New facility’s fifteen Falcon induction hobs ‘reflect the most modern professional sites.’
Lots of chefs learn their craft on Falcon equipment. So when Brooklands College in Weybridge, Surrey, wanted prime cooking appliances for their catering course’s new Skills Kitchen, Falcon was the top choice. Along with an electric rise and fall grill and five fryers, the college installed no less than fifteen Dominator Plus induction top oven ranges.
Jamie Chantry is commercial manager at Brooklands College. “We’re looking for equipment that students will encounter in professional restaurants, such as industrial-grade induction hobs. It also needs to fit with our sustainability objectives. Our chefs have had a positive history with Falcon equipment, and the design team also specified it.”
The project was part of a huge refurbishment for the college, which saw the original catering facility demolished and a classroom block converted to house the new one. Indigo Catering Equipment carried out the installation and John Gillam of JGA was the consultant. John says, “A key issue with this type of facility is space, as they typically need to accommodate 18 – 20 students. Falcon equipment is extremely reliable and durable – which makes it ideal for demanding environments like training kitchens.”
The new Skills Kitchen has two island arrangements, with the ranges suited side by side and divided by a vented services spine that sits virtually flush with the range tops. “Students each have an individual work station,” says Jamie. John adds, “Aesthetically, the symmetry of the mirrored arrangement looks great as it gives the impression of a single surface.”
The college’s original training kitchen was running with gas equipment, so why specify induction? “Sustainability is important to the College,” says Jamie. “We didn’t have gas in the new catering building, and we wanted our kitchen to reflect the most modern professional sites.”
“With the general drive towards decarbonisation, induction was the natural choice,” says John. “It’s more efficient than gas, faster, and the working environment is significantly improved. Plus, the simplicity of the cleaning regime is a refreshing change.”
For the main island cooksuites John specified Falcon’s E3913i induction model. “It’s a high-quality range that provides the perfect combination of energy efficiency, longevity and, equally importantly, value for money.”
Falcon’s Melanie D`Aubney carried out the staff training. John says, “Training’s a vital part of any project, but more so in this case as many members of staff were unfamiliar with induction equipment. Some were initially caught out by the power and speed that this equipment performs at.” Which just goes to show that tomorrow’s chefs will need to know how to cook with induction!
Jamie has been impressed by the way the new Falcon appliances have fitted in. “They’re easy to use and easy to clean,” he says. “They’re great for students!”
As well as selecting Falcon for the Skills Kitchen, John also chose it for the college’s Refectory Kitchen. “I’ve been specifying Falcon for over 25 years, because of its performance, reliability and durability. The client wanted a facility that would be ‘cutting edge’ and they are really happy with the result,” he says.
Falcon @ Brooklands
Ranges: Dominator Plus E3913i Four Zone Induction Top Oven Ranges x15 – energy saving, safe and ensuring precise temperature control. The four 3.5kW heat zones deliver incredibly fast heat up times. The heavy duty ceramic glass hob is robust and easy to clean. The oven is fan assisted and 1/1 GN compatible.
Fryers: Dominator Plus E3840FX Single Pan, Twin Basket Fryers with Filtration x 5 – longer oil life, robust construction, precisely controlled 130°C – 190°C temperature range. The two-stage filtration and sediment collection zone increase oil longevity and frying quality. The oil level sensor prevents fires and flare ups, and the design makes the fryer easy to clean.
Rise and fall grill: F900 E600 – Electric Rise and Fall Grill x 1 – saves time, saves energy and is easy to use – the perfect way to finish your cookline AND your food. Powerful infra-red elements deliver fast heat up times. The automatic plate sensing technology means if there’s no plate, there’s no wasted energy. 1/1 GN compatibility makes it easy to transfer to and from other appliances.
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