Chef's Guide to the RATIONAL Combi Oven

By Prithvi Teja

In the competitive world of commercial kitchen equipment, RATIONAL AG continues to stand out as a market leader.

Known for revolutionizing professional kitchens globally, their Combi Oven is a powerhouse of innovation and precision.

Despite a growing number of competitors trying to claim their space in the industry, RATIONAL’s relentless commitment to quality, versatility, and cutting-edge technology keeps it at the top.

For chefs who demand efficiency without sacrificing food quality, the RATIONAL Combi Oven offers an unparalleled cooking experience. Combining multiple cooking functions into one unit, it not only simplifies kitchen processes but also raises the bar for culinary creativity.

Here’s why this game-changing oven remains a trusted choice for chefs around the world.

What Makes the RATIONAL Combi Oven Special?

At its core, the RATIONAL Combi Oven is a 3-in-1 marvel, bringing together steam, convection, and combination cooking into a single, compact unit.

This blend of technologies opens up a wide array of culinary possibilities, allowing chefs to cook with precision, consistency, and speed.

Let’s take a closer look at how each of these cooking modes can transform your kitchen.

1. Steam Mode: 30°C to 130°C

Steam cooking is all about gentleness and preserving the integrity of ingredients.

The RATIONAL Combi Oven's steam mode uses a high-performance fresh steam generator that guarantees pure, hygienic steam throughout the cooking process.

Thanks to advanced steam control, you no longer have to add water or wait for it to boil—the oven creates fresh steam on demand, ensuring perfect results every time.

This mode is ideal for dishes that require a delicate touch, such as vegetables, seafood, and rice.

With constant temperature control and maximum steam saturation, this method preserves vibrant colors, maintains texture, and retains nutrients and vitamins, making it a favorite for health-conscious chefs.

Best suited for:

- Steamed Rice

- Vegetables

- Steamed Fish and Prawns

- Steamed Meats

- Chicken and Desserts

- Hard-Boiled Eggs

- Steamed Buns & Pau

2. Combination Mode: 30°C to 300°C

Combination mode is where the RATIONAL Combi Oven truly shines. This mode marries the benefits of steam (short cooking times, reduced moisture loss) with the advantages of convection (rich aromas, crispy crusts, and vibrant colors).

The result is perfectly cooked dishes that are juicy inside yet have a crisp, flavorful exterior.

This mode is especially beneficial for meats, poultry, and seafood, as it prevents overcooking and reduces cooking losses by up to 50%. Plus, the food doesn’t need to be turned during cooking, which saves valuable time in a busy kitchen.

Best suited for:

- Curries

- Tofu Dishes

- Acar (pickled vegetables)

- Meats and Poultry

- Stews and Braised Dishes

- Breads and Rolls

3. Convection Mode: 30°C to 300°C

The convection mode ensures even cooking by circulating hot air at high speed, allowing heat to reach every part of the food. This ensures that proteins set quickly, locking in juices and producing a tender interior with a perfectly browned exterior. Whether you’re baking, frying, or roasting, this mode is powerful enough to handle even large volumes without compromising quality.

Whether you're making crispy oven-baked dishes like pizza, cookies, or French fries without oil, the convection mode ensures consistent, mouth-watering results.

Best suited for:

- Oven-Fried Dishes

- Pizza

- Cookies

- Oil-Free French Fries

- Roasted Meats

- Chicken and Seafood

Why RATIONAL Leads the Market

While many companies offer combi ovens, RATIONAL AG continues to dominate the market for several reasons:

1. Unmatched Precision – RATIONAL’s technology allows chefs to control cooking environments down to the exact degree, ensuring every dish is cooked to perfection.

2. Consistency – Whether cooking for two or 200, RATIONAL ovens deliver consistent results, thanks to intelligent cooking systems that adapt to the specific requirements of each load.

3. Ease of Use – The intuitive interface of the RATIONAL Combi Oven simplifies complex cooking techniques, enabling chefs of all skill levels to achieve professional results.

4. Energy Efficiency – RATIONAL’s ovens are designed with sustainability in mind, using less energy and reducing food waste, which translates to cost savings in the long run.

Steam Cooking Applications

With a dedicated boiler tank, the steam feature in the RATIONAL Combi Oven is ideal for preparing:

- Steamed rice and vegetables

- Fish, prawns, and other seafood

- Eggs, buns, and desserts

- Meat and chicken for gentle, nutrient-preserving cooking

Steam with Dry Heat Combination

This versatile mode is perfect for dishes that need the best of both worlds—steam for moisture and convection for a crisp finish:

- Curries and braised dishes

- Tofu and acar

- Meat, chicken, and seafood

Convection Baking Applications

Convection mode handles everything from delicate baked goods to crispy fried dishes with ease:

- Pizza, cookies, and French fries

- Meats, seafood, and oil-free fried foods

The RATIONAL Combi Oven remains a top choice for chefs around the world, offering a combination of versatility, precision, and reliability.

RATIONAL AG

Venkatesh Rao Kotha

Whether you’re steaming delicate vegetables, baking a crispy pizza, or roasting a succulent chicken, this oven provides chefs with the tools to elevate their culinary creations. RATIONAL’s commitment to innovation, consistency, and ease of use makes it the gold standard in professional kitchens, keeping them at the forefront of the industry.

An article by Prithvi Teja