Equipment, Technology Fire Up Foodservice Programs

CHICAGO – Simplicity, safety, savings, versatility, freshness and health are some of the themes of foodservice products recently released or brand new to the market. From cleaner, healthier ice and ventless fryers to touchless food lockers and a compact frozen beverage dispenser, there is seemingly something for every need.

Read on for highlights …

Vector H Series wide multicook ovens from Alto-Shaam feature Structured Air Technology that acts like three independent ovens in one, ideal where space is at a premium. Featuring wider chambers, these ovens can cook 16-inch pizzas, appetizers, snacks and more—at the same time with no flavor transfer, the Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based company said. These models feature a compact 24-inch footprint, ventless operation, and programmable, cloud-based remote oven management.

The Automated MCT 5 tomato slicer from Crystal Lake, Ill.-based Aptar has redesigned slicers to produce a precision-cut tomato slice with the latest sanitary design features, the company says. End pieces are automatically removed and collected as the slices are placed in a tray. The slicer includes safety mechanisms such as a safety hood and two-hand operation to protect the user.

The VF-3 ventless countertop fryer from Beloit, Wis.-based Broaster includes a round cooking well with 21-pound cooking oil capacity and a well tray that can capture spills up to 22.5 cups. The unit, which is mainly stainless steel, has a fully immersible heating element with a lift-and-lock mechanism for easy cleaning. The programmable solid-state control board allows 10 cooking profiles and comes with a built-in automatic cook-cycle counter. Safety features include a fire-suppression system.

The Ultra NX frozen beverage dispenser from Springfield, Ill.-based Bunn uses an environmentally friendly natural refrigerant with low global warming potential, according to the company. Ownership cost is kept low with an enhanced auger drive system and seal design for long-lasting performance, and a new leak capture feature helps reduce service costs and clean-up time, it says. A management platform remotely communicates with equipment and enables data-backed decisions.

The SLR-LID-2 spring-loaded lid dispenser from Northbrook, Ill.-based Dispense-Rite offers flexibility for in-counter and countertop applications. This sanitary dispenser, which requires no adjustment and is compatible with a variety of lid designs, offers one-handed dispensing so a customer can hold a beverage while removing a lid. Lid stacks are enclosed to protect from contamination due to spills, splashes and sneezes. Cup, straw and condiment dispensing products are also available.

Curtis, Montebello, Calif., has a variety of coffee brewers to meet the needs of retailers. The Genesis Bean to Cup Coffee Machine provides a simple and quick experience for consumers and can even be operated from a cellphone for a touch-free experience. And Curtis’ latest WMF machine is self-cleaning to reach the parts of the machine—i.e., the tubes—that can be difficult to properly clean.

For those with little space to spare, frozen dispensed beverage maker FBD, San Antonio, Texas, has the 372 Multi-Flavor dispenser with dimensions 31.5 x 15.8 x 25.2 inches. Barrel volume is 128 ounces, and the machine will dispense 1,680 ounces per hour with a single-barrel continuous draw, or 1,800 ounces if alternating barrels, the company says.

The self-serve, touchless Milwaukee-based Hatco Minnow Pickup Pod, propelled by Seattle-based Minnow Technologies, helps eliminate errors and automate customer and delivery pickups via reserved cubbies by scanning a QR code or using an embedded link sent via SMS messaging. It reduces labor costs and increases customer loyalty, maintaining the freshness and security of food until pickup, the company says. Individually insulated cubbies keep food hot or cold for up to 90 minutes.

Lacerta Group, Mansfield, Mass., provides an array of containers in several shapes to keep food fresh. Sectional containers are available. Tamper features include “pull here” strips that are easy to tear, ensure quality and freshness, and eliminate the need for shrink bands and wrap-around labels, the company says. Containers are easy to close, 100% recyclable, stackable and leak-resistant.

The CIM0530/0535 modular cube ice machine from Denver-based Ice-O-Matic exceeds Department of Energy regulations, is up to 20% more energy efficient than other models and is made with BPA-free plastic and recyclable dishwasher-safe parts that snap in and out, according to the manufacturer. Sanitation features include eliminating hard-to-clean nooks and crannies for easy wipe down and sanitation. It has antimicrobial protection, a smart LED light indicating when cleaning is required, and one-touch controls for sanitation and descaling.

For retailers seeking cooking speed, Denver, N.C.-based Unox calls its Speed.Pro the first-ever baking speed oven. It combines convection, conduction and microwave cooking, and it bakes evenly while enhancing fragrances and flavors, the company says. Some products the Speed.Pro is designed for are pastries, cakes, pizzas, croissants and frozen breads. The compact oven can hold three 18-inch by 13-inch trays.