‘Turbo' action

Several new multi-function, multi-programmable cookers add microwave speed to other cooking techniques to cut production times dramatically with no apparent adverse impact on quality.

Claiming a world first, the Micromax demonstrated on the Valera stand adds a highly versatile microwave "turbo" concept, developed by UK specialists GAMA, to the already versatile Combimat combi-steamer/baking oven made by Holland's Leventi.

The boost provided by 1000 watts of microwave energy, which is programmable from 0 to 100 per cent, is enough to halve normal combi-steaming times. The Turbo facility, here making its debut on a commercial oven, adds about £500 to the cost of a 6 x 1/1 combi.

The US-developed Turbochef multi-programmable cooker combines microwave energy with high-velocity directional airflow (which shrouds the food in intense heat) and a patented "iso-thermal" heat storage technique.

A smaller version, priced at £5,700, was demonstrated at the show alongside the revolutionary original turntable version. It's expected to be on sale by May. The Evolution, latest high output combi-microwave from Merrychef, is a seriously rapid new cooker able to cook at up to 300¼C and combining up to 5000 watts convected heat with 2000 watts of microwave energy.