Why should restaurants consider purchasing an accelerated cooking machine?

If your restaurant, café, bar or other establishment needs a multi-functional and powerful cooking device in the kitchen, you may find that an accelerated cooking machine is a useful solution. This appliance has a wide range of applications, but the accelerated cooking machine is most commonly used for making sandwiches, pizzas, casseroles, meat dishes and side dishes. These machines typically have at least four different cooking stages, as well as over 1,000 programmes, to heat the food while preserving the flavors and colors of the ingredients. Moreover, despite being extremely powerful, an accelerated cooking machine uses less energy than a commercial oven.

Read this article to learn how accelerated cooking machines work, what types are available, and which accelerated cooking machine could be most useful in your professional kitchen.

WHAT IS AN ACCELERATED COOKING MACHINE?

A variety of devices used to heat food, including convection, bakery, steam and commercial ovens, as well as griddle plates. However, not all are as versatile as an accelerated cooking machine.

Accelerated cooking machines are powerful helpers in a professional kitchen for defrosting, heating and cooking food. The machine provides different cooking methods, to help prepare meals extremely quickly. Restaurant managers have noted that an accelerated cooking machine works about five times faster than a conventional oven or grill. This short cooking time is due to the design of the machine with integrated heating mechanisms.

WHAT DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACCELERATED COOKING MACHINES ARE AVAILABLE?

The machines employ several different types of heating technologies, which are integrated to make cooking meals fast and efficient. The types of machines include:

• Microwave. Heating food in a microwave is very fast, efficient and safe. That is why almost every accelerated cooking machine includes a built-in microwave technology. Many programmes use this particular technology to heat the food. Meanwhile, the fan function actively distributes the heat generated in the machine to ensure the food is heated evenly.

• Convection. Microwaves are great for heating food, but you may be aware that microwave technology alone is often not enough for professional cooking. That’s why, in addition to microwave technology, the accelerated cooking machine also comes with a convection technology to ensure that the food browns beautifully, doesn’t dry out and retains its flavor. However, the machine must be switched on and preheated before using the convection programme. If you think your restaurant would operate best only using one technology, you might prefer a convection oven.
• Impingement. The innovative impingement heating technology is simple, yet effective. An air stream is heated to an extremely high temperature and directed at the food to be heated. This operating principle drastically reduces defrosting and heating times, while making the food look as if it has been freshly cooked. This technology is used to defrost and cook lasagnas, pizzas and similar dishes.
• Infrared. Newer models of accelerated cooking machines come equipped with infrared food heating. This is the most common way to prepare heat-sensitive dishes, such as fish or desserts.
• Contact. A machine working on the principle of a contact grill is perfect for cooking steaks, burritos and toasted sandwiches. Contact grills are popular because of the grill marks they leave on food, so if you are planning to make meals like this in your restaurant, your accelerated cooking machine will need to have this function.

Many accelerated cooking machines combine several of the aforementioned technologies, which gives the appliance its versatility. It also means you can choose the most efficient option for your restaurant.

WHAT ELSE TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING AN ACCELERATED COOKING MACHINE

Like any appliance, accelerated cooking machines come in different models, so you need to consider the additional parameters. In this case, we recommend that you consider the following:

• Power. The more powerful the cooking machine, the faster your food will cook. The amount of energy consumed will depend on the technology that you choose. For example, with this accelerated cooking machine, the microwave power is 1000 W and the convection power is 3000 W. Think about whether you’ll have enough power for all your restaurant’s cooking needs.
• Capacity. Accelerated cooking machines come in different sizes. The smaller ones are more compact and are suitable for preparing smaller quantities of food. The larger models provide you with the opportunity to heat more than one dish at a time.

• Size. These machines are usually placed on worktops (stainless steel worktops are the most suitable surfaces), so it is necessary measure and prepare the worktop space before purchasing your appliance.
• Energy consumption. Accelerated cooking machines are energy-intensive, so it’s worth looking at the most energy-efficient models. These options will help you save money.
• Ventilation. When food is cooked and heated very quickly, a lot of steam can build up in the surrounding area. Therefore, we recommend that you check whether the unit is equipped with a ventilation system and whether the ventilation power can be adjusted. You may also need an integrated catalytic converter system.
• Software. Accelerated cooking machines are usually equipped with software that makes cooking easier. For example, with an Alphatech accelerated cooking machine, you’ll have access to a recipe database, remote diagnostics and equipment updates, while you can add your own recipes, etc. These advantages make it possible to adapt the oven to the individual needs of your catering business.

If you have further questions about restaurant equipment and the possible options, do not hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to offer you advice and help you choose the right device.