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HIGH VOLUME
COOKING
EQUIPMENT
Feeding a large number of people in event spaces, medical facilities, retirement and assisted living
communities, colleges, universities, and private schools is a challenging task. Meeting this need necessitates
specialized equipment capable of handling large amounts of food efficiently and consistently. Combi-ovens,
tilt skillets, and kettles are often the go-to equipment choices for these applications due to their versatility,
volume, and efficiency. The combination of these pieces of equipment with traditional gas range(s) of 10- or
12-burners together can pump out a lot of food at once.
Combi-Ovens
ver the last two decades, combi-ovens have made significant advances in the commercial food
service industry. Rational, a German corporation, was the first to enter the Canadian market 25 years
ago and still holds the largest market share in Canada. Since then, numerous companies have entered the
category, including but not limited to: Lainox, Vulcan, Convotherm, Alto-Shaam, and, most recently, Unox,
which has been a top seller in the European market for years.
All of these companies offer something unique to their units, but all of them do one thing very well: cook
using a combination of heat, steam, and technology to produce the ultimate high-volume cooking appliance.
All brands offer a variety of sizes in their model portfolio, ranging from modest countertop units to enormous
roll-in ovens that can serve hundreds of meals at once. While Combi-ovens are often found in the QSR, dine-
in casual or fine dining spaces, the volume cooking ability of these units is truly what makes them shine.
Lainox, for example, can cook 24 chickens in 30 minutes, whereas the Convotherm can roast 120 birds in
its massive 20 pan unit. Plating racks and thermal covers are standard accessories for this application,
available from all manufacturers at a cost. Technology distinguishes Combi-Ovens from more typical high
volume cooking alternatives; self-cleaning, programmable, and set-it-and-forget-it capabilities make
cooking large quantities simple. Combis truly have changed the game.
For a list of RED APPROVED Manufacturers of Combi-Ovens, refer to the section on Combi-Ovens under
Ovens in this guide.
HVC