Classeq’s Alto 170 makes short work of dirty dishes

Recently the restaurant had to replace its old dishwasher that was becoming unreliable. Trevor Chacksfield, Facilities Manager, decided to look around at different manufacturers for a machine that wasn’t going to cost the earth but was going to give reliable operation with consistent results and also be economical in operation.

"We chose the ClasseqAlto 170 rack machine for its reliability, economy and ease of use," says Mr Chacksfield.
With both power pre-wash and main wash the Alto 170 is 1970mm long and capable of washing 170 racks per hour. Its double skin construction makes a quieter and cooler working environment and cuts down on energy use. Further energy savings are made by the Alto 170’s autotimer which shuts down the machine when racks are not passing through.
The Alto 170 also incorporates a self draining wash pump and gently rounded corners throughout to ensure optimum hygiene. A full coverage filter system keeps wash water clearer for longer producing cleaner plates, less water changes and lower fuel bills. Full width doors give easy, safe access to the machine for cleaning and maintenance to minimise downtime.

The staff at Weston General have found working with the new Alto extremely easy. There were no problems during the installation and no special training was needed to operate the new machine.

"It is far more reliable than our old machine," says Mr Chacksfield. " Plus it is very efficient and easy to keep clean which is very important in a hospital environment."

Classeq is part of the Winterhalter UK group, providing a total solution for warewashing though their nationwide network of distributors. Everything from pre-sales advice to after-sales service. For information on the Classeq range of glass and dishwashers, including details of your nearest stockist, call 0870 224 7280.

That’s no longer the case. British warewashing specialist Classeq, which specialises in complete and affordable warewashers with everything included (except the kitchen sink), has introduced the Viso range of utensil washers. These are suitable for a wide variety of operations, from butchers, bakers and delis to restaurants, hotels, clubs and healthcare facilities.

The Viso utensil washers are high performance models, capable of handling anything up to 30 racks per hour, with a choice of 2, 4 or 6 minute wash cycles.

Size, washing power and low running costs are what most people ask for when it comes to utensil washing and the Viso range will deliver, says Classeq. The machines have large ‘wash chambers’ that can take big pans, but their compact design minimises the space they take up in the kitchen - and their powerful wash cycles can clean the dirtiest of pots and pans.

For example, the Viso 50 model brings automatic utensil washing to small kitchens, with a footprint of only 667mm wide by 716mm deep, a 400mm x 600mm rack size and a chamber height of 400mm.   A range of models are available right up to the Viso 132, which has a chamber measuring 1320mm x 700mm x 650mm high, suitable for almost any size of kitchen implement.

Classeq offers complete ‘fit and forget’ warewashing machines with features that most brands consider optional extras - and at realistic prices that won’t raise eyebrows.
So all models in the Viso range include things like double-skinned construction (for cool, quiet and economical operation), automatic draining, hygienic easy-clean interiors and easy-to-use controls. And most dealers will offer a free site survey (if it’s wanted) by qualified Classeq staff before the machine is delivered. That way, you won’t be left with a machine in the corner that can’t be used for a month just because someone forgot to check the plumbing or electrics before delivery.

Classeq is part of the Winterhalter UK group, providing a total solution for warewashing though their nationwide network of distributors. Everything from pre-sales advice to after-sales service. For information on the Classeq range of glass and dishwashers, including details of your nearest stockist, call 0870 224 7280.

Classeq will launch a new range of cleaning chemicals at Hotelympia 2008. Designed specifically to work with Classeq machines, the chemicals not only guarantee superb cleaning results, they are also priced very competitively.
Alongside standard chemicals, such as dishwasher detergents and rinse aids, are specialist products like Glass Rejuvenator, which can bring the sparkle back to heavily stained glassware.

The new range will be available through distributors.

“The Classeq brand is all about delivering the best value British dish and glasswashers,” says Nick Burridge of Classeq. “The new chemicals range enhances our total package - it means users can get the very best results from their Classeq dish and glass washers, at the very best price.”
Although formulated to work best with Classeq’s warewashing designs, the chemicals are also suitable to use with other warewasher brands.

Visitors to Hotelympia can talk to expert staff on the stand to see how the Classeq warewash package delivers great value as well as sparkling clean dishes and glasses.

Classeq is part of the Winterhalter UK group, providing a total solution for warewashing though their nationwide network of distributors. Everything from pre-sales advice to after-sales service. For information on the Classeq range of glasswashers, dishwashers and cleaning chemicals, including details of your nearest stockist, call 0870 224 7280.

Classeq Dish & Glasswashers, Stand N2361, HOTELYMPIA 2008, ExCeL London, 17 - 21 Feb

Classeq aims to demonstrate the very best in British-manufactured, value for money dish and glasswashers at Hotelympia 2008. Making its debut at the Show is the new Hydro dishwasher , a totally re-engineered pass-through machine that’s fast, flexible and more energy efficient.
The company will also highlight the breadth of its current range, from its popular Eco and Duo undercounter compacts , the latest versions of which will also be on show, to the big Alto rack conveyor models , capable of washing up to 5,000 plates an hour.

“We’re emphasising the benefits of buying a British-made warewasher ,” confirms Nick Burridge, sales director. “We’re there when you need us, for example our machines are available from stock. With Classeq you know you’re getting great value, in terms of quality and reliability, and the sort of service and back-up that normally only comes with more expensive brands.”

CLEAN MACHINE
With wash cycle times from one and a half to three minutes, the new Hydro can process up to forty big (500 x 500mm) racks, or around 720 dinner plates, every hour. Clever features ensure a sparkling performance - for example, the full coverage filter system traps more of the dirt particles, so the washwater stays as clean as possible.

GREEN MACHINE
The Hydro’s filter system has some added bonuses: because it keeps the washwater so clean, it means the tank doesn’t need refilling so often, which saves water. And because it uses less water, it uses less energy, too, since it doesn’t have to heat so much fresh water. It even saves on detergent by using less water - all of which means the Hydro costs less to run.

As well as delivering brilliantly clean plates, the new Hydro is designed to make life as easy as possible for staff. For example, the controls are simple and clear and the Auto Start function means the wash cycle begins automatically when the hood is shut. It also has a variety of self-cleaning features, minimising the time it takes staff to keep the dishwasher spick and span.

Alongside its glass and dishwashers, Classeq will also show examples from its range of ice machines at Hotelympia.
Classeq is part of the Winterhalter UK group, providing a total solution for warewashing though their nationwide network of distributors. Everything from pre-sales advice to after-sales service. For information on the Classeq range of glass and dishwashers, including details of your nearest stockist, call 0870 224 7280.

Note for editors: British manufacturer Classeq is part of the Winterhalter group and is BS EN ISO 9001-2000 accredited. All Classeq machines are WRAS-approved (formerly WRC), CE marked and supplied with a comprehensive one year warranty, backed by Winterhalter’s nationwide service network.   Classeq is the UK’s leading and most popular warewasher brand for independent and smaller-scale caterers.

Classeq’s Hydro range of pass through dishwashers has always been popular with caterers wanting reliable performance from a mid-priced machine.  Now they have been totally redeveloped: the Hydro pass through is an entirely new range of machines, engineered to deliver even better cleaning results whilst reducing bills by being more energy efficient and using less detergents. Plus, they’re easier to operate and look after.

With wash cycle times from one and a half to three minutes, the new Hydro can process up to forty big (500 x 500mm) racks, or around 720 dinner plates, every hour.

As well as being fast, Hydro pass through machines are flexible: for example, they can be fitted ‘in-line’ or installed in a corner, so whatever your kitchen layout, the Hydro will fit the bill.    Both single and three-phase models are available and they measure 630mm wide by 720mm deep by 1520mm high with the hood closed, and 1940mm high with the hood open.

Their simple controls require minimal staff training and it’s actually pretty hard for operators to get things wrong - which means clean plates, all the time.  An ‘Auto start’ saves time by turning the Hydro on for the next wash cycle as soon as the hood is closed.

The new Hydro is designed to maximise hygiene, too.  For example, the wash chamber is formed from a sheet of folded steel, so there are no dirt traps and cleaning is quick and easy.  The continuous hood cleaning system ensures the interior is always spotlessly hygienic, while the automatic self-drain and clean-down programme, together with the self-draining wash pump, ensures no dirty water is left in the machine at the end of the day.

Classeq’s ‘full coverage’ filter system keeps the wash water cleaner for longer, so it doesn’t need changing as often.  This makes the Hydro energy efficient, since fewer changes mean less power is required for heating the water, and it reduces chemical consumption, too.  Which means the new Hydro keeps fuel and detergent bills as low as possible.

Hydro pass through machines feature a built-in rinse-aid dispenser, while integral detergent dispensers, air gaps and rinse booster pumps are also available.

Along with performance, hygiene and lower running costs, the new Hydros deliver peace of mind, complying with all current water regulations and being backed by a 12 month parts and labour warranty.  They are available from authorised dealers throughout the UK and Ireland with list prices starting from £3,870.

Classeq is part of the Winterhalter UK group, providing a total solution for warewashing though their nationwide network of distributors. Everything from pre-sales advice to after-sales service.  For information on the Classeq range of glass and dishwashers, including details of your nearest stockist, call 0870 224 7280 or visit www.classeq.net

Note for editors:  British manufacturer Classeq is part of the Winterhalter group and is BS EN ISO 9001-2000 accredited.  All Classeq machines are WRAS-approved (formerly WRC), CE marked and supplied with a comprehensive one year warranty, backed by Winterhalter’s nationwide service network.   Classeq is the UK’s leading and most popular warewasher brand for independent and smaller-scale caterers.

Imagine the perfect English pub in the perfect English village. Now go to Gosberton Risegate, Lincolnshire and stand outside The Black Horse. Uncanny, isn’t it?

The fact that it’s so close to perfection is what drew Simon and Helen Easter to it. Simon and Helen have been in the trade for over 10 years but this is their first freehold, and as well as investing in the property the couple are spending an additional £50,000 on refurbishing the pub. The money is going on decoration, furniture, and a significant spend in the half-acre garden, including a smoking shelter. The Easters have also ripped out the old kitchen (only the extraction system was kept) and installed new equipment.

“The pub had a good reputation once, but has suffered a few years of neglect,” says Simon. “We’re going to turn it back into a really good, old fashioned traditional pub. The sort of place people want to drive to for a Sunday dinner.”

The Easters are building up the pub’s reputation with a mix of homemade (by Simon and Helen themselves) food and classic English pub hospitality. On the seasonal and ever-changing blackboard menu are the traditional pub favourites, all cooked beautifully and finished off with tempting homemade ice creams and desserts. Where possible all the dishes are made with local ingredients: meat, fish and lots of local fresh vegetables straight off the surrounding farms.

Discerning clientele don’t just want great food - they want it well presented. And nothing puts people off more than dishes or cutlery that aren’t properly clean. So one of the Easters’ more important decisions was which dishwasher to buy. In the event they selected a Classeq Duo 756 dishwasher, bought online and supplied (”brilliantly”, according to Simon,) by KB Catering.

“Having a dishwasher that works well and reliably is vital in a food pub,” says Simon. “We’ve used all sorts of makes in the past, but never a Classeq. We’d heard good reports, though, and the price from KB Catering was very competitive, so we decided to give it a try.”

Simon installed the Duo himself and found it straightforward. The machine has integral chemical dosing and rinse booster pumps and features a moulded steel wash chamber, full-coverage filter system and a drain pump with self-cleaning programme. It also has a WRAS-approved type-A air gap. All of which makes it easier to connect up to the services.

As well as being easy to install, the Duo dishwasher also does a great job. “The quality is first class, and it’s a great price for what you get,” confirms Simon.

The Duo’s fully insulated double-skinned cabinet makes it quieter in operation and keeps the heat in the washer - so it saves energy and makes the surrounding area more comfortable. Low energy and water consumption mean lower running costs and the fast wash cycle takes only three minutes to clean a rack of dishes.

In fact, the Easters were so impressed with the Duo dishwasher that when they replaced the Black Horse’s glasswasher they went back to KB and ordered a Classeq Duo 2 glasswasher. And if anything, Simon is even more impressed. “I think it’s the best glasswasher we’ve ever had,” he says.

“We’re trying to turn the Black Horse into the perfect English pub, the type of place we’d want to go to ourselves,” says Simon. That means good ambience, good food, good ale and, of course, perfectly clean dishes and glasses.

For more information on KB Catering visit www.kb-catering.co.uk

Classeq is part of the Winterhalter UK group, providing a total solution for warewashing though their nationwide network of distributors. Everything from pre-sales advice to after-sales service. For information on the Classeq range of glass and dishwashers, including details of your nearest stockist, call 0870 224 7280.

The Classeq Ice range is exceptionally easy to use and has been built to deliver ice cheaply, quickly and with the highest possible standards of hygiene. A simple flick-switch starts the special cleaning programme whenever it’s needed – no bother.

The machines are perfect for under-counter siting as they are front venting and all service access is to the front. With a foam-insulated cabinet they can operate in even the hottest of nightclubs at temperatures of up to 43 degrees C.

The smallest (630mm high) Ice18 model makes 18kg of ice in 24 hours while the Ice50, with a height of 800mm makes 50kg. There are also larger models in the Ice range with daily outputs from 65kg to 313kg.

All machines are backed by Classeq’s comprehensive one-year warranty for full peace of mind after purchase.

Classeq is part of the Winterhalter UK group. Classeq Ice machines are available though their nationwide network of distributors. Everything from pre-sales advice to after-sales service.  For information on the Classeq range of Ice machines, including details of your nearest stockist, call 0870 224 7280.

The menu is modern Cantonese / Schezuan ‘fusion’ cuisine, a world away from the traditional ‘phone-directory look’ of traditional Chinese restaurants.  Sans is modern and distinctively different.

The problem:
Space in the restaurant’s kitchens is limited.  But just as importantly, rice-based cuisines can make heavy demands on dishwashing, with the rice grains and heavy sauces combining to stick on plates and being difficult to remove.  So when choosing a warewasher Tom asked friends running other Chinese restaurants what they’d recommend.   Prices and gross profits in the oriental restaurant business are low, and warewashing answers had to be economical as well as effective.  And they needed a reliable and economical ice machine in the package too.

The recommendation:
Friends in the Asian restaurant business told him to see Bournville Catering Equipment, a long-standing equipment provider to Chinese Midlands caterers.   And many of them were already using Classeq.

“We have a good relationship with Chinese restaurants in the Midlands”, says John McEvoy of Bournville. “We understand their specialist needs and they trust us to supply and service the right equipment.  And we definitely recommend Classeq.  It’s the right design, the right build and the right price.”

The solution:
Bournville Catering equipment recommended Classeq all the way.  For the kitchen they specified a Hydro the latest in heavy duty pass-through dishwashers.  Featuring multiple filters to trap food particles such as rice grains, and give perfect wash results with 22 large plates in a single fast cycle, the Hydro was the perfect choice for Sans.  The installation included the latest in electronic detergent feed and control systems from Winterhalter, the parent company of Classeq.

For the glasswashing Tom Li naturally wanted perfect wash results.  But he also needed very quiet operation and a compact unit, since it had to fit under-counter in the small bar in front of house. The Classeq Eco 2 was the perfect choice – automatic with simple, clear controls and a fast wash.  And because of its double skinned door, it is quiet and unobtrusive.  Low water and energy consumption meant low running costs – all with minimum staff intervention.

For the ice machine Bournville specified a Classeq Ice 25 – a straightforward, reliable unit producing up to 1200 ice cubes per day.  It’s economical to run, easy to clean, looks elegant and is quiet.

“In my previous restaurants we had to wash the rice off by hand before putting plates in the washer”, says Tom.  “Not any more.   The new dishwasher is excellent – plates are clean first time.”

The Classeq combination – pass-thru dishwasher, undercounter glasswasher and compact ice machine – is ideal for a typical small but discerning restaurant such as Sans, says John McEvoy of Bournville Catering Equipment.  “It offers maximum quality and reliability at a price that is affordable to the independent restaurateur, and is easy for us to support.”

Classeq is part of the Winterhalter UK group, providing a total solution for warewashing though their nationwide network of distributors. Everything from pre-sales advice to after-sales service.  For information on the Classeq range of glass and dishwashers, including details of your nearest stockist, call 0870 224 7280.

Chartwell’s is in charge of the catering at St Ronan’s. Fresh food is prepared on site each day. There is organic meat, from the School’s own pasture, always a vegetarian option and produce is sourced locally whenever possible.

THE PROBLEM
Due to the increasing popularity of the School the numbers have doubled over the past three years. This is good news for everyone except the kitchen staff who initially had to cope with the increased workload using the old equipment.

The School has boarders as well as day pupils, so there are lots of meals to be served and cleared up throughout the day. Starting with breakfast at 8.00am for about 70 pupils, break at 10.05am where everyone gets a drink and snack, two lunch sittings from12 noon to 1pm for about 370 pupils and staff, then in the evening there’s dinner for the boarders and night staff. All in all plenty of work for the dishwasher!

 “The old machine just couldn’t keep up with these numbers,” says Laura Boynton of Chartwell’s. “Staff were working flat out to get everything turned around ready for the next meal, so I went to the Burser to see if we could get a new dishwasher.”

THE SOLUTION
It wasn’t surprising that the Bursar, John Buckles, put cost as the decisive factor when choosing a replacement.  “We looked at Classeq’s Alto 100 and the performance stats were impressive. There was a huge difference in capital cost – it was roughly half the cost of comparable machines from other manufacturers,” he says.

The Alto 100 is a rack conveyor dishwasher with a throughput of 100 racks per hour. Each 500mm rack can hold up to 18 plates – that’s plenty of capacity for Saint Ronan’s. Other features that swung the choice in favour of the Alto were its low running costs and its double skinned construction which creates a quieter working environment while saving energy.

Energy and water consumption is kept to a minimum - an auto timer makes sure that the machine only operates when there is a rack of dirty dishes inside. A full coverage filter system keeps the water cleaner for longer and the option of a hot air drying zone, either straight out or at right angles to the machine, makes the best use out of the kitchen area.

“The Alto 100 is ten times easier to use than our old machine,” says Laura. “It’s much quicker as well and keeps the dish-wash area clear. Before, the kitchen really clogged up, but now we simply rack up the dirty dishes, spray them and through they go. There’s even room at the other side for three to four trays. ”

All this has improved life in the kitchen tremendously. And what’s more the Alto 100 still has spare capacity so if the numbers increase at Saint Ronan’s again there won’t be any need to upgrade.

Classeq is part of the Winterhalter UK group, providing a total solution for warewashing though their nationwide network of distributors. Everything from pre-sales advice to after-sales service.  For information on the Classeq range of glass and dishwashers, including details of your nearest stockist, call 0870 224 7280.
Note for editors:  British manufacturer Classeq is part of the Winterhalter group and is BS EN ISO 9001-2000 accredited.  All Classeq machines are WRAS-approved (formerly WRC), CE marked and supplied with a comprehensive one year warranty, backed by Winterhalter’s nationwide service network.   Classeq is the UK’s leading and most popular warewasher brand for independent and smaller-scale caterers.

Classeq is a brand that’s growing rapidly, despite a relatively quiet market. The company says this is due to its quality of build and competitive pricing – and the service support that being part of the Winterhalter Group delivers. “We aim to deliver the best value and quality in the mid-budget warewasher sector,” says Classeq’s Nick Burridge. Visitors will be able to judge for themselves at Publican Live. The brand’s Duo dishwashers will be given special prominence at Publican Live. “Many publicans are upgrading their foodservice in advance of the smoking ban,” explains Nick Burridge. “More food means more dishes. Not many pubs have room to spare for a big dishwasher - our Duo is small enough to fit, behind the bar or in the kitchen, and it’s fast enough to cope with loads of dirty crocks. It’s also quiet, so it won’t disturb customers.”The Duo 750, which is featured on the stand, has a wash cycle of just three minutes and can handle big 500 x 500mm racks, giving fast, brilliantly clean results. Its double-skinned cabinet keeps both heat and noise in, reducing energy consumption and ensuring its ultra-quiet operation. In addition it also comes with a type -A air gap to meet with WRAS regulations.