Samsung microwaves help nostalgic diner look to the future

Fast, reliable microwave ovens help popular seaside diner cope with demand

It may look like the archetypical sleepy seaside town, but Wells-Next-The-Sea in North Norfolk has seen its fair share of dramatic events over the years. Early in December 2013, the town was hit by the largest storm surge in decades. Kay Gelder, owner of K’s Burger Bar based right next to the quayside, had to act fast. “We were told to move all our equipment to the rear of the shop, but in the end that’s where the floodwater came in.”

Luckily not everything was destroyed, with the diner’s Samsung commercial microwave ovens amongst the equipment that survived. While not having to replace such key pieces of equipment was one less thing to worry about, the size of the task facing them proved daunting.

Following the flood, Kay considered quitting, closing the diner her family had owned since the late 1950s, but her daughter convinced her to reopen.

“I love the 1960s, so when my daughter suggested a new Sixties theme, it was perfect” says Kay. Six months later, and the diner – now renamed simply K’s – was back open for business. Cheerfully decorated with memorabilia from the decade, and with a menu that combines traditional American diner fare with fresh local seafood, K’s has retaken its place at the centre of the town’s traditional seaside entertainment offerings.

Like most seaside towns, business is highly seasonal, but during summer they see a brisk trade with hungry holidaymakers stopping in to grab a quick meal throughout the day. Service needs to be quick and reliable, and to that end Kay’s Samsung commercial microwaves play a vital role.

“We’ve currently got two Samsungs,” Kay says. “John Lee of Ripples in North Walsham advised us on the best equipment, and it was him who recommended them to us. We’ve been very pleased with them. We use them for so many things!”

From reheating baked potatoes to cooking chilli or melting cheese sauce, Kay’s CM1919 1850w and CM1519 1500w microwaves help her and her staff keep things moving quickly during the busy summer lunchtimes. “The rush usually starts about ten in the morning,” Kay explains. “It then keeps going steadily until about two in the afternoon, but then we’re open until ten at night, so they’re in use throughout the day.” Robustly constructed from stainless steel, with simple manual controls and five power settings, they are tough enough to withstand the demands of any commercial catering kitchen. The interior cavity can hold a 2/3 gastronorm pan, with 30% more capacity than standard compact commercial microwave ovens. The flexibility provided by this extra space is invaluable in helping meet demand during the busiest times.

Despite this level of use, the Samsungs are more than capable of handling the pace. “We’ve had one of our Samsungs for nearly twenty years,” says Kay. “We did try one from another brand, but after a while it developed faults, so we ditched that and replaced it with another Samsung.”

“Our old Samsung has served us well, we’ve had it checked and serviced every year but it just keeps on going, it’s never let us down!”

Samsung is one of the world’s largest microwave oven brands. Samsung Professional Appliances distributes throughout the UK and Europe and offers a comprehensive choice of commercial microwave ovens, from large-capacity, ‘super-heavy duty’ 1850W units down to light-commercial, budget-priced 1100W models. All are backed by up to three year parts & labour warranty.

Ripples Microwaves can be found at www.ripples.co.uk.

RB Distributors is the UK wholesaler of Samsung commercial microwave ovens, which are available through dealers nationwide including Nisbets. For more information telephone 0845 146 2604, email sales@rbdistributors.co.uk or visit www.nisbets.co.uk/brand/Samsung.