Kit parade: the latest kitchen equipment

From self-aware warewashers and refrigerators to kit that allows chefs to grow food within their own kitchens, there's never been a better time to be in the market for a shiny new piece of equipment. Rapid advances in technology have enabled suppliers to develop new products that meet the needs of even the most demanding environments while also being kinder to the environment. Kit is also getting smarter and smarter - large pieces of equipment such as combi-ovens, warewashers and refrigeration are now extremely easy to use - great news given the current challenges with staff - and can keep themselves updated and even autonomously call an engineer out to perform maintenance. 

Green, clean and lean 

Dishwashers, glass washers and utensil washers are big users of energy, water and chemicals. Investing in more efficient machines is not just better for the planet, it’s better for your budget because it will lower running costs. The Carbon Trust know, through their work with us, that 85% of the lifetime cost of a warewasher is the cost of running it – only 15% is the buying price and servicing. That’s why Winterhalter has developed a whole range of technologies to minimise the use not only of energy but also water and chemicals. All our PT passthrough and UC undercounter warewashers have heat exchangers as standard, saving 10% or more on energy.

Our smart rinse systems reduce energy and water consumption. Sophisticated filtration systems not only ensure sparkling results but also cut water, chemical and energy use. Ultra-efficient insulation keeps heat inside the machine, further reducing the need for power. Even our wash arms, with their advanced design, help minimise consumption while maximising cleaning power.  

Our PT Climate Plus takes energy efficiency to a new level. It recycles heat not just from the waste water and steam generated during the wash, but also by extracting hot air from the kitchen.  It uses this waste heat to slash energy costs by an incredible 50% or more.  Plus, it pumps cool, dry air back into the kitchen – improving the work environment.   

For Winterhalter, warewashing is about improving our customers’ working lives by enhancing sustainability, lowering running costs and delivering the best cleaning results. Winterhalter provides a total solution for dishwashing and glasswashing, from pre-sales advice to after-sales service, training and maintenance, with sustainability fitted as standard.  Alongside its market-leading dish washers and glass washers, the company’s range includes utensil washers, advanced water treatment machines, and cleaning detergents and rinse aids. For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, visit the website​ ​or send an email.​​  

The ability to keep cool under pressure 

Refrigeration is at the heart of every kitchen, and Williams’ diverse portfolio of equipment offers ideal solutions for storing ingredients and food in peak condition. For example, the latest Onyx prep station creates a flexible working area that provides staff with instant access to fresh ingredients. It combines refrigerated storage and refrigerated ingredient wells built into a worktop that has been ergonomically designed to be at the ideal working height. The ingredient wells are cooled from beneath and a curtain of air is blown over the top to maintain a consistent temperature of 4°C.After passing over the wells this cold air is drawn back into the Onyx, recycling the energy and reducing power consumption. It is available in 2,3,4 or 5 door models, they can hold 1/1GN pans in the cabinets while the food wells can hold 1/3 and 1/6 pans. A range of customisation options including drawers, a hinged lid, granite worktop and polypropylene chopping board are available.

Similarly, the Fry Station Drawer creates a flexible storage solution for refrigerated or frozen food at the point of cooking, right next to the fryer. It is available in one or two drawer options and features variable temperature controls allowing it to operate either as a freezer or refrigerator. An optional fry basket hanger allows for staff to queue product to be fried, which helps to improve oil recovery time by reducing the size of ice crystals on the food as well as extending its working life by allowing excess breadcrumbs to be shaken off first, lowering the rate of oil carbonisation.

For more information about Williams’ comprehensive range, including its modular coldroom system, multidecks and specialist systems like the Meat Ageing Refrigerator and bespoke front of house displays click here. ​​

Grow your own perfect microgreens, salad leaves and herbs

The Evogro system takes the latest horticultural technology and makes it easy to use so you can grow your own perfect plants . Our system produces beautiful plants that are full of flavour and free from pesticides and herbicides. By growing your own crops you can reduce your carbon footprint, scale down on waste and create a sustainable future for your business.

Our goal is to help you grow the best possible plants – better than you can get from any other source. We strive to perfect all aspects of crop quality including flavour, appearance and consistency. Our automated system combines internet-connected hydroponic growing cabinets, support services and all necessary consumables to make growing simple and reliable. It requires minimal effort and works consistently, all year round.

Harvest your living plants just when you need them so they are as fresh as can be. Our cabinets create optimal conditions for plant growth so every crop is full of flavour. With the Evogro system you can avoid waste because you only harvest what you need, just when you need it. The rest of your crops can keep on growing happily in your cabinet.You decide what to grow and at what stage to harvest.

Evogro is the choice of many leading professional chefs and bartenders who demand the highest standards in the produce they use. For more information click here. ​​

Creating theatre front of house

Are you looking for a way to improve your speed of serve whilst creating highly memorable dining occasions for your guests? Then SteakStones sizzling range of hot stone cooking products is the perfect solution for you. With a wide variety of product designs to suit any cuisine and custom-made ovens to ensure the perfect searing heat for your Steak on the Stone meals, SteakStones are a great way to get your guests returning time and again, whilst you save time in the Kitchen.

Designed to serve steaks live at the table so customers cook every bite exactly to their liking, SteakStones are suitable for all manner of meat and fish steaks and also add the perfect sear to vegetables. So whether you’re looking to serve a prime fillet steaks with chunky chips and asparagus tips, or a lighter summer dish of sizzling salmon steak with a couscous salad, SteakStones have the right product for you.

SteakStones have been proven in commercial kitchens for over 15 years and amongst thousands of others, are used in leading restaurants such as Sushi Samba and Steak and Company in London. Further afield, SteakStones are served onboard Carnival’s fleet of cruise ships to add a great experience to the guests dining occasion. Special offers are available to get your restaurant setup in no time or get in touch to have The Steak on the Stone Company create the perfect custom package for you, to leave your guests craving for more, every time they dine. For more information click here. ​​

Clever kit for gelato and thick shakes

Looking for the perfect way to cool customers down this Summer? The Ugolini Minigel plus is a new series of machines from Ugolini that creates soft Italian ice cream, sweet sorbets, and deliciously thick shakes. Beautiful Italian designs with you in mind, these compact machines are built with an inclined interior to improve product distribution and aid the cleaning process. An integrated, horizontal evaporator conserves the product at the ideal temperature, ensuring the last ice cream served is as good as the first.

Serving bigger crowds? The Gel Matic Giotto is the perfect solution for those looking for larger ice cream machines. With sophisticated touchscreen technology, heat treatment process to extend product life, and 18kg production capacity, the Gel Matic Giotto can be used to create a range of ice creams, milkshakes, frozen yoghurts, and beverages to tantalize your customers taste buds.

So why do customers choose Beverage Genius? From standalone restaurants to national household names, Beverage Genius provides a range of beverage and frozen dessert dispensing solutions to a variety of sectors across the UK. We are passionate about great tasting products and ensuring a quick, seamless delivery to the consumer. Whether it’s a frozen cocktail date with friends or grabbing a freshly-ground coffee to-go, understanding the experience of the end user is at the heart of everything we do. 

With free shipping, up to two-year warranties on machines, and unparalleled customer service, however you choose to serve your beverages or frozen desserts, we have the perfect formula. Visit the website here.  ​​