John Benson-Smith, chef-director of Hazlewood Castle, North Yorkshire, has challenged catering equipment manufacturers to consult more with chefs when designing kitchen products.

Speaking at the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) conference at the De Vere Belfry hotel, Birmingham, last week, Benson-Smith criticised the unnecessary complexity of many kitchen products.

"Adding flashy lights, knobs and buttons doesn't capture a chef's heart," he said.

"Chefs and manufacturers need to work together as one team to understand each other," he added.

CESA chairman Steve Loughton welcomed Benson Smith's comments but questioned whether chefs' frustrations with equipment stemmed from not being involved in the buying process.

"When a buyer makes a cost- rather than performance-based decision, it may not always suit the chef's requirements," he said.