Hot Show

The number of genuinely new equipment developments at Hotelympia 2000 was impressive, even if relatively few of them actually originated in the UK. Bruce Whitehall summarises key trends in evidence at the show

With ever growing numbers of alternative makes in key equipment categories like combis, microwave ovens and blast chillers, some manufacturers are bringing out tiny versions to suit smaller outlets or specialised requirements.

A good example at the show was the Electrolux CS3 1/2 "Plug and Cook" back-bar combination-steamer.

It holds up to three 1/2 Gastronorm pans in its snazzy plastic cabinet, which is about the same size and shape as a small potato-baking oven.

An analogous product in microwaves is the 0.3 cu ft, 500-watt Sam Junior "personal microwave from Samsung.

Few blast chillers come neater than Freddy, a 4kg capacity countertop blast chiller/ freezer which comes in from Ironox, £1,490, 560mm wide x 550mm deep x 505mm high.