Kitchen Innovations Award Winners Look to Save Energy, Water, Money

Attendees at this year’s NRA Show will get a look our Kitchen Innovations Award winners, several of which are focused on providing restaurants with equipment that’s more efficient and cost-effective to operate.

Selected by an independent panel of nine judges, this year’s 18 winners will be on display at NRA Show 2017, May 20 to 23, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Four of the winners were selected for their energy- and water-saving abilities. Here’s a look at them and how they can help you save money and resources.

1. Ecolab: Stealth LED Fly Light
   This fly light is not only more efficient, but also attracts more flies than traditional bulbs do. The LED lights use 60 percent less energy than traditional bulbs and lasts up to three years, thus requiring less frequent bulb changes. It also uses a glueboard rather than a zapper to catch the flies.

1. Hobart: CLeN Conveyor Warewasher with Drain Water Energy Recovery
   The machine’s drain-water energy recovery feature captures wasted heat and uses it to preheat incoming water, thus reducing the need for cooling it as it goes down the drain. This can result in 20 percent more energy and water savings.

1. Royal Range of California: RHEF-45 High Efficiency Fryer
   This high-efficiency fryer sports one of the lowest-ever flue temps, at 370°F. The three-burner fryer also has a 45-pound oil capacity and a 62.2 percent efficiency rate.

1. Vulcan: VC5G Gas Convection Oven
   This Energy Star certified oven has a 56 percent cooking efficiency rating, the highest ever awarded to a full-size gas convection oven, the company states. It also says its energy-efficient heat recovery system helps reduce operating costs.

Learn more about our 2017 Kitchen Innovation Awards