EQUIPMENT INNOVATIONS

Joseph Tarnowski

Nov 1, 2008, 01:25 PM ET

SmartCombi 'mini-me'

The new Space$aver and Space$aver Plus SmartCombi ovens are designed specifically for foodservice operations where floor and counter space are at a premium. Each unit is less than 22 inches wide, but can still accept five 2.5-inch steam table pans. The extra depth in the Space$aver Plus allows for full-size 12-inch-by-20-inch steam table pans, according to manufacturer Henny Penny.

But while the size may be small, the functionality isn't. In fact, the units inherited many features from their larger parents, such as an auto-reverse fan and a cove-cornered cabinet interior designed for even cooking, as well as durable stainless steel construction.

The ovens are also energy and water efficient, the Eaton, Ohio-based vendor says. Triple-paned door glass, full cabinet insulation, and an integrated heat-exchanger maximize the efficiency of energy used for heating. Its proprietary Boilerless Advanced Steam Technology provides instant steam on demand, and its WaveClean cartridge self-cleaning system—a 2008 Kitchen Innovations Award winner—consumes less water than other self-cleaning systems.

For more information call (937) 456-8444 or visit www.hennypenny.com.


Tight fit

Structural Concepts designed the new Box series of refrigerated air screen cases in its Oasis line for foodservice operations that need to fit refrigerated grab-and-go display cases into recessed alcoves and/or tight against a wall.

Each unit has a "front-breathing" compressor ventilation channel that draws in air at the base, circulates it through the case, and vents it out through the upper front of the case, eliminating the need for extra space behind or above the case to circulate air. Grocers can even install shelving above the Box cases, according to Muskegon, Mich.-based Structural Concepts.
The square box design's 24-inch profile also helps it fit in tight areas.

The optional Clean Sweep Automatic Condenser Coil Cleaner helps prevent dirty, clogged condenser coils that restrict airflow, which makes refrigeration systems work harder and consume more electricity to maintain temperature.

For more information call (231) 798-8888 or visit www.structuralconcepts.com.


No more warehouse wandering

Remstar designed its new horizontal and vertical carousel systems and vertical lift modules to make warehouse workers' jobs easier, safer, and more productive, by bringing stored items to them at a height that eliminates bending, stretching, and reaching.

Since the system automatically delivers items to the operator, time spent searching is eliminated, resulting in a boost in productivity, according to the vendor. An integrated workstation allows operators to pick from one carousel unit, while the others are pre-positioned to be picked afterward.

For more information call (800) 639-5805 or visit www.remstar.com.


A&P in Step with New Bag-recycling Law in N.Y.'s Westchester County

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. last month hosted Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano at its Thornwood, N.Y. A&P store to discuss the new law that requires every large store in the county that provides plastic carry-out bags to have an in-house recycling program in place by Oct. 13.

The new law, which affects businesses larger than 10,000 square feet, says that a "visible," clearly marked collection bin has to be placed near the entrance, and the collected bags must then be transported and recycled.

"We are committed to environmental protection, including reducing litter and lessening the impact of plastics as waste," said A&P's s.v.p., marketing and communications, Jennifer MacLeod. "We do this by providing customers with products, information, and incentives to put environment-friendly principles into practice."

The stores are additionally required to accept bags that don't come from their stores, and, if asked, must provide verification to Westchester County's Department of Environmental Facilities that they are actually recycling.

MacLeod added that A&P also offers reusable bags from recycled materials, of which over 1.8 million have sold to date. A significant portion of the bag proceeds goes to the Elizabeth Haub Foundation—named for the grandmother of A&P executive chairman Christian Haub—which creates and enacts environmental policy. Each bag, on average, can replace 2.5 plastic bags.

The law, proposed by Spano and sponsored by county legislator William Burton, was approved last spring by the board of legislators.

EQUIPMENT INNOVATIONS

Joseph Tarnowski

Nov 1, 2008, 01:25 PM ET