Just Chillin. Blast chillers, especially 20-pan reach-in models, are a hot item. Here s why and what to look for. FER FOCUS

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1 32 FER FOCUS 33 Just Chillin Blast chillers, especially 20-pan reach-in models, are a hot item. Here s why and what to look for. By Michael Sherer, Senior Contributing Editor If you don t use blast chillers in your operation yet, you probably will before long. You know what they are refrigerators on steroids. If you watch the Food Network, you ve seen chefs set a panna cotta in a blast chiller in 15 minutes. If you ve eaten a banquet meal at a hotel in the past year, your meal probably was prepared in advance, blast-chilled and finished off hot shortly before serving. So, why don t you have one? Until recently, you may have thought of blast chillers as a piece of equipment that a hospital might use as part of a HACCP plan, or that a B&I account or large hotel could use with combi ovens as a cook-chill system. Or, you may have thought of the small three- to six-pan countertop and undercounter units that have been introduced in the past several years, good for cooling down leftovers or consolidating production here and there, but somewhat limited in capacity. In the past, too, blast chillers took detailed instruction to operate correctly, like the combi ovens they re often paired with (and if you re pairing a blast chiller with a combi oven, make sure the reach-in model accommodates the same size racks or opt for a compatible roll-in chiller). But that s all changed since manufacturers incorporate features such as pre-set programs for different types of food, and touchscreen controls that guide users through easy-to-understand instructions. Tell Me Why Food safety is one of the most important reasons to get a blast chiller. The latest iteration of the FDA s Model Food Code (revisions came out in 2015) still says the proper procedure for cooling cooked foods safely is to chill them from 135 F to 70 F within two hours, and from 70 F to 41 F within another four hours (a total of six hours). However, the FDA has been placing increasing emphasis on HACCP as a way to mitigate risks of foodborne illness, and it s likely that the 2017 Model Food Code will push more operators to adopt a HACCP food safety plan. While your employees can cool foods in a variety of ways that meet Food Code and HACCP guidelines, ice baths and frozen stir paddles aren t as consistent or reliable as mechanical cooling. Meals4Home General Manager Jamie Eanes loads a tray of prepared meals into a Master-Bilt MBCF A blast chiller/freezer. Meals4Home, Harrisburg, Pa., which sells home-style meals to encourage busy families to dine together, is reliant on the chiller for food quality and safety. Photo by Lincoln Barbour

2 34 FER FOCUS 35 Blast chillers are designed to bring the core temperature agers, saving labor. the loss of moisture that A multi-sensor probe has can occur when foods are temperature sensors not just cooled slowly. Food that on the tip (which measures core retains its moisture tastes temp), but at points along the fresher when reheated and side of the probe. They do a served. Quick-chilling also great job of controlling the chill reduces the opportunity for cycle so the item reaches a bacterial growth that can set temp without freezing occur in the temperature the product surface. Photo danger zone between courtesy of Irinox USA. 135 F and 41 F. Bacteria and other microorganisms degrade food quality as well as compromise food safety. The sophisticated controllers in blast chillers these days also give you a greater degree of flexibility, letting you vary the way in which you chill foods depending on what they are. Chillers can quickly cool delicate foods such as sea- of food from around 160 F or more down to 41 F or less Buying ingredients in bulk along with reduced product in about 90 minutes. Most units will freeze food in four shrinkage through lower evaporation from quick-chilling hours or less. Cutting the time needed to cool food by 75% can reduce your food cost. And if you prepare menu items is a great benefit to any HACCP plan. And cooling leftovers in advance and quick-chill or shock-freeze them, hourly faster means employees go home sooner at shift s end. employees can easily reheat them for service later instead Also, since virtually all blast chillers incorporate some of keeping salaried chefs on the clock to cook them from type of HACCP reporting as a feature, record-keeping also scratch. Briefly put, blast chillers can change how you is more automatic and reliable than counting on employees bring food to the plate in ways that improve labor efficien- to fill out the time/temperature sheets required. cy, food cost and safety. Consolidating production, another major benefit of chillers, can help you save labor and food costs over time. By Better Quality food while maintaining quality and limiting moisture loss as easily as chilling pans of denser bulk foods. The benefit is not only better, fresher tasting food, but extended shelf life as well. Prepared sandwiches, for example, chill faster with less moisture loss than in a walk-in, which means longer shelf life in a merchandising case, with crisper lettuce, juicier tomatoes and fresher tasting bread. cooking some of your menu items in bulk soups, sauces, If those aren t reasons enough to consider adding a blast gravies, perhaps even some center-plate items and chill- chiller to your equipment package, your staff will find a lot ing them quickly once a week instead of daily will save more uses for it than you imagined once given the opportu- staff time, typically 30% or more. Preparing those items nity to play with the technology in the kitchen. once a week also requires less supervision by chefs or man- Because they cool food so quickly, blast chillers prevent CAPACITY/DIMENSIONS CYCLES ELECTRICAL Mfg. Model Pans: Total lb. Unit WxDxH (in.) Cycle Types* Temps Lb./Time** Evap. Fans Rating Btu**** Hotel 1 /Sheet #/Air Flow*** Alto-Shaam QC / x39x71 SC, HC, HF, H SC: 24 F-36 F, HC: 11 F-23 F, C/F: up to 160 lb. /240 min. 2/D ; 220; /20 amps 20 F HF: -10 F-10 F American Panel AP12BCF / x36x74 SC, HC, HF, H, T (opt.) SC: 28 F-35 F, HC: 0 F-35 F, C: 160 lb./ 90 min.; F: 90 lb./240 min. 2/I 208/10 amps 14 F HF: -25 F-0 F Angelo Po BC101SU 8-12/NA x32.7x72.8 SC, HC, SF, HF, T SC/HC/SF/HF: -4 F-37 F, C: 99 lb./ 90 min. F: NA 2/D /12.5 amps 14 F customizable. Carpigiani Nordika /NA NA 31x27.5x77 SC, HC, SF, HF SC/HC: -31 F-37 F, C/F: 123 lb./ 60 min. 2/D /11.6 amps NA SF/HF: -40 F-0 F Delfield ConvoChill T14D 26/ x43.5x71.7 SC, HC, HF NA C: 154 lb./ 90 min.; F: 120 lb./240 min. 2/D /20 amps NA Desmon GBF-15+TS/ETL 7 / x32.7x78.8 HC, HF HC: to 37 F, HF: to 0 F C: 143 lb./ 90 min.; F: 110 lb./270 min. 2/I /40 amps -10 F Electrolux Air-O-Chill / x45.7x68.12 SC, HC, SF, HF, H SC: to 28 F, HC: -4 F-28 F, C: 154 lb./ 90 min.; F: 44 lb./240 min. 2/D 208/NA -20 F SF: -42 F- -7 F, HF: -42 F- -33 F Infrico ABT141L 14/ x34.12x66.5 SC, HC, SF, HF SC: 32 F, HC: -4 F, SF: 32 F, HF: -30 F C: 110 lb./ 90 min.; F: 66 lb./240 min. 2/D /30 amps -13 F Irinox USA MF 70.1L 24/ x43x78 SC, HC, SF, HF, H, T, LC SC: to 37 F, HC: to 37 F, C: 155 lb./ 90 min.; F: 155 lb./240 min. 2/I 208/26.5 amps 14 F SF: -40 F-0 F, HF: -40 F-0 F Master-Bilt MBCF A 16/ x39.63x78 SC, HC, SF, HF, H, T SC: 32 F, HC: 23 F, HF: -13 F C: 220 lb./ 90 min.; F: 110 lb./240 min. 2/I 220/17.5 amps NA Moduline USA BFP 121S/P 12/NA x31.5x70.9 HC, HF HC: to 37 F, HF: to 0 F C: 108 lb./ 90 min.; F: 72 lb./240 min. 2/D /40 amps 9.8K Randell BC-18 18/ x35.12x71.34 HC, H HC: 10 F-38 F C/F: up to 180 lb./ 4 hr. 2/I 120/ /20 amps 20 F ThermalRite GBF S 14/ x32.9x77.3 SC, HC, SF, HF SC/HC: to 37 F, SF/HF to 0 F C: 143 lb./ 90 min.; F: 110 lb./270 min. 2/I /40 amps -10 F Thermo-Kool TK / x35.5x66.9 SC, HC, SF, HF, H, T (opt.) SC/HC: to 37 F, SF/HF: to 0 F C: 125 lb./ 120 min.; F: 80 lb./240 min. 2/I 208/20 amps 20 F Traulsen TBC13 26/ x35x74 SC, HC, SF, HF, H SC/HC: 10 F-37 F, SF/HF: -25 F-0 F C: 100 lb./ 90 min.; F: NA 2/I /20 amps 5.7K Victory VBCF U H15 26/ x34.7x70.9 SC, HC, SF, HF, H, T, LC NA C: 140 lb./ 90 min.; F: 100 lb./240 min. 2/I /24 amps -10 F Williams by Bev-Air WBC /NA x40.63x80 SC, HC, H NA C: 110 lb./ 90 min.; F: NA 4/I /8.6 amps 5 F 1) US hotel pan = 12x20x2.5 7 minimum recommended, but can fit 14. * SC: Soft Chill; HC: Hard Chill; SF: Soft Freeze; HF: Hard Freeze; H: Hold; T: Thaw; LC: Low Cook. **Lb./min. depends on the temp. of the food at the start, its density and pan size; most here are 12x20x1.5-in.D; Thermo-Kool is based on a 12x in.D pan. ***Air Flow descriptor here, either direct (D) or indirect (I) **** No. of Btu moved when the refrigeration system is putting out air at the stated temp. Larger number paired with lower temp is an indication of unit s chilling power. NA: either not available or not specified.

3 36 FER FOCUS 37 REFRIGERATION Defrost Mfg. Air/Water Cooled Manual/Auto/Hot Gas Compressor HP CONTROLS Probes Programmable Cycles? HACCP Sanitation Y/N #/Type (Air/Product/More) Port (Type)/Printer? (Type) Units typically come with soft chill, hard chill, soft freeze and hard freeze cycles to chill a variety of foods gently or forcefully. Photo courtesy of Delfield. Alto-Shaam Air Auto/Hot Gas 1.5 HP American Panel Air/Water (opt.) Auto preset/manual override 1.5 HP Angelo Po Air Auto/Electric 2.5 HP Carpigiani Air Manual NA Delfield Air Auto/Hot Gas 3.0 HP Desmon Air Auto/Hot Gas 3.5 HP Electrolux Air Auto/Hot Gas 2.5 HP Infrico Air Auto/Hot Gas 2.5 HP Irinox USA Air/(Water, Remote opt.) Auto/Hot Gas 4.0 HP Master-Bilt Air Manual/Electric 5.5 HP Moduline USA Air/(Water, Remote opt.) Auto/Electric 4.7 HP Randell Air Auto/Hot Gas 1.5 HP ThermalRite Air Auto 3.5 HP Thermo-Kool Air Manual 1.5 HP Traulsen Air/(Water, Remote opt.) Auto/Hot Gas 1.5 HP Victory Air Manual 4.0 HP Williams by Bev-Air Air Auto 1.5 HP 1/air; 3/prod. core Y/20 std.; 20 custom Y(USB)/N N 1/prod., heated (2 nd opt.) 3/prod., non-heated N/stores 150 cycles N/Y (opt.) N 3/prod. multi-sensor Y/9 std.; 20 custom Y(USB)/N N 1/prod., heated NA N/N Y (opt., ozonizer) 1/prod., heated Y/99 custom N/Y N 1/prod. multi-sensor (1 prod. core, heated opt.) Y/18 icon-driven; 99 custom Y(USB)/N Y (opt., UV) 1/prod. multi-sensor (more opt.) Y/5 std.; 10 custom Y(RS-485 Serial, opt.)/y(opt.) Y (opt., UV) 1/prod., heated Y/4 std.; 99 custom Y(USB, RS-485)/N N 1/prod. core (2 prod. opt.) Y/46 std.; 20 custom Y(Wi-Fi)/Y(opt.) Y (opt., ionizer) 1/prod., heated multi-sensor Y/5 std.; 20 custom N/Y(opt.) Y (opt., UV) 1/prod. core, heated (4 opt. on P version) Y/100 custom N/Y(opt.) Y (opt., Sterilox ) 2/prod. core (2 more opt.) NA Y (USB)/N N 1/prod. multi-sensor (1 prod. core, heated opt.) Y/18 icon-driven; 99 custom Y (USB)/N Y (opt., UV) 1/air, 1/prod. (up to 3 prod. opt.) Y/stores 150 recipes for HACCP Y (SD card, opt.)/y (RS-485 Serial, opt.) Y (opt., UV) 3/prod. core Y/4 std.; 250 custom Y (USB)/Y N 1/prod., heated multi-sensor (up to 4 prod. core opt.) Y/68 std.; 30 custom Y (RS-485; USB, opt.)/y (opt.) Y (opt., UV) 3/prod. core Y/2 N/Y N Many, if not most, models now also incorporate a freez- chiller should hold at one time. help them run more efficiently as well as chill food faster. interested in have energy-efficient, variable fans. Also ask ing cycle. Again, due to the sophisticated electronics that A caveat: units may be designed to hold 12-in. x 20-in. One manufacturer uses two compressors; both kick in to manufacturers to tell you how many Btu their units move monitor the cooling and/or freezing process, chillers shock- x 2-in. hotel pans, 18-in. x 26-in. sheet pans, or both. The chill and/or freeze food, and the smaller of the two holds per hour and at what amperage (and temperature, so you freeze product fast enough to prevent the build-up of large, more flexible the interior layout the more types of food you the product at the desired temperature until it s removed. can compare apples to apples). While it isn t easy to com- or macro, ice crystals in food products. Macro-crystals can chill with it. Also recognize that models made in Euro- Beyond size and power, however, performance will pare efficiency of one to another, units that move more Btu damage the food s cell structure, which degrades quality pean Union countries will likely be designed to hold hotel likely be the biggest factor in your decision. Power and with the same amount of energy are usually more efficient. and results in moisture loss when it s thawed and reheated. pans that measure just 12-in. x 20-in. x 2-in. The same airflow work together to remove heat from food, and how Airflow is important in several ways. The larger the Instead, moisture inside the food is frozen in micro-crys- hotel pan in the U.S. is actually 2½-in. deep, which may that happens can vary greatly from model to model. amount of air moved, the faster it will strip heat away tals, meaning food has virtually the same quality when it s rethermalized as it did when it was first cooked. mean you ll fit fewer in the cabinet than the specs indicate. It s imperative you match the pans you ll be using to the No Hot Air from the hot food product. Makers use two or three fans to create consistency in airflow movement in concert with Three P s rack configuration of your unit. You also may need more flexibility in the cabinet to All blast chiller makers claim their equipment will bring product temperature down to a safe 41 F or less in about multiple ejection points from the evaporator. Some designs introduce cold air by blowing air over the evaporator Sizing the unit you need is your first order of business. make the most of its capacity. Some models let you adjust 90 minutes. Some units claims, however, are based on a coil, into the cabinet and over the product. Others draw Large operations doing a lot of baking or cooking likely will slides so you can put pans in with their length running starting temperature of be using roll-in rack ovens that can be rolled into a blast side to side or front to back, or use half-size pans. 135 F, the minimum hot Although most blast chillers in chiller, too. Small operators, as mentioned earlier, likely Unlike walk-in refrigeration, which is designed to hold holding temperature in the "72-in." category feature will benefit from a small countertop or undercounter unit. cold food at 41 F or below, blast chillers actively remove most health jurisdictions. two fans, they differ in airflow, But the vast majority of you, judging from category sales, heat from hot food to cool it quickly. Essentially the polar Others claim to bring food sending air directly or indirectly will opt for a reach-in model. opposite of a convection oven, they use powerful compres- temps down that fast from over foods. Note the pan slides, Capacity of reach-ins is typically in the sheet-pan sors, large condensers and evaporators and fans to pump a final cook temp of 165 F. not all units accommodate and hotel-pan range, or anywhere from about 85 heat away from food. When you spec a blast chiller, typi- Remember, too, that some both hotel and sheet pans to 200 lb. of food. Figure out what capacity you need by cally the more power the better. will chill a larger quantity as does this model. Photo looking at the proportion of your menu that you ll want In this size reach-in segment of the category, most units of food than others in that courtesy of Desmon. to prepare and chill in advance. For example, take your have compressors in the range of 1½ to 3 or 4 hp. Like oth- time frame. most popular item say a salmon entrée and figure out er refrigeration, systems should be balanced, but manufac- As with a range or fryer, you want the blast chiller you what your highest volume of that item is per week. That turers use different strategies to speed the chilling process. choose to have plenty of power, but that doesn t mean will give you an idea of the maximum number of pans the Some have over-sized condensers and evaporators which totally sacrificing efficiency. Check to see if models you re

4 38 FER FOCUS 39 the heat from the product, circulate it to the evaporator and then send it through the cavity and over the food. The methods may sound similar but Composite evaporator fans are the difference, makers energy efficient and use less say, is blowing cold air heat, allowing for a more efficient over the food to push refrigeration system and overall heat out or drawing less energy consumption. Photo heat off of the food and courtesy of Thermo-Kool. then replacing it with cold air. But all that air also can remove moisture, causing food to dry out. To minimize this effect, manufacturers use a few different design tricks. One line uses louvers to direct air in a laminar flow over and under each food pan, which the maker says is more efficient and less drying and requires no lids on pans. Yet another claims its turbo air circulation moves air in a more effective circular motion. And one says its fan, designed by an airplane propeller manufacturer, has more blades than any competitor, so it moves air more efficiently. Chill Cycles Another way in which you can ensure a blast chiller doesn t dry out your food is by selecting the right chill cycle. Almost all blast chillers have at least two cycles hard chill and soft chill. Hard chill is designed to bring down temperatures of any type of food as quickly as possible with high-volume air circulation at often sub-freezing temps. In soft chill mode, most models protect quality by moving air at or above freezing temperatures more slowly through the cabinet. However, some models will use air chilled to as low as 24 F to accomplish even a soft chill cycle as quickly as possible. Models also designed to shock freeze product will have a third cycle that circulates air at temps as low as -40 F to bring food temps down to 0 F in less than four hours. (In fact, shock freezers that don t produce internal air temps of at least -25 F may not get the job done in that time.) Look for models that freeze food quickly enough to produce micro ice crystals, not macro ice crystals. Again, the larger crystals damage cell structure in food, and release water when food is thawed, resulting in lower quality food. Blast chillers have followed a similar evolutionary path as combi ovens. Manufacturers have worked hard to make them easier and more intuitive to operate. Practically all models let you set a cycle by time or end temperature. Set the time or insert a temperature probe into the product, and the unit will automatically shut off at the end point, and usually hold the product at temperature until you're ready to remove it. But most models now also let you select a cycle from a product menu (using icons and/or a written description, e.g., roast chicken ). And many let you program the cycles you want for the items on your menu. Probes And Controls Further, many models also come with as many as three probes, giving you even greater automatic control over the cooling cycle depending on the food in the cabinet. The probes constantly monitor the core temperature of the food and adjust cooling accordingly, so a thinner product doesn t freeze while a thicker product is cooling, for example. Even more impressive are units that use probes with multiple sensors that accept multiple inputs. These probes are able to measure both the internal and surface temperature of food, giving the unit even more accurate data on the cooling process, so it can automatically adjust both air temperature and circulation in the cavity. This kind of fine-tuning helps maintain food quality. Probes for shock freezers are typically heated so they can be removed from the frozen product. More advanced blast-chiller models also offer thaw cycles that can be controlled by manually setting a timer, or setting a timer automatically using a probe. Often, probes can be inserted in the hole left when the original probe was inserted during the freezing process. Other makers provide a small drill that makes a hole just large enough for a slim probe to control the thawing process. And two manufacturers' blast chillers can actually proof and low-temperature cook or retherm thawed product. Controls, too, are easier A solid door seal is key to to use on most models efficient chilling and freezing. than the last time we wrote Look for a heavy-duty gasket about the category. LED that's easy to replace. Photo displays that may use icons courtesy of Randell. and/or worded instructions make operation easy to understand on both base and more advanced models. Many models now offer touchscreens. Most units feature timer countdowns showing time left in a cycle, and you ll find both visual and audible alerts for things like high/low temperature warnings, defective probe, high-pressure alarm (indicating a dirty compressor), unit malfunctions or HACCP issues. As far as HACCP compatibility goes, most models provide a way to record chill or freeze cycles. Several models have onboard printers that print the results of each cooling or freezing cycle so you have documentation for your files. Other units also have electronic memory and data ports either for a USB drive or SD card that allow you to download the chiller s HACCP data to a PC. You can set defrost cycles on base models manually, but many now have automatic hot-gas defrost cycles that can be operated manually or on a pre-set schedule. Newer models incorporate sensors on the evaporator coil that kick on the defrost cycle when they detect freezing temps in the evaporator. Hot-gas defrost cycles eliminate the need for chillers to be near floor drains. BLAST CHILLER For detailed model data, including capacities, dimensions and technical features, please refer to the comparison tables on pages 34 to 37. ALTO-SHAAM QC2-40 Use this vertical reach-in blast chiller/freezer/refrigeration system, part of the QuickChiller line, to chill virtually any type of food, from delicate vegetables and seafood to hearty roasts. The unit boasts 4 operating modes: quick-freeze mode, soft-chill mode (for less dense items), hard-chill mode (for denser products) and a holding mode for chilled or frozen items. The eye-level touchscreen control gives you precise, programmable consistency at your fingertips. Program up to 20 preset menu selections. alto-shaam.com Cleaning typically is simple, too, since most units are wellconstructed with 304 stainless. Several have mirror finish interiors with coved corners, making clean-up a breeze. And more models now offer UV sanitation lights as an option. One maker s line uses an ionizer to sanitize, instead of UV light. Since these are typically self-contained units, be sure to have employees keep condenser coils and air filters clean, too, for better performance. Models may have compressors and evaporators beneath the cavity or above it. Top-mounted models put controls up at eye level, and away from rising heat. Bottom-mounted models may be easier to service. Consider your operation and how each might benefit you if it s important. Finally, as always, look at warranties, availability of parts and the manufacturer s service network to see if it s compatible with where your operations are located. fer... GALLERY

5 40 FER FOCUS 41 BLAST CHILLER For detailed model data, including capacities, dimensions and technical features, please refer to the comparison tables on pages 34 to GALLERY AMERICAN PANEL AP12BCF110-3 The HurriChill blast chiller/shock freezer features a microprocessor to control a host of cycles including soft and hard chill, shock freeze, hold and optional thaw and UV sterilize. Air flows in an indirect, high-velocity pattern for even distribution. Under the thaw feature, frozen items return to a safe holding temperature by using alternating cycles of gentle heat and refrigeration; bring solid, dense frozen foods to 38 F in less than 7 hr. Accommodates Rational combi racks. hurrichill.com ANGELO PO BC101SU/LU The patented Intelligent Food Recognition (IFR) uses a multisensor probe to sense product temperature at various depths and automatically adjusts blast chilling to prevent undesired freezing. Probe also triggers Smart On to turn unit on as soon as a probe is inserted. Unit features an infinity mode that allows the operator to set any combination of fan speed and temperature. Thaw mode also available. angelopoamerica.com CARPIGIANI NORDIKA 400 A confectionary specialist, the Nordika 400 is suited to pastry and ice cream/gelato shops in addition to delis and restaurants. Unit blast chills and blast freezes (to 37.4 F and to 0.4 F) 123 lb. in 60 min. and features a heated product core probe. A hinged evaporator door, completely removable pan racks (hotel and sheet), coved corners and optional ozonizing sterilizer makes this chiller easy to keep clean. carpigiani-usa.com DELFIELD T14D Part of the ConvoChill line, this blast chiller/shock freezer features an integrated printer that prints out dates, temperatures and times during blast-chill cycles and shock-freeze cycles. The unit records data every 60 sec. for your convenience. Use the electronic control to hold up to 99 programs. The HACCP memory feature automatically saves alarms. The T14D is a companion piece to the ConvoTherm by Cleveland Range/Manitowoc Foodservice. delfield.com DESMON GBF-15+TS/ETL With touchscreen controls at eye level, HACCP reporting/warning functions standard (with printer) and a refrigeration system that slides right out for maintenance, the GBF-15 is a user-friendly blast chiller-freezer. The unit accommodates 15 sheet and 7 hotel pans minimum (recommended); 14 hotel pans can fit if needed. Defrost is automatic with hot gas and water condensate catch pan. Chiller brings 143 lb. to 37 F in 90 min.; 110 lb. to 0 F in 270 min. desmon.it ELECTROLUX AIR-O-CHILL 102 This blast chiller/shock freezer accepts hot product directly from the oven; there s no need to reduce food temperatures to below 160 F. The patented Cruise Cycle automatically controls the chilling process according to the type and size of the product load and prevents superficial burns; insert the probe inside the product and press cruise. For continuous bulk production, patented Turbo Cooling ensures the chiller works continuously at the desired temperature. electroluxusa.com/professional INFRICO IBC-ABT141L The control system on this blast chiller/shock freezer comes with improved precision in managing temperature systems. You can adjust temperature ranges per your requirements. Standard advantages of the unit include an interior cabinet with rounded corners and removable shelves and slides for easy cleaning, plus a self-closing door system with a stay-open feature when the door remains open past 95. The door includes triple chamber gaskets and is easy to remove and snap back in for quick service. infrico.es/en IRINOX MF 70.1 L MultiFresh combines chilling functions (cooling, freezing, thawing, chocolate) and warming functions (low-temp cooking, regeneration, pasteurization, proofing, holding), and now operates via MyA, a new touchscreen interface with 7-in. screen. Patented features include the MultiRack adjustable tray rack that doubles tray capacity; Multisensor 5-point probe (attached to the door) that can trigger auto-start and delivers perfect food temperature control; and Sanigen chamber sanitizing system. Data logging in the HACCP control software is wireless for easily downloading and reporting. irinoxusa.com

6 42 FER FOCUS 43 BLAST CHILLER For detailed model data, including capacities, dimensions and technical features, please refer to the comparison tables on pages 34 to GALLERY MASTER-BILT MBCF A Master-Chill MBC models feature the patented Food Identification Controller (FIC) technology that automatically adjusts blast chilling cycles with its single, multi-sensor probe. Measuring temps at the core and on the surface, the chilling adjusts to prevent surface freezing and to preserve nutritional value. Multilingual LCD displays cycle based on time or temp, interior and product temp, ventilation speed and HACCP alarms. Foot-activated door opener is a one-of-a-kind feature. master-bilt.com MODULINE BFP121S/P The microprocessor control on the BFP121P is able to memorize up to 100 blastchill and blast-freezing cycles and memorizes any alarms triggered for HACCP monitoring. The processor controls up to 4 core probes, as well, for multi-food chilling. The unit s compressor is protected by an overload-cutout switch, which cuts out the evaporator fan and compressor when the door is open. Accommodates 12 12x20x2.5 hotel pans. firexusa.com RANDELL BC-18 This blast chiller operates the cooling system by either product temperature using food probes or by a designated time period. The unit s controller comes standard with a USB port for downloading chilling times for HACCP programs. Randell offers an optional printer in lieu of the USB port if needed. Standard features include an automatic condensate evaporator, a self-closing door and adjustable pan slides. unifiedbrands.net THERMALRITE GBF S So many features make this blast chiller/freezer user friendly. Eye-level touchscreen controls can hold 99 custom recipes. The self-contained refrigeration system slides out for easy cleaning and maintenance. A single multi-sensor probe is standard, but an additional heated core probe is an option. Unit includes a USB port to download HACCP data and unit diagnostics. thermalrite.com THERMO-KOOL TK20-2 Designed from the ground up by the engineers at Thermo-Kool, the TK20-2 Blast Chiller & Shock Freezer has a unique, 3-way indirect airflow that combines with a multi-point-injection evaporator to deliver a consistent air temp over all the food in the compartment. The latest microcontroller technology delivers step-by-step instructions and diagnostics in a running 40-character, eye-level display. thermokool.com TRAULSEN TBC13 This model boasts two compressors, including a ½-hp. maintenance compressor for holding product at proper temp. Blast-chilling is easy using Epicon Control. In automatic mode, you simply place a probe in the product and a chill cycle will start within 60 sec. For manual mode, you can program individual cycle parameters. Also in this mode, should you fail to correctly program the cycle or manually start it, Epicon Control will start a chill cycle based on default settings within 5 min. traulsen.com VICTORY VBCF U-HI5 Victory s exclusive hi 5 unit is a blast chiller, freezer, thawer, retarder/proofer and slow cooker/warmer all in one. The touchscreen control displays HACCP alarms, including power failure and cycle time out of required temperature, and stores them in memory. The onboard recipe book holds 68 preset programs. Regulate the fan during cycles using the adjustable evaporator fan speed button. victoryrefrigeration.com WILLIAMS BY BEVERAGE-AIR WBC-110 This model features built-in alarms and can control the chilling process with temperature probes or a digital timer, which can be programmed with 2 preset chilling times for specific food products. The HACCP data logger system records, stores and prints temperature data for up to 7 days. The cabinet automatically defrosts and reverts to a +38 F storage mode after blast-chill cycles. The unit s front-breathing design allows for 0-clearance installation. beverage-air.com