working in the Commerical Catering Equipment industry? 

Monday 6 February 2017

Casual Dining 2017

SEE THE LATEST R H HALL INNOVATIONS AT CASUAL DINING!
STAND A208 – BDC, LONDON 22ND – 23RD FEBRUARY 2017

Please attribute any quotes to Kris Brearley, Sales Director, R H Hall
Press Information Contact: Emma Smith -  emma.smith@rhhall.com - 01296 663400


Visit R H Hall Foodservice Solutions and see our latest innovations by visiting us at Casual Dining this February. Find us on Stand A208 from 22-23rd, at the Business Design Centre, Islington.

We will be demonstrating the huge versatility of the award winning Maestrowave Combi Chef 7. Visit us to see the excellent results available from this fast, easy to use, Combination Microwave Oven.

In addition, come and see the New Covent Garden Soup Server in action - A world first from the UK’s No. 1 Chilled Soup Brand - Offering fresh tasting soup anywhere, anytime! Fully automatic and easy to use, earn profit from day one with this complete, innovative, soup serving solution!

In addition, we will be demonstrating the quality and versatility that we can offer with our diverse Exclusive brand portfolio – with the brand new Maestrowave MW10 1000W Microwave, alongside Sharp Microwaves, the innovative iWave system, Smeg Foodservice Ovens, Simply Stainless Modular Fabrications and Crown Verity Professional Barbecue Systems. Our Sales team will be on hand to discuss any requirements.
  
For more details please visit www.rhhall.com
or contact the R H Hall Sales Team – 01296 663400 or sales@rhhall.com

R H Hall are the Exclusive UK Distributor for Sharp Commercial Microwaves, Maestrowave Catering Equipment, Smeg Foodservice Ovens, Simply Stainless Modular Fabrications, Crown Verity Professional Barbecue Systems and the New Covent Garden Soup Server


For more information: www.rhhall.com  www.maestrowave.com

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY
T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

Thursday 2 February 2017

Ovens & Microwaves: Hotel F&B February 2017

OVENS & MICROWAVES FEATURE
HOTEL F&B FEBRUARY 2017


Please attributes any quotes to Ray Hall, Managing Director, R H Hall


What types of oven are available to hotels?If you could offer one tip to Hotel F&B managers deciding on a new oven unit, what would it be?
There are many choices available on the equipment market for ovens and the unit chosen often comes down to personal preference as well as space and budget restrictions. Whatever the preference, it has to be a versatile and flexible workhorse able to make light work of the most demanding dishes and be able to respond to the on-going changing demands that come with any professional commercial kitchen. Most operations want to offer a varied and attractive food offering and so without a doubt an oven that can ‘multi task’ in response to that will be a good investment.

To help make the right choice, caterers must be clear on the intended use: the volume of throughput; the types of dishes/menu available; variations in service time; staffing skills and find out about the latest features and operational functions before they invest.
Options range from large combination steamers, through bake off ovens and combination microwaves, to simple but essential microwave only.
Microwaves today are split into 2 main categories – standard microwave only, which are perfect for reheating a wide range of foods – and combination microwaves, which offer huge versatility for cooking a wider range of products, with the speed of microwave cooking.
The market leading Sharp range of microwaves available through RH Hall offer heavy and extra heavy duty build quality with total control, flexibility and versatility –with in-built features to save time and energy. The best-selling range goes from 1000W to 1900W to cater for all foodservice applications and are available in both touchpad or manual control versions.
The Maestrowave Combi Chef 7 is able to operate in a variety and combination of cook modes making it the most flexible, efficient and easy to use oven yet! It can bake, roast, grill, steam, defrost, regenerate, microwave, boil or simply keep food warm - this is the oven that can do it all. This high speed oven features Menu Creator 2.0™ software. Packed with features, the oven will produce the best results at the simple touch of a button – a total combination of 11 cooking modes can be used to achieve top quality results. Up to 99 menus can be pre-programmed to ensure consistency time after time. But don’t be daunted, the Menu Creator 2.0™ is extremely easy to use; however, if required, full technical support is available from RH Hall. There is a web video available on line which demonstrates the benefits of combination Microwave ovens - visit www.rhhall.com and follow the link on the home page.

What should caterers consider before buying new equipment?
To choose the right kind of equipment, operators should look at their menu and decide what tasks the oven should undertake. If to be used mainly for the simple reheat and defrosting of foods then a straight Commercial microwave will suffice. However, if you wish to reheat and cook food products then a convection oven or combination microwave oven is well advised. Items such as pastry will become soggy if reheated in an ordinary microwave whereas using a combination microwave the crisp, golden brown and conventional finished result will be achieved in microwave time! It is very important to choose the correct microwave oven wattage. You need to choose an oven with sufficient power, but just as importantly, do not over specify. If too low, you can be frustrated by delays, and if too high,
it will be difficult to judge the timing of small portions. Whilst it is common for caterers to choose speed (the higher the output the faster reheat times), it is also very important to understand that for some food products too much speed will destroy smaller portions of food or the delicate and sugary types of products.
What are the essential features of modern oven equipment?
The Maestrowave Combi Chef 7 has many features to offer including the latest Menu Creator 2.0™ software package, which allows you to ‘create your own menu’ and programme up to 99 menus using any method of oven, microwave, grill or combination and with or without the turbo fan! This oven is the most flexible, efficient and easy to use oven yet and will help you produce the best results ever, in super quick time – it’s really an oven that can do it all and produce consistent results time after time. Fitting into a skilled or non-skilled kitchen with complete ease, this piece of equipment is very easy to operate with sophisticated results being possible within both operations. The model sits on a counter and operates from a single 13 amp supply. We have produced a brand new video showing all the features and benefits of combi cooking using the latest and innovative Maestrowave Combi Chef 7. Simply log on to www.rhhall.com and follow the links from the home page.

Does the name or the brand of the oven being used matter to customers?
If the customer has purchased equipment previously or been in the industry for some time, they may have a preference on the brand of equipment they use due to reputation and past experience. Some brand names, such as Smeg and Sharp, stand out in the industry and many will already be familiar with the brands even without knowledge of commercial equipment. This can provide peace of mind.
How important a role do microwaves play in the modern kitchen?
Microwaves are definitely an essential part of today’s commercial kitchen – essential for speed of service and still allowing an operator to offer a wide choice of menu. Microwaves are also very energy efficient. If simple reheat and defrosting of foods is required then a microwave will suffice, but if an operator wants to reheat and cook food products then a combination microwave convection oven is well advised.

Is there any training required on how to operate the oven units?
Understanding is still the key to success with any cooking. To maximise usage of a microwave or oven effectively, I think it is paramount that all caterers are educated as to the full potential of their unit. By fully understanding a microwave and getting the right techniques for each type of food, succulent meat, poultry and fish together with perfectly cooked vegetables that retain taste, texture and nutritive value are all possible. Many of the techniques used in microwave cooking are the same as used in conventional cooking, but with a few minor adjustments. There is a great deal of diversity of dishes that can be prepared quickly and easily from fresh ingredients. Not only that, but more nutrients are retained in microwave cooked food than by any other cooking method. In fact, correctly cooked vegetables contain 85% of their original vitamin content, when boiled they often contain none! Historically there has been a lot of negativity towards cooking with microwaves, but there shouldn’t be, microwaves can cook great food in a fraction of the time it would take with other methods. Not only do they save time, but money and nutrients too.
We recommend that the correct training of staff on how to use and look after the equipment in the first instance will definitely help the life span of any equipment. In
addition, simple regular low cost maintenance and cleaning will keep it in peak health and condition.

At RH Hall we train our distributors to be able to offer the best advice and training to the end user. Such advice as to when and how to clean the oven, service interval recommendations and the best use of the oven are just part of the training given to customers. We also have an extensive facility at our HQ fitted out with all the very latest equipment so clients and distributors can see and operate a number of microwaves in addition to a very wide range of kitchen equipment.

First and foremost you should look at choosing from a recognised brand – the major manufacturers are often the most innovative and have developed machines with intelligent features that are time/labour saving and energy efficient too. So, choose a leading brand with an established reputation – don’t be tempted to go down the cheap import route.

R H Hall are the Sole UK distributor for Sharp Professional Microwave Ovens and Smeg Foodservice Ovens.

For more information: www.rhhall.com  www.maestrowave.com

Press Information Contact: Emma Smith -  emma.smith@rhhall.com - 01296 663400

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY
T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

Microwave: Educatering February 2017

MICROWAVES
EDUCATERING FEBRUARY 2017

Please attributes any quotes to Kris Brearley, Sales Director, R H Hall

How useful are microwaves in a school kitchen environment?
Microwaves are essential for speed of service – considerably faster than conventional ovens and they also allow an operator to offer a wider choice of menu. Their versatility also provides advantages and the leading brands are developing models with new features and functionality in response to customers looking for product innovation, so they can be easily operated from a de-skilled base. Microwaves are very energy efficient too. In fact, when cooking vegetables they use three times less energy than that of a gas hob. Their footprint is also smaller than conventional ovens, great where space is at a premium.

How much of a school menu can a microwave cook?
Microwaves offer a quick and convenient tool at any time of the day and can reheat snacks and full meals with ease – perfect for when quick turnarounds are needed, particularly at breakfast or break times. Microwaves are also capable of much more than just reheating foods and by fully understanding their microwave and getting the right techniques for each type of food, succulent meat, poultry and fish together with perfectly cooked vegetables that retain taste, texture and nutritive value are all possible. Many of the techniques used in microwave cooking are the same as used in conventional cooking, but with a few minor adjustments. There are a great diversity of dishes that can be prepared quickly and easily from fresh ingredients. Not only that, but more nutrients are retained in microwave cooked food than by any other cooking method. In fact, correctly cooked vegetables contain 85% of their original vitamin content, when boiled they often contain none! A great benefit especially for growing children where they would only need to eat a little to get more of the vitamins they need. Historically there has been a lot of negativity towards cooking with microwaves, but there shouldn’t be, microwaves can cook great food in a fraction of the time it would take with other methods. Not only do they save time, but money and nutrients too.

Should caterers have a standard microwave or a multifunctional appliance that can do more than one task?
For those requiring more than just speed, the Maestrowave range includes combination microwaves such as the award winning Maestrowave Combi Chef 7. This high speed oven is packed with features including Menu Creator 2.0™ software and produces outstanding results at the touch of a button. A total of 11 combination modes allows huge menu versatility, and up to 99 pre-programmable menus ensure consistency. Menu Creator 2.0™ is incredibly easy to use, but full support is available via the Food Solutions team, who can offer menu development services. A video showing the features & benefits of this innovative product is available at www.rhhall.com

Do microwaves take away the skill/creativity of a school cook?
If used correctly, this should not be the case! Microwaves can introduce speed and efficiency to any kitchen operation, potentially freeing up other kitchen equipment to perform crucial tasks and improving speed of service and output. To maximise usage of a microwave effectively, it is paramount that all cooks/caterers are educated to the full potential of their unit and also receptive to implementing the alternative cooking techniques required. Only then will they be able to fully appreciate the great results that are possible and implement its use more and more in the meals produced by their kitchen.

What are the latest technologies of microwave cooking?
Leading brands are developing models with new features and functionality in response to customers looking for product innovation. Recently launched, the Maestrowave MW10 is a 1000W machine aimed at smaller operators looking for speed with a reliable reputation. The unique microwave distribution and cavity ensure perfect cooking, backed up by an unprecedented 3 Year Warranty on the Magnetron – the heart of the machine!

One key area is not just the equipment itself, but in menu’s and food products too – the marrying of equipment and food/menu developments to get the maximum quality, value for money and labour saving solutions. We have been working with leading food producers and packaging companies to develop dishes specifically for microwave regeneration. The revolutionary iWave® Foodservice Solution uses microwave technology to provide a fully automated, ‘straight to plate’ system. With barcode scanners replacing traditional touchpad or manual controls, the iWave® offers a ‘fool-proof’ solution for certain applications – vending, care homes, hospitals and schools to name just a few. We can work with various food companies to fully test and develop a bespoke menu for any site. With e-reporting options available, stock and budget control can be also managed easily.
Press Information Contact: Emma Smith, Marketing Assistant -  emma.smith@rhhall.com - 01296 663400

Are modern microwaves good at saving energy?
Modern microwaves are incredibly energy efficient and in fact, when cooking vegetables they use three times less energy than that of a gas hob. Most models will operate from a standard 13 amp plug, even with high outputs of up to 1900W.

For more information: www.rhhall.com  www.maestrowave.com

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY
T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

Microwave Feature: Foodservice Equipment Journal February 2017

MICROWAVES FEATURE 
FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT JOURNAL – FEBRUARY 2017

Please attribute any comments to Ray Hall, Managing Director, R H Hall

Some operators often make the mistake of using domestic models. What is the single biggest factor that sets a commercial microwave apart from a domestic model?
Domestic microwaves simply aren’t built for the rigours of a professional kitchen. The build quality and components used are of a much higher quality and heavier duty in a commercial machine – designed to withstand very frequent use.

I am a foodservice operator that uses my microwave dozens of times a day, every day of the week. How long can I expect it to last?
With annual servicing in place and by buying a recognised quality brand, there is absolutely no reason why your commercial microwave oven shouldn’t last between 3-5 years and even more, dependent on site and on how the oven is cared for! Regular cleaning and servicing are key to ensure users get the maximum lifespan from their microwave.

Is there a correlation between the power and internal capacity of a microwave? (e.g. if I want a microwave that holds larger portion sizes, does it require more power to do so?)
Most microwaves have a fairly standard sized cavity, regardless of the power output. However, there are some machines on the market that are designed to take multiple or large portions for batch output – all of which start with a minimum power output of 1800W.

What factors determine the power ratings that come with microwaves and can this be distinctly categorised into ‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘heavy’ duty?
Any machine with an output of 1000W to 1200W will typically be classed as low or medium duty - The build quality and components of the machine will determine which of these categories it falls into. These machines are typically used for simple reheating tasks and may have a shorter lifespan than other models. Anything from 1500W upwards is likely to need to withstand heavier usage – and therefore operators should always be looking for a machine that fits in to the Heavy Duty or even Extra Heavy Duty categories. However, operators should not assume that the power of microwave they choose is a testament of its duty rating – the components and build quality have a huge impact on this. Avoid cheap imported models and always check the warranty – a truly heavy duty machine with a high output should come with at least 3 Years On Site Warranty.

Is a 1000W microwave likely to be less rugged or durable than a 1900 watt model? Or is the difference in rating purely a question of power and speed?
See above.

What’s more important when choosing the right model for my business: How frequently I intend to use it? How much food I want to cook at once? How quickly do I want it to work?
When choosing the microwave for your operation, all of these factors really need to be considered to make an informed decision. To choose the right kind of microwave, consumers should look at their menu offering and decide what tasks the microwave oven should undertake. It is very important to choose the correct microwave oven wattage. You need to select an oven with sufficient power, but just as importantly, do not over specify. If too low, frustrations can be caused by delays, and if too high, it will be difficult for the user to judge the timing of small portions. Whilst it is common for caterers to choose speed (the higher the output the faster reheat times), it is also very important to understand that for some food products too much speed will destroy smaller portions of food or the delicate and sugary types of products.

It’s been stated that the main feature that operators should pay closest attention to when buying a microwave is the number of magnetrons it has. Is that true or false?
Traditionally, higher power machines have more than 1 magnetron to ensure even heat. However, as technology has evolved manufacturers are finding more innovative ways to enhance heat distribution. Recently launched, the Maestrowave MW10 is a 1000W machine aimed at smaller operators looking for speed with a reliable reputation. The unique microwave distribution method and cavity ensure perfect cooking, backed up by an unprecedented 3 Year Warranty on the Magnetron – the heart of the machine!

Microwaves can get dirty very quickly. How important is it to make sure my microwave has a removable oven cavity liner?
When using your microwave on a regular basis, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked for getting the best from a microwave is regular cleaning - keep the oven’s cavity and inner door clean of food spillage/deposits at all times. This will avoid cavity burn ups and prolong the life of its heart “The Magnetron”. This measure will also help the consistency and speed of reheat/ cook times. You could purchase the Microsave Cavity Protection System which is a unique and simple cavity liner manufactured from high quality TPX resin - which is safer to use, easier to clean and provides long term financial benefits. This invaluable add on is designed to work with the Sharp Commercial Microwave range and every Sharp sold with the Microsave CPS comes with a lifetime warranty on the cavity.

Some microwaves come with manual dial controls and others with programmable touch controls. What are the pros and cons of each?
Models with manual controls are incredibly straight forward to use and offer an out of the box solution for unskilled kitchen staff. However, these models can sometimes lack the advanced features that have become available in recent years. A touchpad, programmable model may seem daunting at first glance, but provided this is set up correctly from the start it can actually be the most straight forward option.

For more information, please visit:
Press Information Contact: Emma Smith -  emma.smith@rhhall.com - 01296 663400

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY
T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

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