While the challenges in catering are diverse, the answer from ceda Platinum Partner Rational is simple: Intelligence. Thanks to four intelligent functions, the world market leader in thermal cooking solutions has created the new iCombi Pro combi-steamer; which combines 50% higher productivity, 10% shorter cooking time and 10% lower energy consumption in a single cooking system compared to the predecessor model, while still guaranteeing outstanding uniformity, even at full loads. Time and energy-optimised cooking as well as intervention in the cooking path provides more flexibility in the kitchen. The ultra-fast interim clean in just 12 minutes reduces downtimes to a minimum. The iCombi Pro combines intelligent productivity, efficiency and flexibility.

“In these difficult times many catering establishments are required to operate differently, with more flexibility, more efficiency, more productivity and with more innovation than ever before, controlling and reducing costs, whilst still providing high quality food, says Simon Lohse, Managing Director, Rational UK. “Chefs therefore require flexible, simple and efficient support from intelligent functions such as those in the iCombi Pro” continues Lohse. Like the iCookingSuite, the cooking intelligence in the iCombi Pro. It is based on the Maillard reaction, the chemical formula for the browning reaction in food, which Rational has decrypted and translated into a software algorithm. Together with sensors, which send actual data such as size, quantity and condition of the food product from the cooking cabinet, the iCombi Pro regulates the entire cooking path precisely and always with reproducible results. If conditions such as the temperature of the food product or the duration of the door opening change, the iCookingSuite will intelligently adjust the cooking path. Whatever is being cooked, and however much is being cooked, it will always be cooked as quickly as possible and in high quality.

Additional fan wheels, optimised cooking cabinet geometry and higher dehumidification performance enable up to 50% bigger loads and shorter cooking times compared to the previous model. iDensityControl, the intelligent climate regulation, makes sure that it all works smoothly. Crusts, grill patterns and crispy coatings are guaranteed and the optimal cooking climate management means even delicate foods such as quiche will be a success.

With the iProductionManager, entire production sequences, even with different foods, are regulated intelligently. The user states whether they want to cook using the time or energy optimising system, or to a certain target time, and the iCombi Pro will take care of everything else. It knows what can be cooked together and will show when a food product does not suite the cooking cabinet climate. This means more flexibility and planning reliability. The intelligent iCareSystem the cleaning system, which only needs 12 minutes for an ultra-fast interim clean, also contributes to this. All cleaning programs only use phosphate-free cleaner tabs in half the quantity compared to the previous model. Together with the lower electricity consumption, which is confirmed by Energy Star, the iCombi Pro is a highly sustainable cooking system.

The intuitive operating concept guides the user through the production sequence with visual language, logical work steps and clear, interactive instructions and makes the cooking system quickly accessible even for untrained staff. WLAN is also integrated in the iCombi Pro providing a fast and simple connection to the Rational network ConnectedCooking and efficient management of kitchen processes. “Due to its intelligence, the iCombi Pro responds just like an experienced chef,” explains Lohse, “it takes on routine tasks and provides freedom. This will sustainably change working methods in kitchens.”

The iCombi Pro is now available from RATIONAL dealers in various sizes, from the compact XS to the 20-2/1. Anyone who would like to get an idea of the new cooking system can now convince themselves of its performance in the online webinar More Tour 2020. Interested parties will soon be able to experience the iCombi Pro also live at the More Tour 2020, the dates will be available on rational-online.com