Equipment focus: Aids for busy chefs
Faster pizza
Pizza dough was originally cooked outdoors on hot flat stones - hence the development of stone ovens. Times have changed and it's now possible to produce great pizzas in a countertop Whirlpool electric SmartCook pizza oven from Apuro. This compact, free-standing convection oven requires no tricky cooking techniques or specialist installation. Despite its small size the SmartCook can cook a 34cm pizza in less than 90 seconds. This makes it extremely useful for pubs that want to expand their foodservice without a vast capital outlay. It has a patented double cylinder system that transforms the oven from a conventional convection oven to a super-oven that heats to perfect pizza-cooking temperatures of 450ºC. Electronic temperature control and two fan motors - one on the top and one on the bottom - ensure uniform fast cooking of the pizza from the edges to the middle.Apuro 0121 744 0968www.apuro.co.uk
Just souper!
Almost a quarter of all lunchtime meal occasions out of home include soup and it accounts for one in four pub starters, so getting the right equipment to offer a warming broth can be essential. Hatco's Heat-Max Heated Wells provide reliable performance and space efficiency while allowing pub chefs to keep their soup and other food hot and ready to serve - no guesswork involved.The multi-purpose heated wells offer the benefits of food warmers, soup kettles, bain maries, steamers and pasta cookers all in one. The built-in wells provide a consistent holding temperature and an even heat distribution to ensure food is piping hot throughout. All units have a remote temperature thermostat with a separate lighted power switch that retains the heat setting throughout service. Hatco 01509 260140www.hatcocorp.com
Clean Sweep
Classeq's Hydro range of pass-through dishwashers has been totally redeveloped, with the new range of machines engineered to deliver even better cleaning results, while reducing bills by being more energy efficient and using less detergents. They're also easier to operate and look after. With wash cycle times from one-and-a-half to three minutes, the new Hydro can process up to 40 racks, or around 720 dinner plates, every hour. As well as being fast, Hydro pass-through machines are flexible. They can be fitted in line or installed in a corner to fit any kitchen layout. The simple controls require minimal staff training while an auto-start feature saves time by turning the Hydro on for the next wash cycle as soon as the hood is closed. Classeq 0870 224 7280www.classeq.net
Leasing gets cooler
Foster Refrigerator has announced that its leasing offering, Foster Contract Rental, is now available at a rate of only £22 per £1,000. This brings Foster's wide range of refrigeration equipment within more budgets. Contract rental allows customers to acquire the equipment they need with no capital outlay. All payments are treated as operating costs and are tax deductible, with leasing agreements available over three or five years.Foster Contract RentalFreephone 0500 691122
Frying tonight
Imperial's Elite Fryer range uses a unique three-tube heating system for greater efficiency and a better taste. The durable tube system has a bigger heating surface, heating the oil more quickly than traditional open-pot designs and minimising costly oil usage. Less usage also means less absorption and a better-tasting product. Imperial Catering Equipment sales director Mark Poultney says: "Not only do our fryers offer a faster recovery, but a large 'cool zone' feature ensures food particles are captured and prevented from carbonising in the fry zone." Imperial Catering 01509 260150 www.imperialrange.co.uk
On a plate
Steelite International has launched Symmetry, a new range of stylish and highly versatile tableware. The range initially comes in two innovative designs - Arc, a curvaceous ellipse shape, and Curve, a sweeping almost S-shaped form. The shapes are accentuated with a wide rim and deep well, which makes them ideal for hot and cold dishes. Symmetry provides excellent heat retention and is fully microwavable, dishwasher and freezer safe. Steelite International 0800 7833 548 www.steelite.com
In the mode
Rational has launched two new cooking modes for its SelfCooking Center, one for potato products and the other for egg dishes and desserts. This takes the total number of cooking modes to nine, making it easier than ever to produce a complete menu of perfect food from a single Rational unit. All the operator has to do is press a button to select the appropriate mode for whatever they are cooking. There are modes for roast meat, grill and pan fried products, poultry, fish, side dishes, baking and finishing for functions and high-volume catering.Rational UK on 0800 389 2944www.rational-UK.com
Water breakthrough
Lincat is unveiling the prototype of its new range of Filter Flow water boilers, with built-in filtration, at Hotelympia 2008. Due to be launched this summer, they claim to be the first automatic water boilers from any manufacturer to feature built-in water filtration. The new range will also feature onboard diagnostics and an LCD panel to keep the user fully informed of the status of the boiler."A water filter is recommended with all water boilers to reduce scale build-up and improve the taste and quality of beverages," says Nick McDonald, marketing and export director of Lincat. "With conventional boilers, you have to plumb a separate filter upstream of the boiler. This is unattractive and adds costs. Eliminating the need for a separate filtration unit, our new system will ensure that water is always, automatically, of the highest quality."Lincat 01522-875500www.lincat.co.uk
