B & I Magazine September 2016
Combi Ovens
What ranges of Combi Ovens are available?
Options range from large combination steamers –
available in various sizes and with either gas or electric power – down to
versatile combination microwaves, which offer many cooking features in a
compact space.
What should caterers consider before buying new 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.
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!
Having
ovens that can adapt to changing needs will help in terms of productivity and
throughput, profits and cost savings too. Caterers can easily switch between
one or two combi’s depending on demand, which will give great flexibility and
potentially added profits when operating to full capacity, off-setting initial outlays.
With
regards to features when choosing a microwave/combi microwave, variable power
is very important, as this will allow more dense food products to be
reheated/cooked more evenly, working in the same way as a hob, it gives you
exact control for a quality cooked/reheat result. A further feature to look for
is stage cooking. This allows the operator to program in a series of different
defrost/cook/reheat tasks to allow a complete process to be carried out at the
press of a button. For example, it is possible to defrost then cook and keep
warm ready for serve up all in one go. Most leading brand models now have this
function as standard.
For a
combination microwave oven, make sure you choose a machine with sufficient
power. If the output is too low you can be frustrated by delays and if too high
it will be difficult to judge timings of small portions and can lead to
overcooking and wastage.
Also look
for: accelerated cooking, regeneration and rapid defrost functions; rapid cool
down facility, invaluable when needing to switch from oven or combination mode
to defrost or microwave. Some latest models, like the Maestrowave Combi Chef 7,
incorporate Menu Creation software for the ease of updating ever evolving food
menus!
Space and
installation aspects are also key considerations. It may seem fundamental, but
consider the footprint of some ovens in comparison to their potential output.
The Combi Chef 7 has a small counter top footprint and can be stacked one on
top of the other – so you can save on space yet double the output. Also many ovens will need hard wiring to a
certain KW rating – with the Combi Chef 7 it’s a simple case of plug in and go!
What advantages do Combi Ovens provide?
The main advantage with any Combi Oven is speed,
particularly when looking at Combi Microwaves. The many features of a modern
combination microwave also offer huge versatility, meaning these are capable of the different techniques needed in turning out various courses.
What features are the most useful on a Combi Oven?
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. Fits 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.
How can chefs get the most from Combi Ovens?
Getting the correct training for staff on how to
use and look after the equipment in the first instance will help a caterer get
the best from their equipment. With the Maestrowave Combi Chef 7, the menus are
easily pre-programmed and then operation is extremely easy, even from a
completely de-skilled staff base. Understanding
is still the key to success with combination microwave cooking though. To
maximise usage of a combi effectively, I think it is paramount that all
caterers are educated as to the full potential of their unit and also be
receptive to implementing the alternative cooking techniques required and then
they’ll 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. By fully understanding their combi 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. With the pre-programmed options available, if used correctly a
combination microwave can operate at the touch of a button – with consistent
and quality results.
What one tip would you offer someone who is buying/using a Combi Oven?
Choose a leading brand and buy the best equipment
you can afford – take a close look at build quality don’t be fooled into buying
cheaper imports. Go for peace of mind - the leading brands, with an established
and good reputation for quality, reliability and genuine service back up in a
commercial situation is crucial.
Please include a definitive website address where readers can go for
more info on your company
For Press Infomation Contact: Emma Smith - emma.smith@rhall.com - 01296 663 400
R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Bedfordshire, LU7 9GY
