FEJ Awards 2018 - Supplier of the year for Service & Support

Foodservice Equipment Journal Awards 2018

Service & Support Category

We need your vote!!! We're delighted to have been nominated in the Service & Support category for this year's Foodservice Equipment Journal awards and voting is now open... Details on voting can be found using the link below and the deadline is 8th May...

We really hope the service we provide has earned your vote! https://lnkd.in/dBqa3yS

Follow us on twitter @rhhallcatering

RHHall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone LU7 9FE

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

Spring 2018 Update

 Spring 2018 Newsletter

- The truth about microwaves

- Crown Verity extends contract

- Small Smeg Ovens are big performers

Download your copy of the latest update here...   http://bit.ly/2qQDkXe 

Follow us on twitter @rhhallcatering

RHHall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone LU7 9FE

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

Ovens & Microwaves Feature OOH - April 2018

Ovens & Microwaves Feature - OOH April 2018

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

What types of oven and microwaves are available?
There are many choices available on the equipment market for ovens and the unit chosen often comes down to personal preference as well as space and budget restrictions. Whatever the preference, it has to be a versatile and flexible workhorse able to make light work of the most demanding dishes and be able to respond to the on-going changing demands that come with any professional commercial kitchen. Most operations want to offer a varied and attractive food offering and so without a doubt, an oven that can ‘multi-task’ in response to that will be a good investment. 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. Options range from large combination steamers, through bake-off ovens and combination microwaves, to simple but essential microwave only. Microwaves today are split into 2 main categories – standard microwave only, which are perfect for reheating a wide range of foods – and combination microwaves, which offer huge versatility for cooking a wider range of products, with the speed of microwave cooking.

What should caterers consider before buying new equipment?
First and foremost you should look at choosing from a recognized brand – the major manufacturers are often the most innovative and have developed machines with intelligent features that are time/ labor 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 choose the right kind of equipment, operators should look at their menu and decide what tasks the oven should undertake. If to be used mainly for the simple reheat and defrosting of foods then a straight Commercial microwave will suffice. However, if you wish to reheat and cook food products then a convection oven or 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 choose an oven with sufficient power, but just as importantly, do not over specify. If too low, you can be frustrated by delays, and if too high, it will be difficult 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.

Are there any environmental considerations? 
A recent article in The Daily Express made claims that microwaves are damaging to the environment. In response, we have supported and worked with the Microwave Technologies Association to provide evidence to the contrary. Please see the attached study for more details…http://www.microwaveassociation.org.uk/factsheets/Microwaves-26-1-18.pdf

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 nonskilled 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 homepage.

What one tip would you offer on getting the best from your oven or microwave?
Understanding is still the key to success with any cooking. To maximize 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 lifespan 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 distributor for Sharp Professional Microwave Ovens and Smeg Foodservice Ovens.

For more information:www.rhhall.com www.maestrowave.com www.microwaveassociation.org.uk


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

Follow us on twitter @rhhallcatering

RHHall, 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 Food Equip Journal April 2018

MICROWAVES FEATURE

FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT JOURNAL – APRIL 2018

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

The principles of microwave technology are tried and trusted. But do the latest generation of machines (those introduced since 2017) contain any major new benefits or enhancements that operators might not be fully aware of?

Manufacturers are always looking for new and innovative ways that microwave technology can be used. TheCombination Microwave and High-Speed Oven 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 also continues to be exclusively marketed and developed by iWave. The company are currently planning an addition to the range that will be designed to appeal to the wider catering market. Keep an eye on www.maestrowave.com for the latest news.


Where do you see commercial microwave manufacturers channelling their investment in the coming years? Do you expect the emphasis to be on design and aesthetics, for example, or are you expecting certain patterns to emerge in terms of features and functionality?

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. As technology moves forward, more suppliers will be looking to offer their high-speed ovens with a 13-amp option – offering more versatility and market opportunities for this equipment. One example of this is the Electrolux Speedelight High-Speed Panini Grill, with a 13amp version of this already popular solution being launched in 2018. Improvement and attention to design and additional functionality is always on the drawing board as well as more efficiencies in terms of performance and reducing running costs, although the latter has always been the big plus point using microwave technology. R H Hall will continue to be at the forefront offering the very latest microwave oven products backed up with National approved dealer cover, demonstration and menu development in order for caterers
to gain the most from their investment. What does the product pipeline look like for the microwaves that you supply? What’s special about the new microwaves you have bought to the market in the last 12 months or coming 12 months? Our product pipeline is exciting with investment to combination microwave oven technology and the iWave barcode range. The microwave oven continues to be seen as a must-have kitchen product within commercial foodservice operations. We continue to work in partnership with our dealer and distributor network to offer the full microwave solution. Multi-sited chains may require additional support in the form of food testing, demonstrations or training, pre-programming, branding and more. Your specialist microwave supplier should always be able to liaise closely with the operator to offer these services and we have had notable successes with our Distributor partners – signing up a number of chain accounts in the last 18 months. We are 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

Follow us on twitter @rhhallcatering

RHHall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone LU7 9FE

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

Microwave Masters March 2018

Microwave Masters

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

RH Hall have been dominating the microwave market for 40 years, building extensive knowledge of this kitchen essential. The company is highly regarded and reliable – with in-house Sales, Customer Service and Technical teams. The UK’s largest, most innovative microwave supplier – RH Hall stock only models from leading brands.

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 it takes conventional methods. From Sharp – chosen by the UK’s Leading Operators, to the Maestrowave range – which includes affordable options such as the MW10, as well as innovative solutions such as iWave and the Combi Chef 7, RH Hall can offer the latest, most versatile products – as well as independent, unbiased advice on the best machine to suit the needs of any operator.

Innovation is crucial in today’s demanding market and RH Hall work with many of the UK’s leading foodservice chain operators to produce bespoke solutions, offering optimum results. 

RH Hall also regularly work with food suppliers and chefs on menu creations at their development kitchen, creating and adapting menus.

RH Hall operate through a national network of 1,400+ 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 needs you only need one number – 01296 663400! You can also email sales@rhhall.com or visit our website www.rhhall.com

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

Follow us on twitter @rhhallcatering

RHHall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone LU7 9FE

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

BBQ Feature March 2018

BBQ FEATURE SLTN MARCH 15TH 2018

Please attributes any quotes to Ray Hall, Managing Director, R H Hall

What are the benefits to pubs and bars of hosting outdoor BBQ events?
Barbecues may not previously have been seen as an essential item, but outdoor eating is a growing area of the UK 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.

What are the key pieces of kit required to execute a successful al fresco BBQ in the on trade?
For any outdoor cooking set up, the most important piece of equipment to get right is the Barbecue itself! Provided some sort of outdoor area is available, any establishment can quickly and easily set up a barbecue for use almost immediately. 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 Crown Verity range includes both simple charcoal barbecues and versatile, portable gas options. Also available in the CVEHS hand wash station and the range can 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 – or look at ready-made options, such as the MBI80 which includes a 36” barbecue with side burner and storage.

What should operators look for in a BBQ?
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. Look for good portability as many barbecues have poorly constructed wheels. Importantly, ensure the product comes with a full commercial warranty. Some have a lifetime guarantee! Remember that you would not buy a domestic cooker for your commercial kitchen so apply the same thought process for your outdoor Barbecue.

Do you offer any financing or hire options for the on trade?
We are able to offer a wide range of purchasing options including rental, hire, and leasing.


What maintenance should a venue’s staff undertake to make sure BBQs stay in top condition throughout the warmer months?

Regular maintenance and cleaning will help to prolong the life of your equipment, so it is very important that all staff are aware and capable of performing essential daily tasks. Look for products that are easy to clean and maintain – removable parts such as grease traps, particularly on barbecues, are invaluable. Also, consider that extra measures should be taken for equipment that will be stored outside. Look for equipment that can be easily maneuvered for storage and purchase a purpose built cover for extra protection when not in use.

What top best practice tips can you offer licensees for providing a great BBQ offer?
Events can be kept as simple as firing up the BBQ on a Summers day, but can also be enhanced with live music or family entertainment to increase the draw. The bigger the event, the more planning will be required. Advertising locally with posters and banners is likely to draw attention – and also ensuring regular customers are aware of the event in advance so they can spread the word! If the weather forecast is looking good and large numbers are expected, operators should ensure staff levels are considered and also ensure the bar is well stocked – when the sun comes out, record sales can be
achieved! It almost goes without saying, but make sure the BBQ has been fired up in advance and if recently purchased, ensure that the chef has tested his menu prior to the event. 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 to output of any user! However, events such as the British BBQ Battle demonstrate that Barbecue cooking need not be restricted to food served in a bun! Chefs from across the industry have been able to turn out very impressive 3-course menu’s year after year and with a little bit of creative thinking, venues can offer exciting menu options to appeal to a wide range of customers. Past BBQ Champion, Ben Bartlett, regularly demonstrates innovative ways to spice up your BBQ menu – Follow him on Twitter - @bbqben1 – for the latest news.

The Crown Verity range of Professional Barbecue systems includes a wide range of accessories such as griddles, steam pans, and additional side burners to allow a vast and varied menu.

For more information:www.rhhall.com, www.crownverity.com or our YouTube 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.

FOR PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT: Emma Smithemma.smith@rhhall.com01296 663400

Follow us on twitter @rhhallcatering

RHHall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone LU7 9FE

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

Crown Verity BBQs

BBQ Season is nigh with Crown Verity BBQs

Please attributes any quotes to Ben Bartlett, R H Hall Crown Verity BBQ Ambassador

The changes in weather in the last few years have kept us all on our toes and to be honest, any season is now Barbecue Season, especially with a Crown Verity BBQ from R H Hall.

Having the best BBQ equipment is a must and Crown Verity is right up at the top of the best of the best. With summer supposed to be getting closer now is the time to get ready for a busy BBQ season and RH Hall is the place any business should go if they want to BBQ better this year. Crown Verity is the best of the best, solid, robust and reliable and perfect for BBQing all year round, not just when the weather is good.

It is time to get your BBQ ready and that means either buying a shiny new BBQ or giving your current one a dust off and service. Getting ready for BBQ season sooner rather than later is the best advice any serious or commercial BBQer could receive. There is nothing worse than getting to the first perfect barbecue weather day and finding out there is something not right with your grill.  Whether you have a built-in Barbecues such as the Crown Verity BI30 or smaller portable Barbecue such as the amazing and very compact Crown Verity MCB30PACK you need to check your grill over.

Here are the top 4 things to do to prepare your BBQ for the forthcoming season

Clean and Scrub

You would never cook with dirty pots and pans inside so why would you cook on a dirty grill? The most important thing to do once your BBQ comes out of hibernation is to give it a thorough clean. This means more than just wiping it down with a damp cloth. Your BBQ say, gathered dust and any fat left on from last use has now congealed and taken on a life of its own. Really give the BBQ a scrub down and if you can throw the grills in the dishwasher for a good clean. If you find anything is damaged now is the time to replace the parts.

Hoses and Tubes

The next vital thing to do is to inspect all the hoses and tubes and replace them if necessary.

Check for corrosion and rust

Rusty or corroded gas bottles can become death traps. Checking for rust is an important safety check you must do regularly. Remember, safety is the number one priority when it comes to BBQ maintenance and use.

Test Run.

Finally, once cleaned and inspected comes the step that every BBQ Chef loves. A full test run of your BBQ prior to the season starting. This makes a superb excuse to invite a few choice customers and have a small party out of your BBQ test. Once this is done you are as good as ready to cook for as many summer days as you can.

If all the above fails and the BBQ really has gone to Barbecue Heaven or is just unsafe to use get in touch with R H Hall and tell them, you need a new Crown Verity BBQ. You will be in safe hands!

Ben Bartlett FBII, MCGC, MCGB

Crown Verity BBQ Ambassador

Follow us on twitter @rhhallcatering

RHHall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone LU7 9FE

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