Cooking in the Maestrowave Combi Chef 7 - A Kitchen in a box

Front of House (Covid-19)

FRONT OF HOUSE FOCUS (COVID-19)

CATERING INSIGHT – SEPTEMBER 2020

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

Have you introduced any new lines of front of house equipment to respond to the coronavirus crisis?

Working with our Fabrications division, we have introduced a number of new lines to meet the demand created by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our range of Mobile Hand Wash Stations offer huge flexibility as they can be sited in practically any location, ideal for operations needing to provide additional hand washing facilities. We have also manufactured a reduced height version, perfect for the planned return of pupils to school in September. To support our Hand Wash range, the Hallco HWT1 Hand Wash Timer offers a handy 20 second countdown, reminding people to follow government advice and help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Our Sanitiser Station is now in the final stages of production and we are looking at further enhancements to the entire range, to suit any application.

 What product features would you advise dealers to emphasise to end users, in light of increased hygiene considerations?

When considering Hand Wash Stations, look for units that promote touch free operation. Foot pump operation reduces touch points and therefore helps to prevent the spread of germs. In reduced height versions for use by children, a changeable foot pump position means the unit can easily be adapted for use by the children themselves, or by teachers (at a suitable socially distanced position) for younger children. Models that allow for this to be done on site offer maximum flexibility in a school environment.

 How can you assist dealers to grow their sales of front of house equipment?

Our handy videos on our Hand Wash range are the ideal tool for dealers to promote this product, showing just how easy the unit is to use and how it can be sited in any location. Simply visit our YouTube channel – search for R H Hall Foodservice Solutions – or www.rhhall.com – to watch!

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

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

Hallco 20 Second Handwash Timer - Helping fight COVID19

FEA Buyer Guide 2020 - Microwave Masters

Microwave Masters

R H Hall have been dominating the microwave oven market for over 40 years, building an extensive knowledge of this kitchen essential and supplying more Commercial Microwaves per annum than any other UK distributor - both off the shelf and individually tailored, bespoke solutions. The company is well-established, highly regarded and reliable – with experienced in house Sales, Customer Service and Technical teams. The UK’s largest, most knowledgeable and innovative microwave oven supplier – R H Hall stock only models from leading commercial brands – such as Sharp, the UK’s no. 1 and Maestrowave – with relationships dating back as far 1983!

 

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. The versatility of microwaves is often hugely underestimated. From simple, efficient microwave only, to fully automated meal solutions, R H 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, the crucial features to look for and those to avoid!

 

The Maestrowave MW10 is a 1000W machine aimed at smaller operators looking for speed with a reliable reputation. The unique microwave distribution and cavity ensure perfect cooking, 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 combination microwaves such as the award winning Maestrowave Combi Chef 7. This high speed oven is packed with features including Menu Creator 2.0™ software and produces outstanding results at the touch of a button. A total of 11 combination modes, with up to 99 pre-programmable menus ensures consistency. Menu Creator 2.0™ is incredibly easy to use, but full support is available via the Food Solutions team, who can offer menu development services. 

A video showing the features & benefits of this innovative product is available at www.rhhall.com

The range of market leading Sharp microwaves has been exclusively available from R H Hall for over 20 years, backed up by the support of their nationwide dealer network – offering machines from 1000W up to high power 1900W, catering for all foodservice applications. Designed with total flexibility and versatility in mind, all machines have in-built 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. This trusted range is backed up by excellent warranty offerings on every model, with a full 3 Year On Site Warranty on their extra heavy duty models –with 3 year magnetron cover on the best selling 1000W R21AT. 

The Sharp range is the choice of many of the UK’s Leading Operators, find out how you can join them!

Leading brands are always looking to develop functionality in response to the needs of many consumers. The Maestrowave iWave® system is a prime example of this. 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, vending outlets and more. The product is a world first, and available exclusively through R H Hall.

 

Innovation is at the forefront of R H Hall and today’s demanding market - R H Hall work with many of the UK’s leading foodservice chain operators to produce bespoke solutions, offering optimum results. R H Hall can also provide much more than just the microwave solution – regularly working with food suppliers or chefs on menu creations at their 3000 sq. ft. development kitchen, creating and adapting menu’s with optimum timings and utilising the preset programmes available.

 

Consulting and advising operators and food companies on how to get the best results from microwave cooking and regeneration is an intrinsic part of the service that R H Hall offer. Historically there has been some negativity to microwave cooking and by educating operators on the full potential of their equipment, this should be eliminated. R H Hall can demonstrate how tweaking conventional techniques can lead to great results in a fraction of the time it would take with other methods, allowing operators to expand their menu’s and diversity of dishes.

 

Taking things a step further, R H Hall can access their 15,000 sq. ft. fabrications division to produce bespoke items such as branded microwave housing units for vending or self service, increasing customer visibility and ease of use. A complete service – from design to implementation – is available. The Total Foodservice Solution!

 

R H Hall operate through a national network of approved dealers, along with dedicated National Account and Food Solutions divisions, ensuring there is always 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 websites 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, Beds, LU7 9GY

T: 01296 663400         F: 01296 663401         E: sales@rhhall.com  W: www.rhhall.com

Ovens & Microwaves - OOH May 2020

OVENS & MICROWAVES FEATURE

OOH MAY 2020

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 recognised brand – the major manufacturers are often the most innovative and have developed machines with intelligent features that are time/labour 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?

Modern microwaves will typically operate from an energy efficient 3kW plug in supply, however some combination microwaves can require a much higher, hard wired power supply. The Maestrowave Combi Chef 7 offers all the benefits and versatility of a combination microwave, but operates from a single 3kW supply. The new Sharp R7500M Inverter Microwave has also been designed with energy efficiency in mind, with inverter technology providing savings on traditional microwave technology and other enhancements such as LED lighting.

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 oven or 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 distributor for Sharp Professional Microwave Ovens and Exclusive Worldwide Distributors for Maestrowave Catering Equipment.

 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

  

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

BBQ Feature - SLTN April 2020

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

·         Is barbecue food consistently popular year on year, or does it vary depending on factors such as weather/trends etc?

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.

·         What are the essential pieces of equipment a bar or pub will need to have in place in order to prepare quality barbecued food?

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 is 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.

·         What are the most popular barbecue foods in Scotland? Does this change much from year to year or remain steady?

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. Past BBQ Champion and brand ambassador Ben Bartlett, regularly demonstrates innovative ways to spice up your BBQ menu – Follow him on Twitter - @bbqben1 – for the latest news.

·         Has the rise of vegan and gluten free food reached barbecues? Do you expect there to be a bigger demand for barbecued vegan and free-from dishes in the coming years?

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. A wide range of recipe suggestions and inspiration can be found via past BBQ Champion and brand ambassador Ben Bartlett – Follow him on Twitter - @bbqben1 – for the latest news.

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

FOR PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT:

Emma Smith – Head of Marketing - emma.smith@rhhall.com - 01296 663400

Commercial Microwaves - FEJ April 2020

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

In terms of the traditional pub and restaurant market, what applications do you currently see commercial microwaves most used for?

Microwaves are typically thought of for the simple reheating of small portions of food, additional items such as sauces and also defrosting. However, 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 underestimated. 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.

What are some of the more unconventional ways that operators could be using 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 uneven 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. We can offer presentations and training to demonstrate all of the benefits of Inverter cooking! 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-site 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.

What is the typical lifecycle of a commercial-standard microwave and what can operators do to really get the most out of the functionality their investment offers?

A heavy duty commercial microwave from a recognised leading brand, when used and maintained correctly, should have an expected lifespan of at least 5 years. There are still a number of machines offering a standard 1 year warranty – however, look for enhancements such as extended cover on the magnetron – which is the heart of any commercial microwave! Heavy duty models should have at least a 3 year warranty as standard, which can often be extended to 5 years on core components when utilising items such as the Microsave Cavity Protection System. There are 2 different approaches to microwaves and machines are available on the market to meet both requirements. There are many entry level machines available, at low price points, which meet simple reheating requirements and are often cheaper to replace than repair. However, it is always best to get the best possible product to ensure as much longevity as possible – so always consider the warranty and reputation of the product being purchased, rather than just the cheapest option available. For higher output/wattage machines, many users, particularly multi sited chains are looking at the life cost of foodservice equipment in general. These machines are often a higher investment and the warranty offered should back this up. Look for a reputable and proven brand like Sharp or Maestrowave to provide exceptional value for money when spread over the expected product lifetime.

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