With increasingly stringent requirements placed on operators to prevent FOG from reaching the sewage network, there are a raft of grease collection systems and technologies available to choose from.

Specifying the best system to connect to cooking appliances can be a challenge. Aside from the risk of environmental health issues, property damage and reputational damage if operators don’t meet their responsibilities, water companies will take action against repeat offenders. This could include recovering costs incurred in clearing blockages, prosecution and court fines based on a percentage of turnover.

MKN offers an enhanced solution through its innovative Grease Collection system, available as an option on MKN FlexiCombi MagicPilot combi steamer models.

Addressing the issue

Combi ovens and combi steamers are plumbed to the drainage network and can generate significant levels of high temperature FOG during the cooking process – when cooking rotisserie chickens, for example. As such, guidance states that they should be connected to grease trapping equipment.

MKN’s innovative system allows operators to achieve almost 100% separation of recyclable cooking liquids, pumping excess oil, fats and liquids from the FlexiCombi into a separate container for collection. The waste can then be sold to other industries such as biofuel and cosmetics to drive additional income.

It is cheaper than a market-leading Grease Recovery Unit (GRU), service-free, far easier to use and maintain, has a greater capacity than competing systems and removes the need to manually empty oil reservoirs (which means no spillages in the kitchen). It is almost 100% efficient at capturing grease thanks to the use of patented technology, unlike other systems relying on gravity which are around 60% effective.

And if that’s not enough, it collects grease at the source, ensuring separation of cooking grease and fats, which adds value to the waste products and helps contribute to the circular economy because recycling companies require different waste for different by products.

Want to know more?

To learn more about MKN’s Grease Collection system for new FlexiCombi MagicPilot combi steamers, call the UK team on 01329 757890.

Specialist equipment manufacturer Mechline Developments is delighted to announce that their entire range of AquaTechnix products, which includes commercial taps and pre-rinse sprays, has received Kiwa UK Regulation 4 certification, 1+.

This demonstrates that the AquaTechnix range is compliant with Reg 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 – the regulation that all products connected to the UK water supply must comply with.

Kiwa’s prestigious KUKreg4 1+ certification is only given following an annual factory audit and a rigorous product approval process, where the build and testing of each product within the already sought-after AquaTechnix range was independently, and thoroughly, reviewed. In addition, all AquaTechnix components were sent to the Kiwa labs where they—and the finished products—were tested for material suitability and endurance, with all elements that encounter water scrutinised to ensure efficacy and robustness.

Jonathan Price, Business Development Manager at Kiwa UK, who presented the certification to the Mechline team that worked closely with Kiwa throughout the process, including Nick Falco and Alina Enache, was complimentary about the products:

“We are delighted that the Mechline range of AquaTechnix products are now listed on the Kiwa UK database that is regularly used by water suppliers, architects and specifiers as a reliable source for Regulation 4 compliant products. Taking the KUKreg4 1+ certification route differentiates the Mechline range of AquaTechnix products as the manufacturing, quality and compliance of the products are monitored on and annual basis, which is a weakness of a level 3 certification which has traditionally been chosen by manufacturers. Congratulations to the team involved on opting for the highest level of water product compliance!”

Mechline’s mission to receive Kiwa certification is not just limited to the AquaTechnix range. In fact, Mechline is looking to transition further water products, including Aquajet, BaSix and Catertap over from WRAS to Kiwa for UK Regulation 4 1+ certification – a decision that Nick Falco, Technical Director at Mechline Developments, goes on to explain:

“With the KUKreg4 certification, our customers, and end user operators, can feel reassured that the products they are purchasing from Mechline have undergone robust and independent testing by a global third party. What’s more, with the annual audits that Kiwa offer, we can maintain compliance if and when the regulation changes!

People are often surprised to learn that it is not illegal to manufacture or sell products that are non-compliant with regulations. It is only once they are installed that it becomes an offence, and the onus is on users, installers, and operators to ensure this compliance.

An added benefit of Mechline demonstrating compliance through KUKreg4, is that all certified products are added to the KUKreg4 database. Customers and operators can locate and check products quickly and easily, for unwavering confidence in their quality, and suitability”.

Blue Seal Ltd are very mindful of the future equipment requirements for efficiency and carbon footprint and sustainability, with this ever-changing food industry and the cost of gas and electric usage.

We currently produce a new range of free-standing & bench models of heavy-duty induction hobs with two or four zones. Each hob has the versatility of 3.5KW or 5Kw round zone generators for focussed power or 5kw power full area zones to accept multiple pans across the cooking area. The induction technology is incredibly responsive, with hardened 6mm thick glass cooking surfaces.
Blue Seal R&D are conscious of the ever-increasing demand for induction product, and we are in the process of preparing new induction- convection ranges, and wok induction hobs ready for launch 2024.

Many commercial chefs are trained at college with gas appliances and do love the instant heat & control of gas. However, they are slowly breaking this habitual comfort and being convinced to make the change, once they experience using Induction, the fantastic responsiveness, instant heat direct to the pan & superb controllability, speaks for itself.

The induction technology lends itself to a myriad of concepts, especially QSR restaurants where they need quick heat up on demand, which is also remarkably simple for the operator to use and maintain.

The feature benefits of induction far outweigh the initial out lay, which is currently still relatively high for commercial heavy-duty product. Induction for prime cooking is still relatively fresh to be accepted into the general commercial kitchen environment, however the big energy savings and high efficiency far outweighs the cost of changing the cookware and initial higher cost outlay for the product. This cost will no doubt reduce and become more competitive as the trend & demand for induction manufacture inevitably increases. Induction equipment also avoids the additional very costly legislation requirement involved with gas canopy extraction/make up air and interlock systems.

When you compare the efficiency of using induction over gas, the induction is at approx. 85% efficient compared to approx. 45% efficiency for gas. This is achieved by the magnetic fields heating up the entire surface of the cookware with virtually all of the energy transferred into the pan. Where gas disperses the heat, licking around the sides of the cookware more so, losing energy into the ambient air around the pan.

Using induction massively reduces heat transfer into the air flow, lowers the overall temperature in the kitchen promoting a more comfortable working environment, as well as the practicality of a simple wipe down of the glass cooking area at the end of a shift, which is very appealing to an operator. The appliances are much safer to use, reducing injury potential as well as being very simple to service & maintain.

Liebherr has been awarded the EcoVadis gold medal, which shows that we are taking action to address ecological, social, and ethical challenges. Our production sites have a high total score of 73 points, which puts us in the top 3% of all companies that EcoVadis has evaluated worldwide. EcoVadis is one of the leading providers of sustainability ratings for companies.

10 years of peace of mind – Spare parts available for ten years.
Sustainable means the appliance is not only environmentally friendly and economical, but also durable. To ensure that you can enjoy your professional appliance for a long time, Liebherr guarantees spare parts availability for at least ten years after the series has been discontinued. Although we do everything we can to ensure that spare parts are not needed in the first place.

Counter fridges and freezers that work as hard as you do.
Liebherr’s new counter fridges and freezers are designed to meet the unique needs of restaurants. With different combinations, diverse drawer sizes, insulated doors, and optional worktop and splash protection. They offer unmatched functionality and flexibility.

Here are just a few of the benefits of choosing Liebherr counter fridges and freezers:
• Built to last
• Freshness down to the last corner
• Hygienic through and through
• Extremely user friendly
• Energy-efficient

Invest in Liebherr counter fridges and freezers today and experience the difference!

MKN has been shortlisted for Supplier of the Year, Training and Education in the Catering Insight Awards 2023. MKN work hard to offer a flexible, personal approach to training and are delighted that they have been recognised on the shortlist.

With MKN, there’s no generic, scripted training delivered by a corporate head office. You get real solutions, from real people:

• A personal approach to every project, with no charge for follow-up visits
  Focus on service and engineer training, with detailed training for service partners and specialists
• Unique training videos pre-loaded onto appliances to support venues with high staff turnover
• Creative solutions that work for you, such as short training videos sent via Whatsapp directly to school kitchens
• The Training and Education category recognises manufacturers who have invested in education, training, product resources and technical guidance to support the industry.

Senior executives from across the industry will shortly receive an email invitation from Catering Insight to cast their votes. Please consider voting for us if you’re given the opportunity.

View the full shortlist

Ki-tech are proud to have been shortlisted for Supplier of the Year – Sustainability in the Catering Insight Awards 2023.

This category highlights catering equipment manufacturers and suppliers that are championing environmental product development and energy efficient products. The Sicotronic energy optimisation system and data connectivity services from Ki-Tech are leading the industry in that respect.

You may shortly receive an email invitation from Catering Insight to cast your vote. We would be extremely grateful if you could take the time to vote for Ki-Tech.

See the full shortlist and more details about Ki-Tech’s sustainability success

Welcome to ignite, by ceda.

ceda represents over 125 companies across the UK. And each and every ceda member is a specialist. Design specialists, project specialists and equipment specialists. All exclusively serving the foodservice, catering and hospitality industry.

Quite rightly, we’re massively proud of what our members create. And so ignite is their showcase. In each issue we feature amazing projects and installations for organisations of all sizes up and down the UK and beyond. We hope you’ll agree the projects showcased on these pages show the expertise, passion, skill and attention to detail ceda members put into their work.

We hope that you enjoy ignite.

If you like what you see, please contact the relevant ceda member (there is a live link on their logo to their website) to discuss how they can bring your next foodservice project to life.

Alternatively, to learn more about ceda and our members, please visit our Find a Specialist page.

ceda and C&C Catering Engineers are celebrating the success of Damion Russel who has become the first person to complete the Commercial Catering Equipment Technician Apprenticeship. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Damion’s unwavering determination and commitment to his work have led to this significant achievement.

Damion embarked on his journey toward becoming a qualified catering equipment technician with a different company just before the pandemic’s onset. Unfortunately, the global health crisis disrupted his training and professional growth. Upon returning to work after a period of furlough, Damion recognized that he needed an environment where he could continue learning and developing his skills.

Driven by his ambition and a desire to receive the best training possible, Damion decided to join the engineering team at C&C Catering Engineers, as part of their London team. The decision was fueled by the company’s reputation for providing the ideal conditions and top-notch engineering expertise necessary for nurturing aspiring professionals like Damion.

Throughout his time at C&C Catering Engineers, Damion has consistently demonstrated his dedication and aptitude as an engineer. Now, he is out in the field, serving clients in London and the Home Counties, and consistently delivering exceptional work. His contributions have made him an invaluable member of the C&C team.

Damion’s journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of success despite the hurdles posed by the pandemic. The entire team at C&C Catering Engineers, along with Damion himself, is now reaping the rewards of his hard work and dedication.

“We are immensely proud of Damion’s achievement and his unwavering commitment to his career,” said Greg Cairns, Senior Engineer – South at C&C Catering Engineers. “He has not only demonstrated remarkable resilience but has also showcased his exceptional engineering skills, which have earned him a well-deserved place within our team. Damion’s success is a testament to what can be accomplished with determination and the right support system.”

Newly qualified Damion said “I was unfortunate to commence the apprenticeship just prior to the Covid Pandemic, which meant I faced many challenges throughout my training period. It was difficult to get continuity from both work and training during this period. Even though at times it seemed like the light at the end of the tunnel seemed to be getting smaller, I was determined to get it over the line.

I feel proud as I am one of five that have passed this scheme, out of fifteen that started, so I am now pleased that I persisted through the difficult periods. The journey has taught me a lot about applying myself to difficult situations and about how with a bit of luck and hard work you can succeed, and I feel this will help me to become a knowledgeable and rounded engineer in the future. “

ceda remains committed to fostering the growth and development of talented individuals like Damion, ensuring that they have the resources and expertise needed to excel in the field of commercial catering equipment maintenance.

For more information about the Commercial Catering Equipment Technician Apprenticeship please contact Peter Kay of ceda at peterkay@ceda.co.uk or on 07770 848798.

The InstaTap is an affordable drinking water system that delivers filtered boiling and chilled water. Manufactured in the U.K, Instanta uses high-grade components and quality materials that are rigorously tested to deliver the highest quality.

The ability of the new InstaTap to serve both boiling and chilled water brings a dynamic solution to serving drinks quickly. Featuring illuminating buttons and two dispensing height options – standard for cups and mugs, and high for refillable bottles, the InstaTap is easy to use and safeguards sustainability by allowing users to refill rather than drink from single-use plastic bottles. Wellbeing is also protected through a focus on hygiene, with an antimicrobial addictive reducing bacteria by 99.9%.

InstaTap also comes in two finishes, Bright Chrome, and Matt Black, with capacities catering for both office and commercial environments. Our office offerings include a 5 and 20 litre unit and commercial a 10 and 20 litre unit. This personalisation allows for a bespoke design that satisfies your businesses requirements.

Enquire now to learn more.