The Caterer 2020 CESA Equipment Guide: Microwaves

Please attribute any quotes from this information to Ray Hall, Managing Director, RH Hall

RH Hall have been dominating the microwave market for over 40 years, building an extensive knowledge of this trusted kitchen essential. RH Hall are the UK’s largest, most knowledgeable and innovative microwave supplier, stocking only models from leading commercial brands – such as Sharp, the UK’s no. 1 and Maestrowave – having been sole UK distributors for both since 1992!

Microwaves are an essential part of any commercial kitchen and the latest technology means today’s machines are sophisticated and easy to use – producing excellent results in a fraction of the time of conventional cooking methods. From simple, efficient microwave only, to fully automated meal solutions, RH Hall offer the latest, most versatile products.
Opening the range is the Maestrowave MW10, a 1000W machine aimed at smaller operators looking for microwave speed with a reliable reputation. The unique microwave distribution and cavity ensure perfect cooking every time, backed up by an unprecedented 3 Year Warranty on the Magnetron – the heart of the machine. For larger operators, or those requiring more than just speed, the Maestrowave range also includes high speed combination microwaves such as the award winning Combi Chef 7. Packed with features including Menu Creator 2.0™ software, this oven produces outstanding results at the touch of a button. A video showing the features & benefits of this innovative product is available at www.rhhall.com

Additionally, the range of market leading Sharp microwaves is available exclusively from RH Hall and their nationwide dealer network – offering machines from 1000W up to extra heavy duty and high power 1900W, catering for all foodservice applications. Designed with total flexibility and versatility in mind, all machines have features to help save time and energy. Introduced in 2019, the innovative R7500M uses Inverter technology to provide ultra precise cooking control, with perfect results – particularly when defrosting or cooking delicate foods.
Innovation is at the forefront of RH Hall and today’s demanding market – the Maestrowave iWave® system is a prime example of this innovation. Using the latest microwave technology, the system provides a unique, fully encrypted, bar coded meal solution which is suitable for a number of applications including hospital ward service, retail vending outlets and more. The product is a world first, and available exclusively through RH Hall.
RH Hall can also provide much more than just the microwave solution – working with many of the UK’s leading foodservice operators to produce bespoke solutions, offering optimum results. The Food Solutions team work with food suppliers at the state of the art development kitchen and access the 15,000 sq. ft. fabrications division to produce bespoke branded microwave housing units, increasing customer visibility and ease of use. R H Hall offer the Total Foodservice Solution!

RH Hall operate through a national network of approved dealers, along with dedicated National Account and Food Solutions divisions, ensuring they always have the right person on hand to deal with any enquiry! So for all your Microwave oven and foodservice equipment requirements you only need one number – 01296 663400! You can also email sales@rhhall.com or visit www.rhhall.com & www.maestrowave.com

FOR PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT:
Emma Smith -  emma.smith@rhhall.com - 01296 663400

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone LU7 9FE

T: 01296 663 400 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

Microwave & Light Equipment: Care Home Catering – Winter 2019

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

What features on the latest generation of microwave ovens are going to be the most important/of greatest value in the care home kitchen?
There will always be a place in every kitchen for a basic microwave, but future developments are likely to focus on automation, particularly for multi-sited operations. Menu consistency is key and machines which offer easy menu programming will become more and more appealing. 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 care homes and many other applications. 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.
Also new to the commercial market is inverter technology, as used by the recently launched Sharp R7500M. By utilising constant power – rather than the pulsed power used by traditional models – this machine provides the ultimate in consistency, versatility and also demonstrates energy savings, with perfect results time after time.

How should the care home caterer select the right microwave?
To choose the right kind of microwave, consumers should look at their menu offering and decide what tasks the microwave oven should undertake. If the microwave is to be used mainly for simple reheating and defrosting of foods then a straight-forward commercial microwave will suffice. However, if you wish to reheat and cook food products then a 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 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.

What would you say to a care home caterer who is in the habit of specifying domestic microwaves?
Another big difference between commercial and domestic machines is build quality. A commercial machine should use on the best, heavy duty components – designed to withstand the intense use of a commercial environment. Domestic machines are built with light, home use only in mind – and therefore use much lighter duty components.
Finally, consider the warranty provided with the machine. A domestic machine is designed for use in the home, so any use outside of this will invalidate any warranty it is sold with. Commercial microwaves should come with at least 1 year on site warranty cover, with many of the leading brands providing up to 3 years on site. Always consider the warranty offered on the magnetron – which is the heart of any microwave!

R H Hall are the Sole UK & Eire Distributors for the Sharp range of commercial microwave ovens, and Exclusive Worldwide Distributor for the Maestrowave range of Catering Equipment

For more information:
www.rhhall.com www.maestrowave.com
FOR PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT:
Emma Smith
emma.smith@rhhall.com
01296 663400

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone LU7 9FE

T: 01296 663 400 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

Microwaves Feature Casual Dining: December 2019

Please attribute any comments to Kris Brearley, Sales Director, R H Hall

What are the main benefits to a well-considered microwave choice?
To choose the right kind of microwave, consumers should look at their menu offering and decide what tasks the microwave oven should undertake. If the microwave is to be used mainly for simple reheating and defrosting of foods then a straight-forward commercial microwave will suffice. However, if you wish to reheat and cook food products then a 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 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. 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. 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.

Please send an example of a restaurant operator you have worked with when supplying into their kitchens.
The following case studies have been featured in previous issues of ‘Update’ – The quarterly R H Hall Newsletter…

Sharp hits the right note for Marston’s
Marston’s is one of the country’s top pub businesses – a leading brewer of premium cask and bottles ales from its 5 Breweries, it also boasts a national estate of over 1,600 pubs. For many of their customers good value pub food is what they value above all else and the team at Marston’s have worked on a menu that is both traditional yet innovative to satisfy as many tastes as possible. 

Key to delivering these menus is a consistent quality in the dishes and the Sharp R24AT plays a vital role in achieving this. Andy Kershaw, Group Facilities Manager for Marston’s PLC, tells us more. “We have been using the Sharp microwaves for quite a long time now as they are very reliable and their durability is second to none. They are an excellent workhorse, through which we can accommodate large volumes and the pre-programmable settings mean we can achieve the high standard of consistency we want across all of our outlets. We edit and update our menus at certain points in the year and with the Sharp’s operational ease we have the ability to adapt our dishes to emerging customer trends. There are 1,000’s of Sharp microwaves across our estate, with up to 10 units in some sites. Andy continues, “A big percentage of our sales are food based and we need to know we can rely on our equipment and with Sharp we know we can. And if for any reason we need them, we have good access to spare parts, plus a great service and warranty back–up through RH Hall dealer, Albany Catering Equipment. Our programme of installing Sharp microwaves continues to roll-out across our estate and we are pleased to have just signed a further three year contract with RH Hall to deliver this”.
Bob Billingham of Albany Catering Equipment backs up Sharp’s reliability, having worked with this equipment across the Marston’s estate for a long time. His technical knowledge is extensive in this area and he comments
“I really like the Sharp units because they are so robust and work well under the heavy workload that Marston’s Pubs are used to. They are very easy to work with maintenance wise and if we ever need them, spare parts
are readily available so we can get sites up and running again without extensive delays”.

Staying Sharp with Lockhart
RH Hall has a long-standing partnership with Bunzl Lockhart Catering Equipment, one of the UK’s leading specialist providers of catering equipment. Lockhart has enjoyed a huge amount of success in recent years with a number of major national account wins. Several of these have seen our RH Hall team closely involved in helping Lockhart to deliver a winning proposition. A perfect example of this has been our Food Solutions team’s ability to pre-programme and personalise the menu options of Sharp microwaves to match the specific requirements of key Lockhart customers, including Nandos and CDG (The Casual Dining Group).

This pre-delivery customisation, which can include food trials, menu development and bespoke branding, has enabled Lockhart’s customers to achieve higher levels of consistency and efficiency in their food preparation by ensuring that all their outlets were heating food using the same microwave settings and not guessing at the correct cooking times on a day-by-day basis. 
Commenting on the strength of the partnership Paul Nieduszynski, Lockhart’s Managing Director said:
“I have always been really impressed by the level of engagement and technical expertise we get from RH Hall. They really are experts at what they do and they’ve provided us with great support for all our events and sales training programmes over the last few years. This has enabled them to develop a really close working relationship with our sales people out in the field and has been instrumental in helping us to jointly win a number of very important National Account customers.”

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 LU7 9FE

T: 01296 663 400 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

Microwave Feature SLTN – 28TH November 2019

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

How wide-ranging a role can microwaves play in a commercial kitchen? What are the benefits of using microwaves to prepare food? Today’s microwave ovens are sophisticated, yet easy to use and produce excellent cooking results in a fraction of the time it takes to cook foods conventionally and their versatility is under estimated. Many foods and dishes can be cooked very, very well in a microwave oven, with great results. The most obvious benefit to any operator is speed, but there is a great deal of versatility that a microwave can offer. Used properly, the microwave will form a key part of the kitchen operation and the ability to serve a full menu.

In terms of the food, how far has cooking with microwaves come in recent years and what results can operators expect from modern commercial microwaves?
One of the latest developments in the commercial microwave oven market is the use of Inverter technology to provide outstanding cooking results. Inverter technology differs from traditional microwaves by providing constant, rather than pulsed, power when cooking, reheating or defrosting at reduced power levels. For example, a traditional microwave set at 50% will pulse by switching power on and off throughout the cooking period, which can lead to un-even results in some foods. Inverter technology will provide a precise and constant supply of power at 50%, making it easier to cook or reheat foods slowly and defrost dishes to perfection. Thanks to precise temperature control, you can cook, reheat or defrost a far greater variety of dishes that conventional microwaves were previously not able to prepare to the same high standard. Our team can advise further on the results available from inverter technology.

How can operators be sure that the microwave they are buying will stand the test of time? And what can they do to prolong the life of their microwaves? 
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. When using your microwave on a regular basis, one tip 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 plastic cavity liner which is safer to use, easier to clean and provides long term financial benefits. Designed for the extra heavy duty Sharp range, every model sold with the Microsave CPS comes with a lifetime warranty on the cavity.

In terms of warranties, what guarantees should licensees be looking for when they purchase a new microwave? 
Always check the warranty offering available. A good quality commercial machine should come with a minimum of 1 year on site parts & labour warranty – with many of the leading manufacturers now offering up to 3 years. Look particularly at the cover offered on the magnetron, which is the heart of any commercial microwave! Our knowledgeable team can assist an operator in selecting the right model for their requirements, depending on predicted usage and the menu to be offered. Training is also be available if needed, as well as the potential for food trials and testing for larger operators and chains. In addition, we offer operators reliable service back up via our dedicated Customer Service team and nationwide network of service agents. We can also offer maintenance contracts if required – and have good availability of all spare parts, with stock held for fast delivery.

What advice would you give operators with regards to making the most from their microwaves? 
To choose the right kind of microwave, operators should look at their menu offering and decide what tasks the microwave oven should undertake. If the microwave is to be used mainly for simple reheating and defrosting of foods then a straight-forward commercial microwave will suffice. However, if you wish to reheat and cook food products then a 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 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. Finally, always choose from a commercial range of microwaves, consumers shouldn’t be tempted to go down the domestic route – these units simply aren’t built for the rigours of a professional kitchen. Likewise we would also recommend that cheap imports are also avoided – the testing, safety and product back-up that are offered by the leading brand names are often not available with a cheap import. R H Hall are the Sole UK and Eire Distributor for the Sharp range of Professional Microwave Ovens and Sole Worldwide Distributor for the Maestrowave range of Catering Equipment.

For more information:
www.rhhall.com www.maestrowave.com
FOR PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT:
Emma Smith
emma.smith@rhhall.com
01296 663400

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone LU7 9FE

T: 01296 663 400 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com