Hotel SA September 2023

K I T C H E N E Q U I P M E N T
Two Of The Stars Of
Kitchen Equipment
Efficiency is crucial to success in the fast-paced world
of commercial kitchens. Even with the best staff, you’ll
struggle with the right ‘tools’.
Two hard-working pieces of equipment are the combi
oven and the humble dishwasher.
Some of the information in this article is for less
experienced operators, with more high-level tips
(and reminders) included later in the story.
COMBI OVENS
If you’re a hotel owner, a seasoned chef or a kitchen
manager looking to improve your operations, the
purchase of a new combi oven has to be in the frame.
The combi oven revolutionised the way chefs work.
Combining the functionalities of a traditional oven and
a steamer, it offers a multitude of cooking options in
one powerful appliance.
Whether you’re baking bread, roasting meat, steaming
vegetables, or even sous vide cooking, a combi oven
can handle it all. This versatility not only saves space
by eliminating the need for multiple appliances but also
saves time and energy.
The precise temperature and humidity control ensures
consistent and even cooking results. This is especially
crucial for large functions where a consistent output
is necessary.
KEY FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS OF A COMBI OVEN
A combi oven typically consists of three main
components: a heating element, a steam generator,
and a control panel.
The heating element provides the dry heat necessary
for baking, roasting, and grilling. It is responsible for
maintaining the desired temperature within the oven
chamber. The steam generator, on the other hand,
produces steam that can be injected into the oven
chamber to add moisture to the cooking process. The
control panel allows chefs to set precise temperature,
humidity and cooking time parameters.
Combi ovens usually come with several cooking
modes, including steam, convection, combination
(steam and convection), and even sous vide. Each
mode serves a specific purpose and offers unique
benefits. Understanding these modes and their
applications is key to unlocking the full potential of
your combi oven.
TIPS FOR MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY OVEN
1. Optimise cooking times and energy usage:
Combi ovens offer the advantage of faster cooking
times compared to traditional ovens. By utilising
the precise temperature control and steam
function, you can reduce cooking times without
compromising on quality. This not only improves
efficiency but also saves energy in the long run.
For example, commercial kitchen equipment and
cooking experts, Comcater, has combi oven solutions
that conserve energy and increase sustainability,
using highly sensitive sensors to detect and evaluate
the current conditions in the cooking cabinet and
adapt energy levels to meet the food requirements.
This ensures food is cooked at the right temperature
for the right amount of time — saving energy and
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