LIGHT CATERING EQUIPMENT FEATURE- OOH MAY 2016
What items of light catering
equipment are essential?
It really can be a mine
field to decide what equipment to choose out of the hundreds of brands and
variations of equipment available. It really depends on your type of operation,
the throughput and staffing levels – there’s no point in having lots of
individual pieces of kit if they are going to sit on a shelf for the majority of
the time!
As a starting point, we would suggest that a
Combination microwave oven (such as the Maestrowave Combi Chef 7) which is
extremely versatile and can perform a number of multiple tasks in one easy to
use unit is one essential. For more details on the benefits of combination
microwave cooking – see our online video by visiting www.rhhall.com
Couple this with the addition of an
induction hob for further instant heat plus certain specific complementary pieces
that can spread the workload such as Panini grills, slicers, rice cookers and
soup kettles that can perform individual tasks with ease can all be essential
depending on the type of operation and menu offered.
What are the advantages of
using light catering equipment (power saving, efficiency etc) over ovens etc?
Light duty equipment is
often compact and relatively inexpensive, particularly useful where caterers
have limited budgets or want to try out a new menu offering before investing in
expensive kit. Most light duty items are also plug and go – operating from just
a 13 amp socket, meaning low running costs and good energy efficiency.
What should caterers
consider before buying new equipment?
Equipment that is
multi-functional and versatile is ideal and where space is at a premium, units
with a small footprint can help save valuable space – as can those that can
stack, one on top of the other. It may seem fundamental, but consider the
footprint of some equipment 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.
Many cheaper imports are flooding into the
UK and it can be tempting to go down this route, but unknowingly to many, a lot
of this equipment doesn’t have any product conformity standards and the back-up
of a full warranty. So when purchasing, I would recommend operators to go for a
well-known brand - guaranteed quality doesn't cost you more!
Regardless of size or duty, sturdy
manufacture is a ‘must’ and this is what you get by choosing a well-known brand
- anything else won’t perform or last. Choose a leading brand with an
established reputation for good quality, durability and reliability. These brands
usually build in great operational features too, which should always be
considered.
Should caterers look for
companies with a long history of products? Or is it worth gambling on the
latest innovations?
New products are always
hitting the market, and whilst some of these will stand the test of time, it is
always worth considering brands with a proven track record of reliable,
established products and services. Consider the availability of any spare parts
or warranty call outs, along with conformity standards. Choosing a well known
brand with guaranteed quality shouldn’t cost you more – and companies are
always looking for ways to incorporate the latest technology and innovations –
so you shouldn’t lose out!
What kind of warranties
should caterers look out for?
Commercial equipment should
come with a minimum of a 1 year warranty, with spare parts and service readily
available. Some equipment comes with a warranty of 3 years or more! Once the
product is outside of its manufacturer warranty period, consider the cost of
the equipment and whether it is economical to look at an on-going maintenance
contract, or if it would be more cost effective to replace the machine if any
issues occurred.
What one tip would you offer
someone who is investing in light catering equipment?
Look at your menu offering
and ensure that the equipment chosen meets the needs of your menu now, but also
importantly consider any future developments. Ensure all staff are fully
trained to use the equipment to its full potential and also in any regular
cleaning/maintenance to ensure it is performing at its best.
Please include a definitive website address where readers can go for
more info on your company. www.rhhall.com www.maestrowave.com
R H Hall are the Sole Worldwide
Distributor for the Maestrowave range of Catering Equipment.
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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