Benefits of Using Combi Steamers in Modern Kitchens

In the ever-evolving world of professional cuisine, the introduction of innovative equipment has revolutionised the way we cook. Among these advancements, commercial combi ovens and steamers stand out as a quintessential component in modern professional kitchens. These multifaceted appliances have redefined efficiency and versatility in cooking, making them indispensable in commercial catering.

A combination oven, commonly referred to as a combi steamer, is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a convection oven and a steam cooker. This dual functionality allows chefs to steam, grill, bake, roast, sauté and fry with a single piece of equipment.

The key lies in its ability to precisely control both temperature and humidity, offering unparalleled control over the cooking process. Learn how combination ovens have evolved since their creation to understand exactly how far the technology has advanced in a relatively short period of time.

Combi steamers use a sophisticated blend of steam and convection cooking. The steam aspect provides moist heat, which is ideal for retaining the natural flavours, nutrients, and colours of food. This is particularly beneficial for delicate items like vegetables and seafood, which require gentle cooking. On the other hand, the convection mode circulates dry heat, perfect for achieving a crispy texture in baked goods and roasted meats.

The true brilliance of combi steamers lies in their ability to seamlessly switch between these two cooking modes or even combine them. This hybrid cooking technique enables chefs to achieve a variety of textures and flavours that would typically require multiple appliances.

Capable of performing multiple cooking techniques, combination ovens can amalgamate multiple types of catering equipment into a single appliance for ultimate convenience, space saving and cooking versatility.

Grilling: While traditional grilling is done over an open flame, combi ovens simulate this effect through high-temperature convection heating. The intense, dry heat creates a similar sear and char as a grill.

Baking: The convection mode provides even, dry heat necessary for baking. It ensures that baked goods rise properly and have a uniform texture and colouration.

Roasting: Combining convection heat with a controlled amount of steam allows for perfect roasting. The dry heat creates a crispy exterior, while the steam ensures the interior remains moist.

Frying: Although combi ovens don't fry in the traditional sense, they can mimic the effects of frying. By using high-heat convection cooking combined with an injection of steam, foods can achieve a similar crispy exterior as they would through frying.

Steaming: The steam mode in a combi oven is ideal for steaming foods. It maintains the right level of humidity and temperature, preserving the food's moisture, texture, and nutrients.

Other Cooking Results: Precise temperature and humidity controls allow for slow cooking, dehydrating, proofing dough, and even sous-vide style cooking when used with appropriate containers. 

The versatility of combi steamers makes them an invaluable asset in commercial kitchens. Their multifunctionality not only saves space by reducing the need for multiple appliances but also enhances workflow efficiency. Chefs can switch between cooking modes with ease, ensuring optimal results for every dish.

Moreover, combi steamers are designed for consistency and precision, which is crucial in a professional setting where every dish must meet high standards. The ability to control humidity and temperature with precision means that recipes can be replicated perfectly every time.

In addition to their cooking prowess, combi steamers are also champions of energy efficiency. By consolidating multiple cooking processes into one appliance, they reduce energy consumption, which is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.

Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of combi steamers is their ability to cater to a diverse range of menu items. From steaming vegetables to roasting large cuts of meat and baking delicate pastries, these ovens handle it all. This versatility makes them particularly valuable in commercial kitchens where menu diversity is key to attracting a broad customer base. Combination ovens and steamers are a substantial investment for businesses yet represent a key piece of equipment for smooth service and consistent, repeatable results. Our Comprehensive Combination Oven Buying Guide explains the intricacies of commercial combi ovens and the features to look out for when choosing the right equipment.

Combination oven steamers represent the pinnacle of modern cooking technology, offering versatility, efficiency, and precision in a single appliance. Their ability to combine steam and convection cooking makes them indispensable in professional kitchens, where quality, consistency, and efficiency are paramount. Whether it’s for grilling, baking, roasting, or sautéing, combi steamers deliver optimal cooking results, solidifying their status as a cornerstone of modern commercial catering equipment.

Whether used in a restaurant kitchen or as part of a large catering kitchen, commercial combination ovens can make food production more streamlined.

Large scale catering involves amplified food production and also the pressure of catering to all tastes. A surge in dietary choices and requirements means that the pressure is on to deliver a menu suitable for everyone, including vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free-ers and all with comprehensive ingredient labelling for those with allergies.

Top Tip: When many dishes are being prepared, make sure your kitchen is organised and adequate measures are in place to prevent cross contamination.

Oven combi steamers let intelligent and reliable equipment take the strain, automating notoriously stressful services and allowing chefs to use their culinary flair elsewhere in the kitchen. Eliminate manual mistakes and user error with equipment that’s quick, simple and safe to use during the rush.

No accidentally turning up the temperature and ending with charred remains or similarly suffering from too low settings resulting in under-cooked (or not cooked) food. Side-step substandard dishes that could dampen the occasion and guarantee yours hits the mark every time.

Rational is the superior choice for professional chefs who take high-quality food seriously. Capable of producing large quantities of food to exceptional standards, it’s like having an extra chef in the kitchen – an additional expert pair of hands to lighten the load. Make sure that offering a full menu of dishes doesn’t cause a logistical nightmare with Rational.

With the Rational combi ovens - iCombi and iVario Cooking Center sitting pride of place in the product line-up, Rational have got large scale catering covered. Both are packed with advanced features boasting models and capacities to suit every size and style of business.

An advanced multi-functional combination oven designed to perform 95% of typical cooking functions and all within a single unit, the iCombi can potentially do the work of up to 50% of standard single-function pieces of equipment in a kitchen.

Whether you choose to replace individual units altogether and free up valuable space or operate traditional cooking equipment in addition to the combi oven to boost production capabilities, Rational will always fit right in.

The iCombi range demonstrates the brand's dedication to a greener, healthier planet.

Key Features

• iCookingSuite recognises the size, quantity and condition of food, determining the best process to achieve the desired finish. Able to intelligently correct cooking conditions and adjust cooking times according to usage, perfection is achieved as standard.
• iDensityControl monitors oven conditions and intelligently adapts to the food’s requirements allowing up to 50% more load with an average 10% faster cooking. Delivering even heat distribution and air circulation, consistent, evenly cooked food is guaranteed. Also, assisting with retention of moisture, ingredients undergo less shrinkage for better overall results.
• Varied menu selections with plenty of choices needn’t cause a headache. Allowing multi-level cooking, each tier is individually monitored, meaning that a variety of dishes can be cooked simultaneously. When a level is ready, the unit will signal either by displaying a message on the screen or by using a flashing light system. Giving information about which foods can be cooked together, this mixed loading feature allows kitchens to produce a greater range of dishes all from just one piece of equipment.
• Advanced self-teaching capabilities mean that the iCombi is able to adapt to actual usage, making minor adjustments where necessary based on previous practices. To keep you fully informed, the combi oven notifies of any changes that have been made while giving an overview of current operational settings.
• The massive memory potential means that an entire menu worth of cooking processes can be programmed where necessary, each with multiple steps – the most used programs available at your fingertips, making hi-tech accessible to everyone.
• Designed with easy-to-use, concise touchscreen controls, every feature can be accessed in one convenient location. Once the equipment is set up and programmed to individual preferences, even untrained staff can prepare professional-grade dishes with a simple touch of a screen. Including a precision probe tool, core temperatures can be accurately monitored for increased food safety.
• Featuring a USB port, recipes can be quickly uploaded and equipment updated with revised programs and HACCP data to ensure your combination oven is always running to the latest specifications.
• At the end of service, enjoy the self-cleaning iCareSystem with a descaling function. Able to run overnight with no need for supervision, take the strain out of cleaning at a time that suits you.

Ideal for bulk production, the Rational iVario Cooking Center delivers versatility by the pan full. Based on a bratt pan design, chefs can shallow fry, boil, sous vide, braise, blanch, steam, confit and deep fry in large quantities, effortlessly tilting foods out once cooked.

These intelligent bratt pans guarantee maximum cooking versatility and maximum efficiency for a market-leading piece of catering equipment.

Key Features

• VarioCookingControl monitors cooking processes, making minor adjustments when necessary. There’s no need for supervision, meaning that the iVario Cooking Centre can be put to work overnight if required. The intelligent system only asks for assistance and chef intervention when foods need turning, ingredients need adding, or the perfect finish has been achieved.
• VarioBoost technology is on hand to deliver an additional boost of power, minimising heat-up times and guaranteeing rapid results. Capable of searing up to 40% more meat than conventional equipment in a single use, chefs not only increase production rates but also benefit from retained moisture and up to 17% less ingredient weight loss.
• Pressure cooking options are available on selected models to further reduce cooking times when you need superb results fast.
• Boasting an auto lift feature, food is automatically raised once the desired finish is achieved, preventing overcooking, especially when chefs can’t attend to foods immediately.
• Enjoy automatic filling of the pan with precision quantities of water thanks to a VarioDose addition, further minimising the manual input required during busy services. With an integrated outlet drain, placement is easy and convenient with no need for a floor drain nearby.
• Benefit from simple touch screen controls; totally self-explanatory, making it quick and easy for any kitchen staff to operate when the going gets tough in busy kitchens. Supplied with a precision temperature probe, food safety remains a prime factor.
• Designed with unheated sides, troublesome food sticking to surfaces is a thing of the past and with even heat distribution, overcooking or burning in ‘hot spots’ is eliminated.
• Boasting a USB port, programs and most used cooking processes, even those with multiple steps can be stored ready for selection. By making logging and documenting HACCP data simple, your kitchen is in safe hands.

Rational hosts ‘free to attend’ nationwide Live demonstrations, allowing you to experience Rational excellence first-hand with no obligation to buy.

Offering free onsite training, this brand is dedicated to enhancing the catering industry and providing a first-class service to customers. An app is also available with recipe ideas, handy tips, a wealth of ‘how-to’ videos and general advice about getting the most from equipment. ConnectedCooking allows remote access to both the iCombi Classic, iCombi Pro and iVario Cooking Centre – just pair a smartphone, tablet or PC and easily monitor and control kitchen processes.

By choosing Rational, you’re getting an exceptional piece of equipment to revolutionise your business and the confidence of ongoing support from professionals.