CHICAGO National Restaurant Association 2008 Kitchen Innovations Award. —A customized filtration system that yields signature table waters as alternatives to bottled brands and nanoparticle technology that extends the life of frying oil are just two of 25 cutting-edge equipment advances for foodservice operators recognized with the
This year’s unprecedented total of 25 awards—up from last year’s 19—reflects the quickening pace of equipment improvements, said one member of the nine-person judging panel of operators, manufacturers and consultants that vetted the candidates. —A customized filtration system that yields signature table waters as alternatives to bottled brands and nanoparticle technology that extends the life of frying oil are just two of 25 cutting-edge equipment advances for foodservice operators recognized with the
“For a long time, the foodservice industry was just way behind,” said William Eaton, president of Cini-Little International, a foodservice consulting firm based in Germantown, Md. “The industry is making great strides now, and that’s very encouraging.” —A customized filtration system that yields signature table waters as alternatives to bottled brands and nanoparticle technology that extends the life of frying oil are just two of 25 cutting-edge equipment advances for foodservice operators recognized with the
To be considered for an award, a piece of equipment not only had to stand out in its category, but also must be commercially available in time to be displayed at the Kitchen Innovations demonstration area at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago, May 17-20. —A customized filtration system that yields signature table waters as alternatives to bottled brands and nanoparticle technology that extends the life of frying oil are just two of 25 cutting-edge equipment advances for foodservice operators recognized with the
Show attendees will see award-winning pieces that address industry issues such as labor utilization, “green” or environmental sustainability, food safety, productivity, and energy efficiency. —A customized filtration system that yields signature table waters as alternatives to bottled brands and nanoparticle technology that extends the life of frying oil are just two of 25 cutting-edge equipment advances for foodservice operators recognized with the
Among the innovations that reflected “the extraordinary move toward green and sustainability,” in Eaton’s words, is a cooking device noteworthy for water conservation. Market Forge Industries’ Eco-Tech Plus Steamer uses 15 gallons or less of water per hour, about 20 percent of most other steamers in its class. —A customized filtration system that yields signature table waters as alternatives to bottled brands and nanoparticle technology that extends the life of frying oil are just two of 25 cutting-edge equipment advances for foodservice operators recognized with the
Helping operators avoid the environmental impacts of plastic water bottles is the Everpure Exubera Pro, a customized water filtration and dispensing system that produces still and sparkling waters an operator can serve at the table in carafes. —A customized filtration system that yields signature table waters as alternatives to bottled brands and nanoparticle technology that extends the life of frying oil are just two of 25 cutting-edge equipment advances for foodservice operators recognized with the
“Everyone wants to drink bottled water because of the perception that it is purer and healthier,” Eaton said. “But it also carries an anti-environmental element called a bottle.” Other award recipients better manage cooking oils and waste fats. For instance, the Frymaster Protector Fryer has a 30-pound frypot that uses 40 percent less oil, but has production capacity of 50-pound fryers. Its built-in technology automatically monitors and replenishes oil levels. —A customized filtration system that yields signature table waters as alternatives to bottled brands and nanoparticle technology that extends the life of frying oil are just two of 25 cutting-edge equipment advances for foodservice operators recognized with the
Promising greater longevity for today’s costlier cooking oils is the OilFresh OF1000 Series Oil Extending Catalytic Device. It relies on an assembly of nanoparticle-sized ceramic pellets that prevent oil molecules from clumping together, thus slowing oil breakdown and extending cooking life. —A customized filtration system that yields signature table waters as alternatives to bottled brands and nanoparticle technology that extends the life of frying oil are just two of 25 cutting-edge equipment advances for foodservice operators recognized with the
Another award recipient, the Goslyn Grease Recovery Device, uses hydrostatic pressure and specific gravity to separate and collect fats, oils and grease from waste water, helping to prevent drain blockages and the release of effluent into the environment. —A customized filtration system that yields signature table waters as alternatives to bottled brands and nanoparticle technology that extends the life of frying oil are just two of 25 cutting-edge equipment advances for foodservice operators recognized with the
On the food-safety front, the judges tapped the Revolutionary Cooling Systems Stock Chiller, a device that uses ice and water to cool five gallons of soup or stock from 190 degrees Fahrenheit to 40 degrees Fahrenheit in six minutes. —A customized filtration system that yields signature table waters as alternatives to bottled brands and nanoparticle technology that extends the life of frying oil are just two of 25 cutting-edge equipment advances for foodservice operators recognized with the
Other award recipients offer extra protection against foodborne pathogens. The wall-mounted San Jamar Saf-T-Wash Food Sanitizer charges tap water with ozone to create a wash that kills pathogens on produce. —A customized filtration system that yields signature table waters as alternatives to bottled brands and nanoparticle technology that extends the life of frying oil are just two of 25 cutting-edge equipment advances for foodservice operators recognized with the