Mechline achieves Kiwa (KUKreg4 1+) certification across entire AquaTechnix range

Mechline achieves Kiwa (KUKreg4 1+) certification across entire AquaTechnix range

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”.


Focus On Blue Seal's New Induction Technology

Focus On Blue Seal's New Induction Technology

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: The choice for a better future.

Liebherr: The choice for a better future.

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 Proud To Support Industry Training and Education

MKN Proud To Support Industry Training and Education

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


A message from Ki-tech

A message from Ki-tech

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


Sous-vide solution for large-scale production

Sous-vide solution for large-scale production

Sammic presents their new sous-vide solution for large-scale production, which was a winner in the prestigious 2023 Kitchen Innovations Awards. The perfect solution for large groups.

Sous-vide cooking is well known for its precision and consistent, high quality results, but it has always been limited to a small number of portions. Until now! Thanks to the new solution that combines the SmartVide XL cooker with the innovative technology and connectivity of the new 120P heated tank, operators can serve up to 200 portions of 200 g per hour*, with the same precision as obtained using a typical countertop sous vide bath.

The SmartVide XL sous-vide cooker and 120P heated tank, with 5.6 kW total power and capacity of 120 litres, are designed to help professionals in the hospitality sector to improve their work processes. That is why, in addition to production capacity, this sous-vide solution offers versatility in the menu and culinary quality in the results. That means several dishes can be regenerated simultaneously in the same bath while guaranteeing the quality of the food, improving its flavour and texture. In addition, the easy HACCP control allows you to export or print the results from each cycle. The connectivity of the two machines also allows this solution to be combined with the Janby Track system, thus allowing the digitalisation of processes and individual control of each batch, as well as the collection of all the information centrally in the cloud.

Products involved in the solution

SmartVide XL sous-vide cooker

The SmartVide XL, with a power of 2,600W, is a professional sous-vide cooker, with excellent precision and reliability, easy to use and transport. With a 5” touch screen and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, SmartVide XL is designed to work in containers with a capacity of up to 120 litres.

120P heated tank

The heated tank with a capacity of 120 litres and power of 3,000W connects to the SmartVide XL, which controls it to heat the water twice as fast. The tank is completely free of components and has rounded corners to avoid any build-up of dirt and to make cleaning easier. In addition, users can buy stainless steel baskets to help organise products inside the tank.

Janby Track-ready

In addition, this solution for large-scale production can be digitalised by combining it with the Janby Track from Janby Digital Kitchen system. In this way, every batch can be tracked and the user can deliver a superior culinary experience and standardised service while automating food safety requirements.

Downloadable:

High-resolution image.

Interactive catalog of the SmartVide XL..

More information:

» See SmartVide XL

» See 120P heated tank

» More information about Janby Track


ignite - October 2023

News

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.

Read ignite October 2023

C&C Catering Engineers and ceda Celebrate the First Commercial Catering Equipment Technician Apprenticeship

C&C Catering Engineers and ceda Celebrate the First Commercial Catering Equipment Technician Apprenticeship

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.


New Boiling Chilled InstaTap from Instanta

Introducing the new Boiling Chilled InstaTap from Instanta

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.


Hupfer’s Easy Rider Solves Storage Challenges At Café Spice Namasté

Hupfer’s Easy Rider Solves Storage Challenges At Café Spice Namasté

When Cyrus Todiwala moved his iconic Café Spice Namasté to the London Docklands in 2022, he knew that the change would bring both benefits and challenges after 25 years of trading in Whitechapel. 

Café Spice Namasté now offers capacity for 60 diners across two floors in a 2,500 sqm restaurant. However, the key to the operation lies in a separate storage facility in an adjacent unit, kitted out with the innovative Easy Rider system. 

The new venue provides a light-filled arena for Cyrus’s vibrant, neighbourhood restaurant and cooking academy at the Royal Albert Wharf, overlooking the Thames with views of the Canary Wharf skyline and London City Airport. 

However, it is a smaller site than the old location, which had built a cult following over more than two decades. With bulk ingredients to manage, not to mention storing equipment and accessories to cater for 150 people off-site, in addition to the restaurant, Cyrus knew that storage space in particular could be a challenge – until he was introduced to the Hupfer Easy Rider racking system. 

Cyrus Todiwala said: “Storage is one of the biggest challenges in a daily kitchen routine. It’s always a challenge to keep things fresh, properly stored and well stocked whilst making sure everything is visible to us.

Cyrus initially put all his existing racks in the middle of the room, but it was cramped with ingredients inaccessible or difficult to find. 

Hupfer’s Easy Rider provided the solution.

Café Spice Namasté has installed a total of 12 racking units across dry store and cold store areas, which is made possible thanks to non-corrosive Easy Rider fixings and shelving from the Hupfer Norm range. Installation was completed in under five hours with no need to drill holes in the floor and no need for special tooling. The units join together with a clamp for safety, which can be easily unlocked when required. 

With Easy Rider, shelves are positioned on traversable rails, which saves space because there is no need for walkways as users slide the shelving for easy access. At Café Spice Namasté, the system saves at least one third of the space that would be required for fixed shelving.

“With Hupfer’s Easy Rider system, I can store almost a ton of food including 500kg of rice, plus onions, flour and sugar on one sturdy shelving unit and move it with just one finger. And, I know it’s not going to break. 

Todiwala adds: “It gives us so much flexibility. The shelving can be taken out for cleaning and easily slides back in, which is not always possible with fixed shelving. We even moved the whole system by four feet because we wanted to put freezers along the wall. And when it’s all pushed back, it gives a real open space feel in the storage areas.”

Hupfer makes work flow

Todiwala has used Hupfer equipment since he first opened in London in 1995. He adds: “I was told back then if you want to buy the best, you buy Hupfer. And it’s true. When I first looked at the product, I wasn’t sure it would be as strong as the racking I was used to, until my first storeroom was converted to Hupfer. 

“Then I realised how practical it is. It’s German-built, so practicality comes first – then design, aesthetics, and everything else. It’s not the cheapest, but you’re paying for quality that will last.

A one-stop solution for kitchen logistics

With a long history of German manufacturing excellence, Hupfer’s product range for restaurants goes beyond shelving and racking systems. The company also offers food transport, regeneration, holding, presentation and storage solutions that drive efficiency across every catering process. All built with energy efficiency in mind.

Todiwala adds: “I have a Hupfer trolley too and it’s the best trolley I’ve ever had. The movement of the trolley, the way the wheels turn, the silent rolling of the castors – it’s out of this world. It makes you appreciate good engineering, and I would always recommend Hupfer’s products for their build quality.”

Marc Sumner, sales and marketing director for Hupfer UK, said: “Our product range has been built to solve common issues in professional kitchens and catering operations. We deliver a wide range of solutions that increase productivity, boost efficiency and improve workflows. More than that, they’re built to last, as Cyrus has already discovered in using our shelving systems for the last 25 years.”

Visit our website here www.hupfer.com