Automatic flush
Latest Millennium versions of the Alto-Sham Combitherm combi-steamer have an auto-flush facility which minimises limescale by automatically flushing the steam tank every time the oven is switched on. There is also a simple-to-use built-in descaling system and automatic push button cleaning programme. Other features include closed system auto-steam adjust, 250 multiple step programmable procedures, HACCP software, auto pre-heat and variable fan speed.
Ovens can be specified in electric or gas. As well as standard 6, 10 and 20 GN sizes, ovens are made in a 7xGN2/1 or 14xGN1/1 countertop version and Pass-Thru versions. Prices range from £7147 to £29,000, including UK mainland delivery.
www.equipline.co.uk
Equip Line
Recipe integrity
Risk control is an automatic function of Zanussi ActiveCombi ovens, ensuring that all food cooked is guaranteed safe without requiring a lot of paperwork. Information linked to the cooking parameters can be recorded and stored in a 2000 events capacity memory to provide a full HACCP oven history for access through the oven display or via a printer.
Before starting a cook cycle, the chef chooses one of two options: 'High Risk Food' or 'Standard Risk Food'. The oven's FoodSafe control then automatically sets the parameters for the selected food category and provides a continuous display signalling temperature and microbiological safety throughout the cooking cycle. Recipe integrity is guaranteed thanks to a probe which constantly monitors temperature via six sensors for safe, optimal results (even if the probe has not been properly inserted).
Zanussi Professional
Stacks of choice
Hobart combi-steamers are available in 4 x 2/3, 6, 10, 20 and 40 1/1 Gastronorm sizes with stacking units for installation flexibility (including the ability to stack a combi with the 304T high-speed steamer or within the Tower Plus suite). Pass-through models are available in 6, 10 and 20 rack sizes. Notable features include a motorised door which stays cool to the touch when the oven is operating and Delta T cooking control. On gas models, RadiusPlus burners use direct heat for rapid oven heat up and even temperature spread.
www.hobartuk.com
Hobart UK
Steam clean
Convo-clean, latest refinement on Convotherm combi-steamers, is designed to ensure that oven interiors and racks are cleaned consistent with HACCP demands using steam disinfection and hot air sterilisation. The system, which is initiated by pressing a button, uses a biologically degradable cleaning agent and does not require a rinse agent.
Convotherm combis are made in electric in six sizes from 6 x 1/1 to 40 x 1/1 or 20 x 2/1 with a choice of Compact (OSC) and Perfect (OSP) versions. Gas ovens are available in tabletop 6 an 10 grid sizes(or 12 and 20 using 1/2 pans) and floor standing versions in 12 and 20 x 2/1. Key features include Convotherm's established closed system which automatically tailors steam volume to application, microprocessor control with digital display, double glazed door and hygienic plug-in seal.
Enodis Distribution UK
Chef input steers design
In developing its EL 6 and 10 grid combi-ovens, Falcon has put the emphasis on the operator, with the company's own chef, Neil Roseweir, working alongside a designer and an independent advisory panel comprising professional chefs, distributors, caterers and end users. The resultant equipment has been designed for operation by all staff, regardless of skill level, with the EL either manually or timer operated. Other features include heavy duty double glazed door and a rapid cooling function.
Falcon Foodservice Equipment
Getting smaller
The French-made Bonnet Micro Equator range provides compact electric combi and convection ovens in 4 and 6 x 1/1 gastronorm sizes, using the same cooking technology as on Bonnet's larger models, which range up to 20 x 2/1 GN.
The 800mm wide ovens can be stacked in pairs, either two identical ovens or combi plus convection.
The integral patented boiler makes steam available in less than two minutes while a rapid cooldown function permits fast changeover between different modes.
Other features include removable fat filter, removable ventilation shaft and mirror-finish stainless steel cavity walls. An optional steam condenser limits steam emission. Combis are priced from £3100 and convection models from £2500
Bonnet
Combi convert
A 6-grid Rational CPC-61 ClimaPlus combi-steamer has played an important part in the renaissance of the Live and Let Live pub in Pegsdon, Hertfordshire, as a food-led "destination" pub.
Owner Ray Scarbrow, who uses the oven for roasting joints of meat - provided via carvery service - baking home-made pastry desserts and regenerating pre-cooked vegetables, was initially unsure about whether he needed advanced functions but has found the oven's programmability a useful feature.
"Once you know the cook time and steam need for a joint, you can put the same programme into the oven timer and get consistency," he observes.
He also likes the ability to put the oven on a self-clean cycle at the end of the nightly session
www.rational-UK.com
Rational UK
All the options
Fagor combi ovens come in a complete choice of sizes from 6 to 40 Gastronorm 1/1 and 2/1, with gas versions with separate boilers (HVG series) joining the company's electric models this year.
Standard features include removable grease filters, core probes, shower tap for easy cleaning and a new internal door glass system which is easy to remove and clean.
Prices start from £5100 for a 6 grid gas combi while 6-grid electric combis are priced from £4350 for a basic boiler-less injection model.
Fagor also makes electric combis with separate steam generators, priced from £5324 for an electro-mechanical control model, £5610 for electronic control and £5946 for programmable control.
Fagor Industrial UK