Microwaves Feature: Catering Insight March 2017

MICROWAVES FEATURE

CATERING INSIGHT – MARCH 2017

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

What do you think the future holds for professional microwaves?
The place of microwaves in the commercial kitchen is showing no signs of changing and has a very bright future ahead! Used by almost every establishment – from multi sited operator, to independent businesses – this true kitchen essential can produce excellent results in a fraction of the time it takes conventional cooking and reheat methods. Many food chains are now using banks of 6 or more machines! Today’s budding chefs have been brought up on the ease of microwave cooking and have become reliant on their versatility in today’s fast paced market, ensured continued demand.

Do you see microwave technology imminently changing at all?
A subject of current discussion is the use of RF Solid State cooking technology, which provides far better and more consistent power control, along with many other benefits. The cost of this technology is currently very high, but we will see it introduced to the market in time.
Manufacturers are always looking for new and innovative ways that microwave technology can be used. The Combination Microwave market is continuing to grow – with these clever machines offering the speed of microwave cooking, combined with the versatility of more conventional methods. Many also include pre-programmable menu facilities, such as the Maestrowave Combi Chef 7 which includes Menu Creator 2.0™, allowing users to set up to 99 different menu settings and deploy these to as many machines as required via SD card – ensuring total consistency. We are currently seeing rapid progress with Combination Microwave technology and expect to see imminent changes in this area – we are currently working with some major manufacturers in developing the next generation!
The use of barcodes with microwave cooking continues to be exclusively marketed and developed by iWave. The company are currently planning an addition to the range which will be designed to appeal to the wider catering market. Keep an eye on www.maestrowave.com for the latest news.
How will microwaves compete in an increasingly crowded quick cooking marketplace?
Microwaves compete very favourably indeed. They are versatile, space saving (units can easily be stacked), have low running costs and are also extremely affordable. In comparison to the tasks they undertake, they provide great value for money and because of this we predict that they will continue to innovate and lead the Accelerated Cooking market.

What should dealers look out for when specifying microwaves, going forwards?
Importantly, dealers should understand the needs of the customer and their intended usage. Deal with a commercial microwave oven specialist distributor/importer and stick with established and proven brands. Also, consider and discuss the benefits of Combination Microwave Ovens, with many specialists and brands providing demonstration services – potentially from their own Development Kitchens. Combined use of Microwaves and Combination Microwaves provides caterers with such versatility and are a great space saving product.
Avoid low cost cheap imports as many are domestic quality and will not withstand commercial use. Importantly they will falter in performance leading to core temperature of food issues.
Consider features such as Pre-Programmable Menu settings, or perhaps even barcode technology for a complete de-skilled operation.
Power output is also very important to specify correctly. Too low and the caterer will be frustrated with reheating times. Higher power machines can always be used on a lower power setting by using the variable power control - a standard feature with all established brands.
Multi-sited chains may require further support in the form of food testing, demonstrations or training, pre-programming, branding and more. Your specialist microwave supplier should always be able to work in partnership with you and your customer to offer these services. Using this approach, we have had notable successes with our Distributor partners – signing up a number of chain accounts in the last 18 months. We’re here and ready to work with you!

For more information, please visit:
www.rhhall.com
www.microwaveassociation.org.uk www.maestrowave.com
FOR FURTHER PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT:
Emma Smith
01296 663400
emma.smith@rhhall.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