These devices win over customers' hearts and palates and build the reputation of the establishment. While the taste of food depends largely on the quality of ingredients, the chef’s creativity, and culinary skills, the final result often hinges on the choice of equipment with the right functions. So, which devices are worth investing in to ensure that even the most demanding customers are satisfied with whatever ends up on their plates?
Modern convection oven
One of the most important, if not the most important, devices in a well-organized professional kitchen is the convection or combi-steam oven. Its role cannot be overestimated, especially since it can do so much – it’s not only used for baking but also for steaming, stewing, blanching, grilling, and frying. This ensures that each type of dish undergoes optimal heat treatment. Baking with steam significantly impacts the food served to customers. It helps preserve aroma, bring out deeper flavors and colors, and minimize the loss of weight in prepared dishes. A modern combi-steam oven also offers several valuable features – it allows for simultaneous thermal processing of multiple dishes and significantly reduces preparation time compared to traditional ovens, eliminates odor transfer, and can store selected recipes. This functionality ensures that regular customers aren’t surprised by a different flavor of the same well-known dish during their next visit.
Sous-vide cooker
If you want your cooking to be not only tasty but also healthy, investing in a sous-vide cooker is worthwhile. What is this method about? Simply put, it’s vacuum cooking – thermal processing of food sealed in a special bag. The filled and tightly sealed bag is placed in a water or steam bath, preserving all flavor, aroma, and nutritional qualities. Food prepared this way tastes excellent, is healthier (less salt and fat reduction), and retains more weight. The sous-vide method can be used to prepare almost all types of meats and fish, as well as eggs, vegetables, and some fruits.
Wok – deep pan for quick thermal processing
A professional wok is also worth considering, especially if you plan to serve dishes from traditional or modern Asian cuisine. This type of device allows for quick frying using the stir-fry technique, which leaves ingredients lightly crispy while preserving full flavors and aromas. Besides frying, a wok can also be used for stewing and boiling. The rounded bottom of a wok, combined with the stir-fry technique, prevents food from burning, provided proper maintenance is ensured. In a professional kitchen, the best choice is a wok made of carbon steel, known for its superior heat conductivity in its class. A more expensive but equally worthwhile option is an induction wok.
Grill plate
A grill plate powered by electricity or gas can help prepare delicious grilled dishes. This device is ideal for efficiently thermally processing various types of meat, fish, and vegetables. For a professional kitchen, it’s best to choose a grill plate model with a working surface divided into a smooth and a ridged half – this setup allows for adjustments based on the type of dish. With a grill plate, you can create dishes that are not only flavorful but also healthier than traditional cooking methods because they contain less fat. Modern grill plates also feature adjustable temperatures optimized for different types of meat or vegetables. The meat remains juicy and is cooked to retain all its flavorful qualities.
Induction cooktop
In a well-equipped kitchen, an induction cooktop is worth having. It is fast, energy-efficient, and capable of preparing most dishes, including healthy and delicious soups. Using an induction cooktop eliminates worries about food burning. However, it’s essential to purchase a set of pots with special ferromagnetic bottoms, regardless of the material they are made of.
Quality above all
When choosing specific models of kitchen equipment, prioritize their quality over their price. More expensive devices are generally more capable and robustly built, making them more functional and durable.
In case of a failure of any of the devices described in this article, necessary spare parts are available at Horeca Parts in the categories of Convection Ovens and Thermal Processing Equipment.
