Barbecues Feature Pub & Bar (June 2021)

 Please attributes any quotes to Duncan Vipas, Head of Sales, R H Hall

How can pubs and bars make the most of the barbecue season ahead – are there any trends they should be aware of?

Barbecues may not previously have been seen as an essential item, but outdoor eating is a growing area of the market and operators should be taking the opportunities for extra revenue that barbecues can provide seriously. Provided some sort of outdoor area is available, any establishment can quickly and easily set up a barbecue for use almost immediately. Cooking outdoors can become a regular feature during the Spring and Summer months, and perhaps even further with the right equipment! Barbecue menus can provide a great focus for special events such as bank holidays, but can also provide a great source of extra income every weekend. Few can resist the smell of a barbecue on a summer afternoon and caterers can offer a simple barbecue menu without a great deal of expense or planning, providing they have the right equipment in place. Outdoor events also often bring in new customers, particularly on sunny days.

For any outdoor cooking set up, the most important piece of equipment to get right is the Barbecue itself! First and foremost, caterers should ensure that they are purchasing truly commercial equipment. Many domestic barbecues look the part, but will not last or be able to recover quickly during a busy service. Look for a Barbecue that uses commercial grade stainless steel (be wary that many domestic models use stainless steel but are of light duty construction) and also check out the grid racks - stainless steel work much better than coated ones that invariably chip and flake off in time. Consider heat up times – this can be as little as 6 minutes! Look for good portability as many barbecues have poorly constructed wheels. Importantly, ensure the product comes with a full commercial warranty. Remember that you would not buy a domestic cooker for your commercial kitchen so apply the same thought process for your outdoor Barbecue. The Crown Verity range of professional barbecue systems utilises a wide range of accessories to allow operators to create their perfect solution. Easy to retro fit and change, this versatility allows operators to re-invent and expand their menus. Options include griddles, rotisseries, steam pans and more.

Traditional barbecue foods such as burgers, sausages and steaks will always be a hit with customers and very few will be able to resist the smell of a barbecue on a summer afternoon. The Crown Verity MCB range includes models capable of cooking anything from 210 – 560 burgers per hour, with a grill to suit the output of any user! However, with a little bit of creative thinking venues can offer exciting menu options to appeal to a wide range of customers. With the recent trend for vegetarian and vegan foods, veggie sausages and burgers are the standard go to for many caterers, but with a versatile barbecue system chefs can create an abundance of more adventurous dishes! A specific vegetarian or vegan cooking surface should be available to prevent cross contamination with meat items. Look for a barbecue with separate cooking zones to allow for this – and also independent controls to allow for the different heat settings these products may require! Vegan and free-from foods will certainly see increased demand, although perhaps not traditionally seen as typical barbecue menu items. The Crown Verity range of Professional Barbecue systems includes a wide range of accessories such as griddles and steam pans to allow a vast and varied menu, allowing chefs to create innovative dishes that step away from traditional barbecued foods.

We see a wide range of operators looking to add outdoor cooking into their everyday offering – from small pubs, to multi sited chain operations. Some simply require a stand alone barbecue, that can easily be moved for service in different areas and is built to last – whilst others are working with our Food Solutions team to create a complete outdoor kitchen set up, including refrigeration, prep and handwash facilities, with some even incorporating bespoke graphics to promote their outdoor menu options. Charcoal and Gas options are available, with gas options using portable gas cylinders. Operators should also consider some kind of portable hand wash station and also prep/serving areas to avoid constant back & forth to the main kitchen. The range can also easily be paired with Simply Stainless Modular Fabrication to create a complete outdoor kitchen! With the Crown Verity Professional Barbecue range, operators can either create their own BBQ Station by combining a barbecue with stainless steel prep areas, refrigeration and even branding.

 

For more information:

www.rhhall.com, www.crownverity.com or our You Tube channel for videos showing the versatility of the Crown Verity range.

 

R H Hall are the Exclusive UK Distributor for the Crown Verity range of Professional Barbecue Systems

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

Nemco Easy Chopper 3 | RHHall Foodservice Solution

Microwave Feature Dine Out (June 2021)

Please attribute any quotes to Duncan Vipas, Head of Sales, R H Hall

What key advice would you give restauranteurs looking to source new microwaves?

Today’s microwave ovens are sophisticated, yet easy to use and produce excellent cooking 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. Combination microwaves can be used in place of a grill or oven where space is limited, combining these traditional cooking methods with microwave speed for outstanding results – even when cooking foods such as pastries, pies and pizza. For operations looking to introduce a simple food offering, the right microwave can help them create a ‘kitchen in a box’ with a small footprint and a minimal budget.

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 straightforward 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.

Always choose from a commercial range of microwaves, operators 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. 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!

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.

 What are the latest developments when it comes to these products?

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.

 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 – Head of Marketing - 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

Microwave Feature Contract Catering (June 2021)

 Please attribute any quotes to Duncan Vipas, Head of Sales, R H Hall

What types of microwaves are available?

Today’s microwave ovens are sophisticated, yet easy to use and produce excellent cooking 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. Combination microwaves can be used in place of a grill or oven where space is limited, combining these traditional cooking methods with microwave speed for outstanding results – even when cooking foods such as pastries, pies and pizza. For operations looking to introduce a simple food offering, the right microwave can help them create a ‘kitchen in a box’ with a small footprint and a minimal budget.

What should caterers consider before buying new equipment?

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.

Always choose from a commercial range of microwaves, operators 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. 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!

Are there any environmental considerations?

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.

In addition to the general energy saving benefits of microwaves, which do not require pre-heating and provide ‘on demand’ cooking, one of the latest developments in the commercial microwave market has been inverter technology. The unique Sharp R7500M offers the ultimate in durability, efficiency and reliability and by using constant rather than pulsed power, it provides energy savings as well as incredibly consistent results. By providing the operator with precision control, it is perfect for defrosting or heating delicate foods, as well as providing ultra fast regeneration times with a high power 1800W output.

What features are most useful?

Built in features to look for that save time and energy include: Programmable models – useful to reduce errors and wastage. Variable power – ideal for denser food products. Double or Triple quantity facility for multi portion cooking.

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.

 

What one tip would you offer on getting the best from your microwave?

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. 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.

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 – Head of Marketing - 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

Nemco Tomato Slicer |RHHall Foodservice Solution