Hestan Commercial Corp. showcased new, large convection ovens and open-burner range tops. The ovens, pictured, are energy-efficient and have a larger capacity than previous models, allowing for higher volumes of baking. The range tops focus heat towards the center of the burners for accurate cooking. Hestan also works with operators to customize the colors of their kitchen equipment and names chef Thomas Keller as its brand ambassador.

The new KMEdge Ice Machine series from Hoshizaki America Inc., a 2018 NRA Kitchen Innovations Award recipient, employs a double-sided, stainless-steel evaporator with optimized surface contact area. The increased contact with the copper heating and cooling tubing leads to the production of harder and clearer ice without impurities, at a higher yield in fewer cycles.

Sterno Products debuted its new SpeedHeat, a flameless heating system for quick-serve, drop-off catering. When SpeedHeat packets are placed on trays and activated with water, the system immediately produces high-heat steam and keeps food at an ideal serving temperature without the use of an open flame. The product will be available to the foodservice industry starting in July.

Another product that received the 2018 NRA Kitchen Innovations Award was this modular holding bin system. The bins are individual holding cells, meant to keep different kinds of foods at optimal serving temperatures. While all of the modules are controlled by a master base, each one can be adjusted to a different temperature. Additional bins can be stacked horizontally and vertically, giving operators the ability to tailor the holding station to their kitchen needs. One 110V socket can power up to eight modules.

The Lavazza booth was among the most popular stops among the plethora of suppliers showcasing their cutting-edge automated barista machines. The Lavazza machines, which sported both fresh milk and powdered milk options, were touted as fast and easy ways for restaurants to serve the high-end Italian brand. “You don’t need to be a trained barista to use these,” a rep said. Depending on the features, the machines ranged in price from $9,000 to $13,000.

A new product from BakerStone International is its Commercial Pizza Oven Box — a stainless-steel, grill-top oven that houses a stone baking chamber. The design of the oven allows it to utilize three different types of heat: convective, conductive and radiant. With this three-fold baking performance, the equipment is able to reach temperatures comparable to those of a wood-fired oven and cooks individual-size pizzas in 90 seconds, according to the company. The product can also be used for other applications besides cooking pizzas, such as baking cookies or roasting meat and vegetables.