Why microwave makes the difference with iHexagon.
Cook RATIONAL – 2025-08-29
With the launch of the iHexagon, RATIONAL has created an entirely new category of professional cooking systems. By uniting microwave, convection, steam, time, forced air, and food in one appliance, the iHexagon delivers speed, quality, and consistency on a scale the foodservice industry has never seen before. What makes this breakthrough possible is the intelligent use of microwave energy—not as a compromise, but as a tool of additional efficiency.
Microwave technology in foodservice has long been associated with uneven results or diminished quality. The iHexagon redefines this perception by harmonizing microwave power with what the iCombi Pro has already perfected. Supported by industry leading cooking intelligence, the iHexagon continuously adapts how energy is applied throughout the cooking cabinet, ensuring even results — whether it’s crispness, moisture, or browning. This means 60 baked potatoes are ready in just 35 minutes, three trays of lasagna in 28 minutes, and burgers in less than 2 minutes, all with uniform quality.
The difference becomes clear in high-volume environments. Whether it’s a quick-service restaurant, a buffet counter, or a convenience outlet, the iHexagon makes it possible to serve large numbers of guests with speed and consistency. Chicken wings, for example, can be prepared in just 3½ minutes, pizzas in 2½ minutes, and macaroni and cheese in only 3 minutes . This level of performance ensures kitchens can keep pace with demand without compromise—delivering the quality guests expect, even at peak times.
Beyond speed, microwave integration also unlocks true multilevel cooking. Where traditional microwaves or speed ovens are limited to a single product at a time, the iHexagon ensures every tray—whether pizza, meatballs, or vegetables—receives precise energy distribution. Combined with digital connectivity through ConnectedCooking, these results can be replicated across locations, ensuring standardized quality and efficiency for franchise operators and multi-site businesses.
The innovation extends to cleaning as well. Our iCareSystem AutoDose system comes standard with iHexagon; with integrated cleaning cartridges, that automate the process of cleaning (even overnight or cleaning at off-peak times) , and removing the need for staff to handle chemicals. This means the iHexagon is as efficient to maintain as it is to operate, saving both time and labor.
With the iHexagon, microwave technology is no longer seen as a trade-off. It is the differentiator that allows kitchens to combine speed with quality, to cook large volumes without losing consistency, and to reimagine what foodservice and hospitality can look like. By elevating microwave energy through intelligent integration, the iHexagon proves that the future of cooking lies not in compromise, but in precision, efficiency, and great taste.
