Top 10 List of Essential Energy-Efficient Catering Equipment

Energy-efficient catering equipment is vital for any business. Not only will it save you money, but it will also help to protect the environment. Many energy-efficient appliances are available on the market, so finding the right one for your business can be daunting.

To help you make the most effective choices for your catering business, we've compiled a list of the top 10 energy-efficient catering equipment items.

The MKN FlexiCombi MagicPilot 6.1 Electric Combi Oven with FlexiRack option is an excellent energy-efficient option for any catering business. It has several features that make it energy efficient, such as a water-cooled motor and fan, which help to reduce energy consumption.

Additionally, the FlexiRack option allows you to cook multiple items at once, up to 50% more food in one sitting, saving time and energy. The built-in steam function only heats the specific amount of water needed rather than continuously heating a full tank to reduce the amount of energy required for this task.

The MKN FlexiCombi 6.1 is loaded with intelligent features, for example, the PerfectHold function, QualityControl to automatically adjust cooking parameters to provide superior results, DynaSteam, and ClimaSelect. Plus, two core temperature probes, WaveClean automatic cleaning, EasyLoad, autoChef, MagicPilot, and Time2Serve, all in a compact footprint. Each introduces a feature that guarantees exquisite cooking results, reduces manual input from chefs without compromising quality and increases efficiency.

Suppose you're looking for a combination oven with a lower energy consumption; you've found it. The triple-glazed door is sealed in the frame, and the heat exchanger prevents heat from escaping adding to its time and money saving features.

The Valentine EVO 2200 Twin Tank Electric Fryer is an excellent energy-efficient commercial fryer. Available in a choice of models including standard, turbo, with pumped filtration and with automatic basket lifts you have the option to extend the life of fryer oil meaning you'll use less oil overall, be able to pre-set cooking times and rely on the fryer to remove foods once they have been fried to perfection, and benefit from an ECO mode for efficient preheating and solid fat melt cycle.

Valentine's entire range of fryers offers excellent efficiency thanks to various design features and specifications. With single and twin tank models and a range of tank capacities, there's a product for every scale of business.

All models benefit from superior insulation to keep the heat where it's needed most and a smaller cool zone which requires less oil and, therefore, less energy to heat. Additionally, as tanks are constructed from a single sheet of pressed steel, cleaning has never been easier.

Valentine is known for their choice of smart or intelligent models, which offer an energy saving mode and the additional advantage of automatically reducing the temperature after 30 minutes of inactivity. When the fryer is required, select a program, and the fryer will recover to the optimum frying temperature ready to continue working.

Lincat's PHER01 and PHER02 Induction Ranges combines a commercial oven with all the benefits of an induction hob. Single and double-door ranges are available to cater for all scales of business.

There are single-phase options for both models, so there's no need to spend extra money setting up costly 3-phase power supplies.

The Lincat PHER01 or PHER02 induction ranges are great energy-efficient options for any catering business. Both ranges feature an energy-saving mode that kicks in when they're not in use, helping to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the induction cooking technology used by these ranges is up to 30% more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric cooking methods.

A chargrill or griddle is a great way to cook food quickly and efficiently. The Lincat OE8205/C Electric Griddle is perfect for energy-efficient cooking as the cast iron heats up quickly and evenly, holding the required temperature meaning less energy is wasted.

The Falcon G3925 Gas Chargrill allows controlled flaring for authentic flame-grilled branding while ensuring energy efficiency through variable burner controls with turndown position.

Both griddle and chargrill have multiple cooking zones meaning you can shut down one side during quiet periods to minimise energy usage rather than heating the entire surface. Making this equipment perfect for energy-conscious businesses that want to save money.

The Lincat LSC Infra Red Salamander Grill is both economical and energy-efficient. It's a fantastic choice for any catering business as it features an energy-saving mode that kicks in when it's not in use. Additionally, the grill has a quick start function that helps to reduce energy consumption by up to 20%.

Merrychef's Eikon range of high speed ovens are energy-efficient and perfect for any catering business. The ovens feature many energy-saving features, such as an automatic standby mode and quick start function. Additionally, the Eikon range is up to 20% more energy efficient than traditional microwave ovens.

The Winterhalter PT-M EnergyPlus Dishwasher is a super energy-efficient commercial hood type or pass through dish washer. It's double-skinned insulation holds heat within the machine while the wastewater heat recovery system uses heat from the wastewater that would otherwise be dispersed to warm the cold water inlet thus reducing energy consumption. The wastewater recovery system can save up to 10% on energy costs.

Winterhalter also offer an exhaust air heat recovery mode. This recovery mode uses the hot steam inside the machine as well as the energy from the wastewater to heat incoming water, meaning less energy is wasted, saving 15% on energy costs each time it's used.

All models have an ECO washing cycle that uses less water and energy than traditional cycles.

Foster's EcoPro G3 EP700H Storage Refrigerator and EP700L EcoPro G3 Storage Freezer are energy-efficient and perfect for any catering business. All Foster G3 refrigeration benefits from a +stayclear condenser making cleaning and maintenance easy, increasing airflow and helping your unit to work at optimum efficiency.

The equipment range is fitted with PureControl LED displays that use less power and with a high ambient temperature units can continue to work efficiently even in warmer areas. These Foster solid door fridges and freezers are also available as double door models when extra capacity is required.

As a bonus, the G3 range recently won the Foodservice Equipment Journals Supplier of the Year for New Product Development for its commercial kitchen efficiency range.

The Lincat P8P6 Plain Top Hot Cupboard is an excellent energy-efficient hot cupboard. It's insulated to help retain heat whilst remaining externally cool to touch, and boasts fast heat up and recovery times when the doors have been opened. This means that less energy is wasted.

The Hatco RHW-1 Round Heated Well is an energy-efficient soup kettle with three heat settings for increased versatility. Capable of warming, steaming and boiling not just soup but other sauces and even pasta, the insulated design retains hot temperatures to reduce heat waste. A handy power saving mode where the warming kettle operates at 50% power, allows the heated well to be switched to low power when not in use, ready to quickly reheat to temperature when required. The kettle can also be used as a bain marie complete with a dome element function for rapid heating that can reduce energy consumption.

There are a few energy and cost-saving aspects to consider in the food prep area.

First, consider the size of your operation. Be sure to choose catering appliances suitable for your level of demand. Not powerful enough, and not only will it not keep up with demand, but it will also add unnecessary stress to the equipment, increasing the likelihood of issues or failures occurring.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you choose a machine that is much too powerful, you will be wasting energy and money on unnecessary energy consumption.

Second, think about how you can use less energy when cooking. For example, a lid on pans will help trap heat and cook food quicker, meaning less energy is used. A slow or pressure cooker can also help reduce energy consumption by cooking food quickly and at a lower temperature.

Finally, consider ways to reduce food waste. This not only helps to save money but also reduces the amount of energy needed to produce and transport food. Vacuum sealers are a great way to preserve foods as are blast chillers and freezers, not only from a food waste perspective but also a food safety one. Sous vide cooking also offers a great energy efficient cooking method, allowing foods to be cooked low and slow or even overnight.

By following these energy-saving tips, you can help to reduce your catering business's energy consumption, saving money and helping the environment.

Commercial kitchen extraction is not an area synonymous with energy-efficient features. The top tip is to choose a reputable manufacturer such as Parry or Lincat and accurately measure, assess and calculate the required size. Not only will this help with efficiency, but it is also a legal requirement.

Although energy-efficient equipment may have a slightly higher initial outlay, the savings that can be made over the years of operation soon pay back the difference and save you money from then on. Look into any possible government or local funding which may be available.

Foster refrigeration has the bonus of an Interest-Free Credit Option over a period of 12, 18 or 24 months. Winterhalter also offer a similar financing plan over 12 months along with a cost saving Pay Per Wash scheme.

Also, don't forget other energy-saving tips, such as using a lid on pans, investing in storage solutions to reduce food waste, and thinking about the size of your catering appliances. Following these tips could help to save money and energy in your catering business, and who doesn't want that?