Fitting out a full-scale kitchen can easily run into six figures or more for restaurant operators. With cost and size both key factors today, thinking about how we cook things should be top of the list of considerations before embarking on an equipment shopping spree

Fortunately for restaurant operators, foodservice equipment manufacturers have realized the need to provide smaller equipment choices, whether it’s for cost and space-saving reasons or as a reaction to the recent food-truck trend, with most having created lines of compact and multipurpose appliances that meet these requirements. When choosing equipment, it’s essential to make sure that no space is wasted, meaning that opting for multipurpose items sometimes makes most sense. Combi steamers, for example, can be positioned both for front cooking and at serving stations, where every centimeter counts. Energy and waste efficiency are also priorities today, with the latest technological solutions providing best-in-class power in a compact space, all while saving money.

SMALL BUT MIGHTY WINNERS AT NRA

Each year, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) holds its 2018 Kitchen Innovations Awards, at which it honors progressive equipment that increases efficiencies and productivity for back-of-house operations and benefits restaurant operators. Awardees were hosted and their products showcased in the interactive Kitchen Innovations Showroom at the 2018 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, Chicago, US. Here are a few of the winners.

SPACECOMBI – SO MUCH PACKED INTO SUCH A LITTLE SPACE

Many professional chefs appreciate the multifunctionality and user-friendliness of a modern combi steamer. However, some of them are unable to accommodate standard models in their kitchens, or need their combi steamers situated suitably for front cooking and at serving stations, where every centimeter counts.

With the space-saving SpaceCombi models, MKN offers a professional solution, which is specially tailored to these conditions.

The SpaceCombi measures just 55 cm wide, yet is still equipped on a par with larger models. The state-of-the-art MagicPilot ‘touch & slide’ operating concept with information steps and Favorites function, the automatic cleaning system WaveClean and the consumption display GreenInside are just a few examples of user-oriented features which make the SpaceCombi a high-performance, professional appliance. In addition, it offers astounding capacity of 6 x 1/1GN (SpaceCombi Compact) and 6 x 2/3 GN (SpaceCombi Junior), despite its slim width.

Similar to the FlexiCombi, the SpaceCombi is also available in the MagicPilot and Classic versions, allowing users to decide for themselves whether they want to operate their combi steamer in a similar way to a smartphone, with easy touch and swipe gestures, or via the classical control system.

THE PERFECT STEAK IN MINUTES – EVERY TIME

Infrared has become a buzzword in cooking, beginning back in 2000, when the patent for the infrared burner expired and the technology was released in the market.

The most important fact about infrared grills and burners is their ability to generate much higher temperatures than normal grills and to heat up much faster than standard models. It’s not uncommon to hear users say that these grills can reach surface cooking temperatures of well over 700°C in as little as seven minutes.
The Mercatus® Power Grill is an ultra-high-temperature, infra-red grill that enables you to make restaurant quality steaks with an amazing caramelized crust, with minimum effort.

The German-designed Power Grill heats up to a fantastic 800°C, allowing you to cook meat, fish, vegetables and fruits in super-quick time to lock in the natural juices, flavor and nutrients. There is no quicker and better way to grill.
• German engineered and crafted in form and function
• Healthy ceramic, infra-red, high temperature grilling (heat from above)
• 1500°F (800°C) high temperature grilling, with propane or electric power
• Cooks a one-inch steak to medium-rare perfection in 60 seconds per side
• Restaurant quality dishes – creates a pure flavor explosion
• Grills meat, fish, chicken, shrimps – even desserts
• Easy to clean – removable parts are dishwasher safe
• Europe’s favorite way to BBQ, with a high temperature, infra-red grill.