Welbilt bids to make sure banqueting kitchens come back with a bang

After a year of banqueting kitchens standing empty, the UK is about to return to events with enthusiasm – and cooking equipment manufacturer Welbilt is vowing to do its part by launching a series of special masterclasses.

The company has created a programme that focuses solely on the skills and equipment required to run a banqueting operation.

UK sales director Steve Hemsil has been planning the masterclasses, which are based heavily around its Convotherm cooking technology.

“It’s been a truly hard time for the events industry and with equipment lying unused in kitchens, and menus needing a revamp, we have put some banqueting masterclasses together, to help chefs get back on track with their planning and organisation for events,” he explained.

“Using a Convotherm 4 combi oven really is the best way to prepare for large events. It has some incredible features and market leading technology that really does take the hard work out of banqueting.”

One Convotherm customer is The Mere Golf Resort & Spa in Knutsford, where head chef Mark Fletcher says the banqueting process requires precise planning.

He commented: “Our main kitchen services the banqueting, it’s compact, so every piece of equipment that I put into that space really has to deliver. Banqueting for up to 750 guests requires a high level of planning, and the impact on the kitchen if we get it wrong can be considerable.”

The Mere uses two Convotherm 4 Easy Touch 20:20 models, which are specifically designed for banqueting and can deliver up to 500 meals in just 30 minutes.

They have transformed its banqueting operation by allowing the kitchen to prepare and chill the food the day before.

Plates are taken out of the fridge around 45 minutes before service and regenerated via the Convotherm to increase speed and yet retain the quality and consistency of the menu.

“You get great colouration on food and the oven even works out its own humidity, it’s just a very clever, bit of engineering,” he said. “I really am so impressed with the Convotherm 4 Easy Touch, it’s a top-notch piece of equipment, a very worthwhile investment, and the team at Welbilt has been incredibly helpful and supportive, both before and after we bought the Convotherm ovens.”

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