Vario-Therm

In our webinar introducing the Vario-therm product range we were asked a number of questions. While most were answered during the presentation, we thought it would be useful to share them all here. If you have any further queries on Vario-Therm, please don't hesitate to contact your local area sales manager or call our office on 01786 455200.

Q. Is the hotcupboard available as a Bain Marie also?
Not at this stage – our initial brief was to produce a hot top version. Obviously we are happy to consider and discuss this and any new product suggestions if they meet our business requirements.
 
Q. Is there any option for different finishes or just stainless steel?
Yes we are able to offer a range of coverings.

Q. Can Bumpers be fitted to Hot Counter / Cupboards?
Yes of course.

Q. What sizes are available for the Servery?
The serveries are available in 2, 3 or 4 x 1/1 hotplate sizes  - full specifications on our web site www.falconfoodservice.com

Q. The helicoil lead – other-companies have a 3-hole slot in the side panel for the plug to sit in - yours looks as if the plug could drag along floor.
Initial thoughts were to prevent any dirt ingress and areas that were difficult to clean – however we can explore options to safely secure cable. 

Q. Can the equipment be wrapped to match branding / décor in room of use? 
Absolutely, we can work with your yourselves / your clients on bespoke branding
 
Q. Has the new range been uploaded to Caterquotes?
The information has been passed to AutoQuotes and will be uploaded very soon, if not already there.  In the meantime please visit www.falconfoodservice.com for full details.

Q. Can the Ceran tops be individually controlled on the mobile hot cupboard?
No, the tops are all controlled with one control setting with incremental settings.

Q. What is the height of the stand for the Regen Oven? Is there a smaller version?
Height to top of stand is 752mm.  Smaller stands can me manufactured upon request.

Q. How do you achieve even heating in the regeneration unit? What is the technology used to ensure even heating?
Carefully positioned fans and elements provide a convected heated, the baffle design is based upon our successful E711 model, to provide a balanced chamber heat flow.

Q. Once at regen temp will it hold at temp or does the product need to used straight away?
Once regenerated to desired core temperature, the food should be removed and kept in a suitable hot holding device or served immediately from heated serveries / gantry / bains marie.

The unit has however a good range of temperature, from 70 - 200°C, a user would therefore be able to lower the temperature to a level where convenient hot holding would be possible, without overcooking the food, browning too much or drying out. 
It is always advisable to follow culinary techniques with certain food items, prone to drying out, such as covering food when hot holding.

Q. Are the cupboards gastro sized?
Yes, the compartments are 1/1 GN sized - fridge is portrait loading, oven is landscape.

Q. Is the fridge fan-assisted?
Yes, the fridge is fan-assisted. Refrigeration is R290 and the system incorporates a reduced maintenance finless condenser. 

Q. Is it possible to have access to the trolley's information (HACCAP and other) via WIFI?
Yes – probe HACCP data can be transferred by wi-fi. 

Our Connected Kitchen IOT solution allows extended data to provides equipment status reports, alerts, notifications and more. The data is transferred using encrypted LoRa WAN network to give resilience and guaranteed data without using or overloading existing site network.     

Q. Can the probe be recalibrated?
Yes- there is a facility to calibrate probes within the settings 

Q) Is the hot and cold all on one 13 amp plug?
Yes - the model will operate from a single 13a supply. 
We can also supply other voltages if required to meet site requirement.

Q. How does this differentiate from other meal delivery models? 
There are key areas that we would welcome the opportunity to expand further. 

1. Culinary performance 
• Multistage cooking: we have raised the industry bar and developed multistage cooking. This offers a true multizone control which we think truly innovative. 
The technology plays a part reducing food waste and reduces the need for additional energy (BOOST TIME)
• We offer an oven that has 4.5kw operating from 13a – innovative power sharing ensures we never go above legal load limits.
• Option to set bespoke food parameters – ensuring that food is served consistently as intended any day, any time, any venue. 

2. Control system  
Just to confirm – as standard we have all the normal features (boost /hold / clean /HACCP /preheat / clock/ timer, LED /trolley ID etc). 
A quick overview where we differ: 
• 7’’colour touch screen controller- larger user-friendly icons  
• IOT enabled as standard – possible another industry first. 
• Total configurable controller has been designed to be meet any current / future needs Simply enable / disable features to suit your needs. 
But in addition, it has other helpful features that can be turned on or off to help staff 
• Message bar – a very simple but effective guide)  
• Self-diagnostic check – checks key components each day to ensure the model is in premium condition. 
• Alerts (options can be enabled /disabled)   
• Entry level food consumption feature  
• All settings are pass code protected. 
• Our IOT partner Koolzone:  trusted to monitor the NHS vaccine supply.
• Technology aligns with NHS recommendations.

3. Falcon - our added value and what we bring 
• Our experience and brand – HMP, brewery, education, restaurants, hotels, stadiums 
• Facilities - based in UK 
• AFE group benefits – support, knowledge, procurement 
• National Support throughout (12 x area managers)
• National engineering coverage x 100 
• Online and digital support- catering teams, engineers, etc,  
• Product development chef and full kitchen facilities 
• Full research and development facility and dedicated team x 10  
• Continued investment to improve manufacturing efficiencies 
• Recruitment – ensuring we have the best skills to compete effectively.  

Q. What is actual energy usage if 'fully loaded and 'on'?
We have various power options to suit any site. 
However, if fitted with 13A supply, our load will never exceed the legal limit due to the innovative multistage cooking and power sharing software. (see below for compliance). Energy usage would be dependent on several factors: (food type, loaded food temperature and desired food temperature) etc. 

Please note: we should also consider food quality – overcooked / burnt food might be binned - process may have to be repeated. 
What Falcon can potential offer is access to our IOT development kitchen for total data. 

Compliance 
Models conform to the highest legally required standards including the 2021 UKCA standard (supersedes CE MARK) Falcon meal delivery model was independently tested off-site over several weeks by a leading global certified body for EMC /Low voltage directive and Radio Equipment Directive