Impeccable consistency, reliable efficiency, and easy cleaning put these items high on the wish list.
2014 Buyer's Guide
Coffee Brewer
Nothing but the best from every coffee bean, that's what Coffea Technology's new brewing system promises. The programmable, whole bean-to-cup system implements a vacuum extraction brew process and infusion brew chamber for steeping that results in fast, rich flavor. Priced from $3,000 to $6,000 per unit. Coffea-USA.com
Beverage Dispenser
Ideal for iced teas, batch cocktails, or signature punches, the Mini Juice Dispenser from American Metalcraft holds 5.3 quarts in a space-efficient design. Features include a sleek stainless steel frame, ice-container inserts, and top-quality faucets. $230 Amnow.com
Roasting and Baking Pans
Brown to perfection in new pans from Rational, boasting griddled surfaces that allow for consistent heat conductivity, ideally suited to pan-fried dishes such as tortillas, paella, Swiss Rösti, quiche, pancakes, small pizzas, and even cakes. Priced $44 to $95 each, sets priced $234 or $329. Rational-online.com
Marinate in Minutes
The SpeedyPlus Instant Marinater from Jaccard is an innovative 4.5-liter vacuum marinating container that marinates in minutes not hours. When meat is placed under vacuum pressure, its pores open, and as the pressure is released, marinade soaks in more quickly and in larger volumes. $30 Jaccard.com
Smoked to Taste
Rational's new VarioSmoker adds flavor to meat, fish, and vegetables, simply integrating as an accessory into an existing Rational unit. Using conventional smoke materials such as wood chips or pellets, chefs create authentic smoke flavor—easily tweaking the intensity of the smokiness by varying the temperature and preparation time. $585 Rational-online.com
Heavy-Duty Slicer
The HS Series heavy-duty slicer from Hobart includes sealed seams, compliant fasteners, and removable parts for easy cleaning, plus patented features for better overall operation. Available in manual as well as automatic models, the slicer's patented CleanCut knife offers a thin-edge design that provides improved yield, consistent cuts, and reduced cost of ownership. Prices range from $3,595 to $7,435. HobartCorp.com
Faster, Friendlier Griddle Cleaner
Safe for use on food-contact surfaces, the Scotch-Brite Quick Clean Griddle Liquid loosens and lifts carbonized grease and food soil upon contact on a hot griddle—with no residual strong chemical odors or irritating fumes. Typically cleans in half the time of traditional griddle-cleaning products. Priced $12.24 per quart or $49.14 per case of 40 (3.2-ounce) packets. 3M.com
Slow-Cooking Oven
The Hot-Logic 400 slow-cooking oven features a conduction heating process that heats food gradually, preserving moisture. Place frozen fare in the oven, which heats food to serving temperature in 45–90 minutes, then holds it at a safe temperature until ready for use. Compact counter-top design is just 11.7 inches wide, 15 inches high, and 12.6 inches deep. $449 Hot-Logic.com
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