Roasting, baking, grilling, steaming, air frying, low temperature cooking - all in one cooking system. The intelligent iCombi Pro combi oven is simple and intuitive to use.
Kitchen appliances for catering and commercial kitchens.
You don’t need a lot of equipment to equip a professional kitchen to the highest standard. RATIONAL offers appliances that combine the functions of several conventional commercial kitchen appliances: For example, the iCombi Pro combi oven and the iVario Pro multifunctional cooking system together cover up to 90 % of all conventional cooking applications. Complemented by the ConnectedCooking digital kitchen management system, you can realise your kitchen’s full potential.
Kitchen appliances for the catering industry and commercial kitchens from RATIONAL – intelligent equipment for the professional kitchen.
Whether in restaurants, hotels, industry catering or foodservice businesses - in every professional kitchen, powerful and intelligent commercial kitchen appliances are the cornerstones of modern, but above all efficiency-oriented food production. The focus here is on consistent quality, maximum reliability, high efficiency and, last but not least, customisation, in order to meet the high demands of everyday kitchen life today.
Nowadays, the planning and equipment of catering and commercial kitchens should not only focus on traditional appliances such as combi ovens, conventional ovens, convection ovens, boilers and deep-fat fryers, as well as dishwashing equipment, but should take a holistic view of kitchen processes. Connected units and the corresponding digital solutions can simplify processes and have an impact on resources such as energy and water. Smart processes can further optimise workflows, which in turn can help to reduce stress amongst the kitchen team. This can then help to retain good kitchen staff and attract new ones.
RATIONAL, the specialist in multifunctional cooking and food preparation technology and the market leader, offers you everything from a single source: Quality, maximum reliability, intelligent cooking systems with built-in cooking expertise, modern kitchen management and a comprehensive range of accessories for consistently high-quality results. Specially tailored to professional chefs who deliver top performance every day and put a smile on their customers’ faces – because when the food tastes good, customers are happy to come back time and time again.
For more than 50 years it has been our mission to provide our customers with a helpful tool for cooking. We do not just see ourselves as a machine manufacturer, but also as an innovative solution provider. Our first and last consideration is customer satisfaction. With over 1.4 million units on the market, our cooking systems have become the standard in the catering industry. Customers all over the world confirm that we are on the right track, and these high customer satisfaction ratings spur us on to continue working on even better solutions.
The following RATIONAL solutions are key components in the professional kitchen:
iCombi Pro.
The intelligent and networked combi oven for the best food quality. Easy to use, so there are no mistakes. Flexible in mixed loading and planning. Future-proof.
iVario Pro.
Replaces tilting pans, boilers and pressure cookers in industry catering. Stoves, pots, pans and deep-fat fryers in restaurants. Fast and precise for the best food results. Multifunctional and intelligent for easy operation.
ConnectedCooking.
The free networking platform from RATIONAL. Use the full potential of your RATIONAL cooking systems. Distribute cooking programs, update unit software and document HACCP data. Makes your kitchen processes smarter and your life easier. No matter where the kitchen technology is.
iHexagon.
The specialist for consistent food quality with short cooking times. A combi oven that intelligently and adaptively coordinates steam, even higher heating power and completely new microwave technology, ensuring consistently high-quality food across all 6 levels. Ideal for stadiums, sports arenas, supermarkets, industry catering and much more.
Why choose RATIONAL for kitchen equipment?
Our philosophy: We help kitchens, female chefs and male chefs alike to be even more successful.
To this end, we develop products that simplify day-to-day kitchen operations and deliver measurable results – from small commercial kitchens to large-scale catering operations. From petrol stations to supermarkets. From casual dining to fine dining restaurants. Key quality factors here:
- Made in Germany & France for the iCombi Pro and iVario Pro.
- Developed with a focus on the efficient use of energy and resources. Specific benefits depend on the application and operating conditions.
- Intelligent kitchen appliances for consistent results and user-friendly operation.
- Personal advice and comprehensive service - before and after the purchase.
FAQs.
What are commercial kitchen appliances? What are commercial kitchen appliances made of?
Commercial kitchen appliances are cooking systems that are used in professional kitchens in the hospitality industry, i.e. commercial kitchens. They differ from household appliances in that they are generally much more powerful and can therefore prepare large quantities of food quickly and to a high standard. They are usually made of stainless steel and impress with their robust design and outstanding quality, which are essential for demanding kitchen operations and a long service life.
Which commercial kitchen appliances are needed in most kitchens?
The kitchen appliances used in a professional catering kitchen depend largely on the type of food they produce. Today, however, combi ovens in different sizes are standard equipment in every commercial kitchen. In large production kitchens, these are usually floor units with up to 20 racks. Smaller combi ovens are also often found in service centres. Modern, intelligent, multifunctional appliances that work with contact heat are also part of the equipment. What both appliance groups have in common is that they are designed for different cooking applications. This allows numerous foods to be produced flexibly in a small space. These types of appliances are, of course, also ideal for à la carte restaurants or supermarkets. Modern kitchen appliances are now characterised by the ability to roast, grill, braise, steam and bake in a single appliance. Depending on the application and operating conditions, modern technology can help to optimise energy and water consumption.
What connections does a professional kitchen need?
A professional commercial kitchen needs a wide range of connections, depending on the equipment. In addition to normal power supply, modern kitchen appliances often require high-voltage current to operate at full capacity. This ensures fast heating times and high heat transfer to the food and ensures consistent results even with large quantities. The following must be considered: A high connected load does not necessarily mean high energy consumption, since the maximum power is only used when required. Here, too, the intelligent control of the units helps to optimise resource usage and ensure consistent cooking results. A modern commercial kitchen also requires water connections for cooking and modern rinsing and cleaning technology. Modern intelligent cooking systems can be networked to provide an overview of all cooking systems and make working even easier and more convenient. Therefore, network or WiFi connections in the kitchen are highly recommended if you want to use all the features of the cooking systems.
Does digitalisation exist in restaurant kitchens?
Although the restaurant industry is not typically seen as a pioneer of digitalisation, it is also making progress in this area. Modern kitchen appliances often come with intelligent assistants that allow you to monitor and control your cooking systems with precision. Here, ConnectedCooking is an example of a way to update the unit software, distribute cooking programs to several units at different locations, or simply document HACCP data.
What do you need for a restaurant kitchen?
The equipment required for a commercial kitchen depends on the types of food offered and the level of preparation needed. Producing convenience products on a large scale requires different equipment to producing everything fresh. The same applies to the cooking process. Whether you want to implement Cook & Hold or Cook & Chill has an impact on the kitchen design as well as, of course, the availability of skilled staff. Modern intelligent cooking and kitchen technology is now indispensable here, too. The monitoring and support functions of intelligent cooking processes free up kitchen staff to focus on other tasks. Units such as the iCombi Pro combi oven or the iVario Pro multifunctional unit notify users when they need to be unloaded or loaded, or when other activities such as stirring or adding liquid are required. These multifunctional cooking systems also save valuable space, as they can replace a convection oven, boiler, or sometimes even a stove in the kitchen block.
The extractor hood and ventilation should also be selected to match the cooking technology. However, people often spend too much on these due to outdated standards. Modern cooking systems, such as those from RATIONAL, are controlled in such a way that, despite the high cooking performance, only the heating power that is required at the time is always called up.
In addition to food warming, modern, sustainable dishwashing technology is an essential consideration in kitchen design. The same applies to basic refrigeration equipment. As with cooking appliances, the focus here should be on modern, economical, high-quality technology.
Well-thought-out planning that is tailored to the kitchen workflow is required to enable efficient and smooth operation. The layout and equipment of the kitchen should be tailored to the specific needs of the catering concept. The layout should prioritise space-saving and short distances.
The basic equipment for a commercial kitchen includes appropriate appliances, refrigeration and dishwashing technology, as well as stainless steel furniture and utensils. The oven and stove are the heart of every commercial kitchen. Attention should be paid to powerful, high-quality cooking systems (e.g. the iCombi Pro), as well as to efficient energy consumption.
How does RATIONAL guarantee the security of my data and networks?
Our network-compatible iCombi Pro, iCombi Classic, iVario Pro and iHexagon cooking systems meet the requirements of Article 3.3 of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), which will be binding throughout the EU from 1 August 2025.
Thanks to our implemented security mechanisms, we can guarantee:
- Protection of network infrastructure (RED 3.3 d)
- Protection of personal data (RED 3.3 e)
- Protection from fraud (RED 3.3 f)
Cybersecurity has been validated according to EN 18031-1.
Is my iCombi Pro, iCombi Classic, iVario Pro or iHexagon equipped with the latest security measures?
From 1 August 2025, all new cooking systems will come equipped with the latest software version as standard, thus meeting the requirements of Article 3.3 of the RED Directive.
We will provide new security functions for existing cooking systems free of charge via a software update.
- Units that are networked with the ConnectedCooking digital kitchen management system will receive the update automatically.
- Alternatively, the update can be downloaded manually from our website: Software update fssoftwareSITESTORE_LEAF. This can then be transferred to the iCombi Pro, iCombi Classic, iHexagon or iVario Pro via a USB flash drive.
Are the RATIONAL units iCombi Pro, iCombi Classic, iVario Pro and iHexagon RED compliant, and has IT security been validated in accordance with EN 18031?
Yes, the RATIONAL units iCombi Pro, iCombi Classic, iVario Pro and iHexagon meet the requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) Article 3.3. Cybersecurity has been validated according to EN 18031-1.
Do third-party cleaning agents work?
RATIONAL develops and certifies cleaner and care products that are tailored to customised cleaning processes and the physical, chemical, and technical properties of RATIONAL combi ovens. This qualification involves a lengthy and complex process that meets our customers’ highest standards in terms of hygiene and equipment longevity. Against this background, RATIONAL has not approved any alternative cleaner and care products, and cannot therefore confirm their performance in terms of hygiene and descaling, nor their compatibility or impact on longevity.
Why should RATIONAL cleaners be used?
RATIONAL care products are precisely tailored to the needs of RATIONAL cooking systems and are designed to meet high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and appliance protection. The cleaners developed by RATIONAL are designed to deliver high cleaning performance; they are highly concentrated and therefore particularly economical. This helps to meet hygiene requirements, ensure operational safety and preserve the value of the cooking system when used and maintained correctly.
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