Combi oven - what is it? This is a universal heating equipment. The name itself explains the principle of its work - a combination of steam and convection. Convection is the process of cooking under the influence of the movement of streams of hot air. Thanks to this, the food is obtained evenly processed, with a beautiful crust.
What is a combi steamer in a catering unit? The validity of the purchase
Despite its relatively small size (compared to an industrial oven), the combi oven is able to perform the functions of such equipment as:
- convection oven;
- deep fryer;
- double boiler;
- oven;
- oven;
- frying surface ;
- food kettle ;
- proofing cabinet.
Due to the jewelry setting of the combi steamer, cooks can prepare dishes of any complexity. His presence in a professional kitchen can save space, precious time, which is constantly not enough, nerves and money of the owner.
The number of baking sheets loaded in this equipment varies from 3 to 20, the most popular size is equivalent to gastronome containers with a size of 1/1 (530 * 325mm). On how to choose a combi steamer, focusing on your needs, we will tell you here, by points, considering the tasks that they must perform.
Type of connection. Gas or electricity?
Like any equipment, the combi steamer (depending on the model) can be connected both to gas and to electricity. Consider the pros and cons:
- What is a gas combi steamer? This is equipment that can be connected to liquefied or natural gas, and not to electricity. Such equipment costs more than the usual 380 V unit, but the price difference pays off very quickly, since gas costs less than electricity.
- The main disadvantage is that it is not always possible to use. According to sanitary standards, you will not be allowed to use gas equipment in your kitchen if the room is in a residential building.
To date, the gas combi oven (what it is and where it is used, we found out) can offer its customers only European brands. Russian manufacturers are not yet able to provide the market with stable gas combi steamers. This is due to the fact that the end equipment must comply with CE standards and have gas safety certificates. If all production conditions are observed, the final price of Russian equipment will be no less than that of European equipment. In such circumstances, it is very difficult to withstand competition, since the main trump card of Russian combi steamers is price and a full package of necessary documentation.
Classic or marine performance
Almost every name of industrial equipment has a "marine" variation. No, this does not mean that it is decorated with anchors and shells. Marine equipment - more durable, more reliable, able to endure a long stay on a ship in the open sea or on coastlines without losing its operational characteristics.
What does a marine combi steamer mean in the context of work:
- functioning in conditions of contrast of external temperatures;
- functioning in conditions of high humidity;
- additional strength of metal, preventing corrosion;
- ignoring vibration;
- strong fastening to a floor.
For all this, you will have to pay at the same time a top 20% of the cost of the combi steamer in the classic version and get equipment that will not fail even in the most difficult conditions.
Equipment from Russia. Abat
And here they are - favorites of government contracts. Abat combi steamers perform well under medium-load conditions. They are good where they cook simple food without claims to special complexity. In their lineup there are models with 2 types of vaporization:
- Injection combi steamers. At 6 (145,000 rubles) and 10 (167,000 rubles) levels of 1/1. The injection type of vaporization is characterized by what is achieved by injecting water into an already heated working chamber. This complicates the performance of such a function as “steam + low temperature”, otherwise called a “proofer”, but it is inexpensive and reliable.
- Boiler combi steamers. At 6 (175,000 rubles) and 10 (197,000 rubles) levels of 1/1. The boiler type of operation is characterized by the fact that steam is formed separately and already in this form passes into the working chamber. The range of functions becomes wider, the price is higher.
The equipment is good for everyone, except for the ability to work for wear - it is not recommended to load all the levels provided for at a time.
Mentally and efficiently. Italian equipment Unox
The next step in the evolution of combi steamers is the equipment of the Italian brand Unox. Yes, more expensive, but the quality is worth it. This is evident in everything - in the quality of the assembly, the quality of the metal and the set of functions. Distinguish between models:
- Each electric model has a "twin gas brother." The price of the latter is approximately 20% higher. Gas combi steamer - what is it? The information is given above, focus on the needs and operating conditions.
- For 3 (140,000 rubles), 5 (165,000 rubles), 7 (190,000 rubles), 10 (250,000 rubles), 20 (400,000 rubles) baking sheets of 1/1 size. To each according to his needs.
- With mechanical and electronic controls. The first is good because it is cheaper than the second thousand by 20, all other things being equal, and it is also more difficult to break. The second is appropriate where it comes to complex settings and delicate, delicate dishes.
Combi oven - what is it according to the Germans. Rational
Combi-steamers of this brand can be placed in the chamber of weights and measures. Ideal, reference.
Well, very, very expensive. Their acquisition is justified where it comes to haute cuisine and scale. The types are as follows:
- Combined mechanically with 6 levels 1/1 CombiMaster. Execution on 380 V (550 000 rubles) and gas (690 000 rubles).
- Combined mechanically with 10 levels 1/1 CombiMaster. Version for 380 V (790,000 rubles) and gas (890,000 rubles).
- Mechanically controlled CombiMaster with 20 levels 1/1. Execution only at 380 V (1,600,000 rubles).
- Electronically controlled Rational SCC 5 Senses at 6 levels 1/1. Version for 380 V (780,000 rubles) and gas (930,000 rubles).
- Electronically controlled Rational SCC 5 Senses at 10 levels 1/1. Version for 380 V (1,100,000 rubles) and gas (1,200,000 rubles).
- Electronically controlled Rational SCC 5 Senses at 20 levels 1/1. Execution only at 380 V (1 850 000 rubles).
The list of their possibilities is infinitely large, so only one thing can be said: Rational is one of the few brands that can clearly make it clear what the combi oven is. What is he capable of preparing, what sets him apart from other representatives of thermal equipment.
Combi oven in the kitchens of state institutions
It will now be about kindergartens, schools, hospitals and nursing homes. They are united by the fact that food products at all stages of preparation must undergo severe control, not a single step away from verified technological cards. Food is specific - restriction in fat, steaming or languishing, baking. All according to the canons of a healthy, gentle regime. Combi oven is able to provide all this without much effort.
He is able to perform 80% of all thermal operations that are required during the cooking process. A unique combination of Tena and fans allows you to cook different dishes at once - from cutlets to cottage cheese casseroles, without worrying that the smells can mix. Due to the adjusted cooking mode, which the cooks set before loading the baking sheets, the process takes less time, which not only saves most of the vitamins, but also saves the time of the working staff. The combi steamer (what it is and where it is used, we indicated above) now stands in almost every catering department at a state institution, as it satisfies all requests for sanitary standards and technological maps.
In terms of the "demand / price" ratio, it is most appropriate to put equipment of the Russian brand Abat, which was mentioned above, into such facilities. It is easy to operate, has the necessary documentation package and is relatively inexpensive, which is important for organizations with state support.
Total
Do you need a combi steamer in your kitchen or not - it's up to you. It may seem that the list of its practical possibilities is scarce (yes, it happens), it’s easier to put a barbecue and an oven, but over time you will return to it as an object of exceptional utility.
So, the combi steamer - what is it? The photos are given above, and we have told and explained everything else more than once in this article, but you can finally verify our correctness only by seeing it in action. Attend several workshops held regularly by dealers of industrial equipment, and you will see that the combi oven saves and earns at the same time.