Professional kitchen technology from RATIONAL.

Commercial kitchen appliances are devices used in professional kitchens in the foodservice industry, i.e., commercial kitchens. They differ from household appliances in that they are generally much more powerful and can prepare larger quantities of good-quality food quickly. Most commercial kitchen appliances are made of stainless steel; their high-quality construction and robust design are essential to ensuring a long service life and withstanding challenging kitchen operations.

The equipment a professional foodservice kitchen needs mainly depends on the types of food it produces. Nowadays, however, combi-steamers of various sizes are definitely standard in commercial kitchens. Most large production kitchens use free-standing floor units with up to 20 racks, while smaller combi-steamers can often be found at service centers. Many kitchens also employ modern, usually intelligent multifunctional appliances that use contact heat. What the two types of appliances have in common is that they were both developed with a variety of cooking applications in mind, so users have the flexibility to prepare many different dishes in a small space. Of course, these appliance types are also very well suited for à la carte service or supermarket hot-food counters. Roasting, grilling, braising, steaming, and baking, all in a single appliance - that's what modern kitchen appliances offer. Modern technology also saves commercial kitchens energy and water, making them significantly more sustainable.

Depending on the equipment they use, professional commercial kitchens may need any number of different supply connections. In addition to a normal power supply, modern kitchen technology often requires a high-voltage connection to keep high-performance appliances running. High-voltage current ensures quick preheating times and efficient heat transfer into food; it ensures consistent results even on large quantities. Note: A high connected load is by no means synonymous with high energy consumption, because maximum power is only drawn when necessary. Once again, the appliances' intelligent controls optimize resource usage as well as food quality. Modern commercial kitchens also need water connections - not only for cooking, but also for modern rinsing and cleaning technology. Networking modern intelligent appliances makes working easier and more convenient while allowing users to keep an eye on all of their appliances at a glance, so network connections (or corresponding wireless connections) are highly recommended if a user wants to take full advantage of the appliances' complete range of features.

Although commercial kitchens are not necessarily considered digitization trailblazers, the digital revolution is happening here as well. Modern kitchen appliances are often equipped with intelligent assistants that can monitor the user's appliance fleet precisely or even control it. ConnectedCooking is one example in this regard: among other things, it lets users update unit software, distribute cooking programs to multiple units at different locations, or document HACCP data easily.

Commercial kitchen equipments depends on the range of dishes being prepared and the degree of preparation they involve. A kitchen primarily preparing convenience products will need different equipment than one where everything is produced fresh. Cooking processes are a consideration as well. Whether the kitchen uses a Cook & Hold or a Cook & Chill approach affects the kitchen design - and, of course, so does the availability of skilled staff. Here, again, modern, intelligent cooking and kitchen technology has become indispensable. The monitoring and support functions on intelligent cooking processes free up kitchen staff for other tasks. Appliances like the iCombi Pro combi-oven and the iVario Pro multifunctional unit notify the user when the require loading or unloading, or when other activities (stirring, adding liquid) are necessary. These multifunctional appliances also save valuable space, since they can replace a convection oven, a kettle, or even a stove partially or completely.

Ventilation equipment and a recirculating hood should also be selected to match the cooking technology in question. However, many kitchens overinvest in them as a result of outdated standards. Modern cooking systems like RATIONAL's are regulated such that, despite their exceptional cooking speed, they only draw exactly as much heating power as they need at any given moment. They are also extremely effective and can often replace other appliances, thus reducing ventilation needs and saving investment costs.

Obviously, kitchen planning has to include not only equipment for heating food, but also modern, sustainable dishwashing technology. The same goes for basic equipment such as refrigeration technology. As with cooking appliances, professional cleaning and refrigeration equipment needs to be well-made, modern, and resource-efficient.

Ensuring smooth, efficient kitchen operations requires careful planning tailored to that kitchen's processes, including a layout and equipment concept designed with its specific food concept in mind. Proper kitchen planning makes efficient use of space and keeps pathways short whenever possible.

In other words, essential commercial kitchen equipment includes commercial foodservice appliances, refrigeration and dishwashing technology, stainless steel furnishings and kitchen utensils. The heart and soul of any professional kitchen are the oven and the stove, so it's even more important that these be high-performance, high-quality, high-efficiency appliances (e.g., the iCombi Pro).

Our network-capable iCombi Pro, iCombi Classic, iVario Pro, and iHexagon units meet the requirements of Article 3.3 of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), which will be binding throughout the EU from August 1, 2025 onward.

The security mechanisms we have implemented ensure:

• Protection of network infrastructure (RED 3.3 d)
• Protection of personal data (RED 3.3 e)
• Fraud protection (RED 3.3 f)

Cybersecurity has been validated according to EN 18031-1.

From August 1, 2025 onward, all new devices will include the new software version and thus meet the requirements of Article 3.3 of the RED Directive.

For existing devices, we provide new security functions free of charge via software update:

• Units that are networked using the digital kitchen management system ConnectedCooking will receive the update automatically.
• Alternatively, the update can also be downloaded manually from our website: Software update . It can then be transferred to the iCombi Pro, iCombi Classic, iHexagon or iVario Pro using a USB stick.

Yes, the RATIONAL iCombi Pro, iCombi Classic, iVario Pro and iHexagon units meet the requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) Article 3.3. Cybersecurity has been validated according to EN 18031-1.