What are some of your latest pizza oven or pizza equipment products on the market and how can these specifically support operators who are looking to create and offer artisanal pizzas?
For operators offering artisanal pizzas as part of their menu, but not as their sole focus, it may not be practical to invest in dedicated cooking equipment for pizzas due to cost and space constraints. However, with the RATIONAL iCombi Pro combi-steamer, a fresh pizza can be cooked in under 5 minutes.
Thanks to a range of optional original RATIONAL accessories, the iCombi Pro delivers exceptional performance for any type of pizza. The highly heat-conductive grill and the pizza tray with TriLax non-stick coating are perfect for preparing both fresh and convenience pizzas at temperatures of up to 300°C. For deep-pan pizzas, the Roasting and Baking Pan accessory, which comes with a carrier tray for easy handling, provides the ideal solution for cooking individual pizzas.
Which features or technologies are contained within your pizza oven/equipment that simplify the process of creating and cooking artisanal pizza?
The iProductionManager in the iCombi Pro allows operators to manage mixed loading effortlessly, cooking different products at the same time, whether time- or energy-optimised. It helps organise an efficient sequence or ensures adherence to a specific production time which means multiple pizzas can be prepared in quick succession.
What are some of the biggest trends you have been noticing recently in the pizza sector over the past year, and how do you think this will change in 2025?
There is a growing demand for health-conscious options like gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb pizzas, as well as plant-based proteins and dairy alternatives. Sustainability continues to gain importance, with a focus on eco-friendly packaging, local sourcing, and energy-efficient cooking methods. Looking ahead to 2025, these trends will likely evolve further, with even more emphasis on health, sustainability, innovation, and convenience, alongside continued experimentation with bold flavours.
The RATIONAL Recipe library on ConnectedCooking, the digital network solution by RATIONAL offers inspiration including traditional pizzas, naan pizzas and veggie pizza with avocado.
Ian Leadbetter, National Corporate Chef, RATIONAL UK
