When RATIONAL USA launched its iVario tilt skillet in the U.S. five years ago, the platform was updated specifically for the American market.
“We tested it with customers in the U.S. before the launch,” says Stuart Schwadron, director of product management for iVario. “It has been a great addition for operators.”
This extensive market research was done because iVario is unlike any other tilt skillet on the market.
“It is described as a tilt skillet but can be used for many different items in a production environment,” Schwadron says. “iVario can replace a six-burner range, steam jacketed kettle, deep fryer, pasta cookers and stock pots.”
Here, Schwadron discusses in detail the benefits of RATIONAL’s iVario, its features and options, and what makes this line unique.
What are the benefits of iVario for foodservice operators?
Stuart Schwadron: Most people gain a benefit from iVario’s efficiency. It provides the ability to be more consistent and produce a wider variety of food in an existing footprint. Customers familiar with our combi ovens appreciate the consistency and versatility the ovens offer, and that’s what iVario provides for different food. It is a more efficient platform for cooking items like soup and stocks, rice dishes or beans and even searing steak and other products like a flat top. RATIONAL also includes chef training with every unit purchase to train the operator on integrating the equipment into their operation.
What issues will iVario solve for foodservice operations?
S.S.: Operators will see increased efficiency with staff, because iVario allows them to multitask. This is because the equipment alerts operators when tasks need to be done, such as stirring or adding ingredients to a product. This gives the staff more flexibility, allowing them to do more in the kitchen, like chop vegetables while iVario is cooking, since it takes care of itself.
One of the biggest benefits for many operators is cooking speed. With iVario, if 40 gallons of water or stock or potatoes need to be boiled, the unit can go from room temperature to boiling in less than 15 minutes due to its heating technology. When you multiply this batch after batch, it substantially speeds up tasks. iVario works up to four times faster than conventional kitchen technology and uses up to 40% less energy across a variety of products.
These units can also cook for long processes or overnight, because the lid has a sealing gasket, maximizing capabilities during non-operating hours. Proper temperatures are maintained during the process, and then the system goes into a hold automatically to preserve food safety. Full HAACP is available for each process. This is due to its iVario's intuitive operating concept and a home screen that offers a clearly organized selection of cooking programs. Sensors in the pan base detect load quantities, portion sizes and product condition to automatically adjust the cooking process. This system adjusts based on what food is cooking, so products can be browned or cooked to a specific internal doneness with minimal involvement. iVario will alert staff when the cooking process is completed.
What type of foodservice operators will benefit from iVario?
S.S.: iVario has garnered the attention of businesses that cook a lot of food, including country clubs, K-12 schools, universities, airport kiosks and catering operations. It is available in four sizes to accommodate big or small batches of food. The smallest unit is split into two separate pans that are 4 ½ gallons each, the largest 40-gallon unit is one pan.. This makes the smaller units ideal for retail foodservice, concession stands and smaller restaurants. For larger volume, the bigger units are the right choice. The iVario has been big in specific segments, like Mexican restaurants as well as operations that offer savory menus or sweet for items like sauces, caramel and candy. We look for operators who need efficiency and consistency; in those applications, the iVario offers a substantial benefit.
What are the features and options?
S.S.: iVario is fully featured and includes Wi-Fi capability and ethernet connectivity to our free online cooking platform, ConnectedCooking. It features integrated heating tiles, a water outlet and built-in drain, all standard. There is an option to include a pressure cooking feature, which is added on at the factory and available on all but the smallest size unit.
Unlike traditional tilt skillets, iVario units include lids with built-in probes and water dispensers on the bottom. This water outlet is programmable for dispensing specific amounts and includes a nozzle pointing into the pan for direct and easy filling. The lid’s auto lift feature raises and lowers the lid and baskets automatically for easy and convenient use.
A large percentage of users choose to include the stand with electronic height adjustment. Users simply push an arrow indicating whether they want the unit to be lowered or raised. This is a popular addition for those using iVario for different types of products. It can be lowered to stir soup more easily or raised for accessibility in flipping pancakes, for example. Units are also available with feet or casters on the stands.
What makes iVario unique?
S.S.: The intelligence is what makes RATIONAL products and the iVario unique. With its touchscreen, operators can easily interface with the equipment, which guides them through the entire process. It also provides insight on the cooking process, including remaining time and temperature. This ensures consistency time after time.
