Editor’s note: The author is editor in chief of The Schechter Report, and a veteran journalist who has covered the foodservice industry, especially equipment news and information, for more than 20 years. The Schechter Report and Nation’s Restaurant News have created a content alliance to better serve foodservice executives with specialized foodservice equipment news and information. The content here does not necessarily reflect the views of Nation’s Restaurant News.
As the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) readies its 2011 show, restaurant operators are set to see the latest equipment offerings and technologies. Here are some of the most noteworthy new products and tools foodservice equipment manufacturers will be displaying at this week’s NAFEM Show in Orlando.
Follett’s new 7 Series ice and water dispensers are designed to complement any break area, conference room or hospitality station, and to serve groups of up to 25 people. The 7 Series dispensers come in countertop, free-standing, under counter, and ADA models and produce Follett's consumer-preferred Chewblet® ice. The countertop model is 17.5 inches, allowing it to fit on counters under standard wall-mounted cabinets.
The 7 Series does not require a drain and includes antimicrobial protection for key components. As with all Follett dispensers, the 7 Series' hands-free dispensing provides a more sanitary approach to ice than manual scooping. The 7 Series’ drain-less design promotes both water and energy conservation and allows the dispenser to be placed almost anywhere.
Unified Brands is presenting an array of new products developed in time for NAFEM by its component companies. These products include: Groen Intek Steamers, Avtec EcoArch UV Hood, Randell Pizza Holding Cabinet, Randell Iceless Fish Station, Randell FX Beverage Cooler, Randell Sous Vide Station, Randell Taco Station, Randell Meat Butchering Station and Randell Forced Air Cold Pan.
The products have been developed to meet the needs of professional kitchens and have been tested by top chefs around the country to allow Unified Brands to create custom solutions to meet their needs.
From Friedrich Metal Products comes the model FMP904 single rack oven, which was developed mainly because of an operator need for energy conservation, small size and reduced maintenance. The technology and design are said by the company to be different from anything else on the market in this equipment category.
Based on Friedrich’s most popular roaster/smoker, model FMP400, the company is releasing a new product intended to provide even temperatures via a natural wood smoke system that would allow operators to personalize smoke color and flavor. Controls and rotisserie racks were also included to accommodate a variety of products. Operators may also appreciate Friedrich’s exclusive 20-minute self-cleaning system, designed to facilitate equipment sanitation on a regular basis.
Manitowoc’s foodservice equipment companies are also introducing a variety of new products at NAFEM 2011. Manitowoc Ice, for example will debut an entire new line of ice machines – said by the company to be the latest in energy-efficient, water-saving “smart” equipment.
Beyond product, Manitowoc will be “Live from NAFEM,” with a multitude of demonstrations and education sessions from the company’s Accelerated Cooking, Advanced Beverage and Innovation Studios.
Refcon is a manufacturer of custom and modified, specialty refrigerated and non-refrigerated display cases, counter units and kiosks for cafeterias, supermarkets, specialty shops, restaurants and bars. At NAFEM, Refcon will unveil EnergyPak, an integrated foodservice facility refrigeration, air conditioning, hot water, and space heating system. Refcon has several patents pending for its EnergyPak module and total EnergyPak system, which was designed to capture up to 90 percent of waste heat as usable energy, thereby reducing facility energy usage, operating expenses and carbon footprint. The company also says EnergyPak can help to deliver as many as 16 LEED certification credits. This compares to conventional high efficiency mechanical systems, which can only provide one or two credits for any LEED project underway today.
Eagle Group is coming to NAFEM with new polymer shelving that fits over an open truss to provide ease of cleaning, as well as enhanced flexibility, for end-users. Eagle’s new Elite series of counters were designed to allow consultants, facility designers and operators the ability to create a servery using a myriad of materials to provide whatever design motif they are looking for.
Contact Mitchell Schechter at mschechter@axis-m.com.
