Take five combi-ovens

Combi ovens, also known as combi steamers, combine the benefits of two established cooking methods - so you get roasts that are crisp on the outside (as in a conventional oven) and succulent on the inside (as in a steamer). They can prepare all sorts of different foods perfectly, because the oven cabinet's environment can be adjusted to suit whatever is being cooked. Roasting, baking, poaching, grilling… the combi does it all.

 

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EXTRA CAPACITY**
Rational SCC62 SelfCooking Center whitefficiency price:Price £10,230</price:>

 

We say Part of Rational's latest range, the SelfCooking Center whitefficiency, which cuts energy consumption by 20% and production times by 30%. A compact tabletop model with twice the capacity of a standard 6-grid combi, it holds up to twelve 1/1 GN trays.

 

Features
â- HiDensityControl - patented technology lets chefs load 30% more product in the same size cabinet
â- EfficientLevelControl - easy to cook different foods at the same time
â- CareControl - self-cleaning system minimises chemicals, eliminates limescale

 

Dimensions 1,069mm (w) x 971mmm (d) x 782mm (h)

 

Rational UK 0800 389 2944

 

AUTOMATIC MOISTURE LEVEL REGULATION Convotherm OES 6.10
Price £5,997

 

We say A counter-top combination oven with the capacity to hold up to seven gastronorm trays. Advanced Closed System with Crisp & Tasty feature regulates moisture levels automatically to ensure products come out with a crunch.

 

Features â- Fan with auto-reverse and two speed settings
â- Memory capacity for 250 recipes
â- Programme protection prevents programmes in progress from being interrupted through energy optimisation unit

 

Dimensions 932mm (w) x 805mm (d) x 85mm (h)

 

Convotherm 01483 464901

 

REDUCED WEIGHT LOSS Electrolux Professional air-o-steam Touchline 10GN Price £12,056 (electric); £14,469 (gas)

 

We say Air-o-clima and air-o-flow technology ensures the perfect cooking atmosphere with uniform heat distribution to guarantee perfect food quality throughout the process. It offers up to 50% less weight loss when cooking at low temperature compared to traditional cooking cycles.

 

Features â- High Definition touch-screen panel with 30 languages and customised recipe database of up to 1,000 dishes
â- Air-o-steam gas burners and heat exchanger offer up to 20% savings on gas consumption compared with traditional burners
â- CO2 emissions are 100 times lower than the European Standard Limit

 

Dimensions 898mm (w) x 915mm (d) x 1,058mm (h)

 

Electrolux Professional 0844 375 3444

 

MANUAL WITH EXTRA FEATURES Opus Combi Master Plus - OCMP 61 Price From £3,640

 

We say Brings a new level of sophistication to the manual combi, with the ability to control the cooking climate with an easy-to-use programming function, features initially available only on top end models.

 

Features â- ClimaPlus active climate management - sensors constantly measure the humidity and the unit makes adjustments to meet specific requirements
â- Programmable control allows user to create up to 50 separate programmes, each with up to six steps
â- USB port allows download of HACCP data and upload of new programmes

 

Dimensions 847mm (w) x 771mm (d) x 782mm (h)

 

Lincat 01522 875500

 

MORE THAN 90% RECYCLABLE Hobart Combi Plus10 Price £10,290

 

We say Increases caterers' eco-credentials, saving money and minimising the effect of kitchens on the environment. It is built to be 91% recyclable and uses a 100% biodegradable cleaning product for minimal impact on the environment.

 

Features â- Eco-Thermic Energy Recovery System (drain and exhaust heat recovery) means energy usage is reduced by 30%
â- Steam Exhaust System minimises escaping steam, controlling kitchen temperature and staff safety
â- Design of the cavity allows not only GN width ways loading but the use of 600 x 400 bakery trays

 

Dimensions 918mm (w) x 887mm (d) x 1,025/1,075mm (h)

 

Hobart UK 0844 888 7777

 

BUYERS' CHECKLISTÂ

 

Size: standard models range from 6-grid (holding six 1/1 GN shelves) to 40-grid models. A 6-grid combi is suitable for up to 80 meals per day.

 

Mini: Some manufacturers also offer smaller, ‘mini' combi steamers.

 

Boiler or no boiler: there are two types of combi; steam is generated either in a boiler or by spraying water onto an element or gas burner heat exchanger. Each system has its benefits.

 

Easy clean: instead of spending time scrubbing out the combi at the end of a hard shift, self-cleaning combis do it at the touch of a button. Check if the model being considered has this useful feature.

 

Limescale: Limescale build-up can have a cataclysmic effect on a combi. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding prevention of limescale and descaling procedures.

 

Source: CESA (Catering Equipment Suppliers Association) 020 7793 3030Â