Leading combi steamer manufacturer reassures schools it can meet increases in demand
With the advent of Universal Infant Free School Meals in September, some concerns have been raised about the ability of catering equipment manufacturers to meet demand. Rational UK has moved to quell these fears by reassuring customers that all orders, of whatever size, will continue to be delivered promptly.
“Many school caterers are considering investing in combi steamers, because they are easy to operate, have a relatively small footprint and, being multifunctional, staff can cook the whole school menu with one unit,” says Lee Norton, managing director of Rational UK. “Consequently there is likely to be an upsurge in demand. However, Rational manufactures 50,000 plus combi steamers per year. That level of resource means we can guarantee that all orders, whether for one unit for a school or hundreds for a Local Authority, will be fulfilled within normal timescales – typically ten working days.”
Rational invented the combi steamer in 1976 and has focussed on developing the technology ever since – it’s the only equipment the company manufactures. The company has supplied more than 600,000 units and it estimates that over 120 million meals a day are cooked in Rational combi steamers. It is the UK market leader and over 54% of combi steamers sold around the world are Rationals.
The company is offering primary school caterers the chance to win a free six-grid SelfCookingCenter (model SCC61E) worth over £8,000, for their school – with the option to upgrade (at a discounted cost) if they want a larger unit. Anyone involved in primary school catering simply has to attend a Rational CookingLive before July 31st 2014 to be automatically entered into the prize draw for a chance to win. The Rational will be installed in the school kitchen over the summer holiday.
Rational has also recently introduced its Academy School for Schools, an exclusive series of free training and development seminars aimed at school caterers using the SelfCookingCenter combi steamer.
“The latest combi steamer technology offers school caterers the ideal cooking solution: healthier foods combined with lower running costs,” says Lee. “We look forward to working with schools and their nominated suppliers to ensure that their new Rationals are ready for action in September, come the start of the new school year.”