JKC AUS10 collection (pictured above)
The Japanese Knife Company has developed a relatively affordable collection of Japanese knives intended to combine sharpness and performance with the durability required for heavy everyday use. Created with JKC’s specialist workshop in Seki, Japan, the range uses AUS10 high-carbon stainless steel, chosen for its edge retention and ease of resharpening. Each knife has a three-layer construction, with an AUS10 core between two layers of softer stainless steel, and is cold-forged to create a dense, durable blade capable of taking a razor-sharp edge. The knives have full-tang brown pakkawood handles secured with three rivets and finished with stainless-steel bolsters. The collection comprises a bunka, santoku and nakiri, alongside three lengths of gyuto.
Coravin Sparkling
Coravin Sparkling is a wine-by-the-glass system designed to preserve Champagne and other sparkling wines for at least four weeks after opening. Once wine has been poured, the bottle is resealed with a universal Coravin Sparkling Stopper and charged with pure CO₂ to restore pressure and preserve its flavour, texture and bubbles. The stopper fits standard bottles of Champagne, Prosecco, Cava and sparkling rosé, while each CO₂ capsule can preserve up to seven 750ml bottles, depending on use. Priced at £399.99, the system comes with a Sparkling Charger, one stopper, two Coravin Pure Sparkling CO₂ capsules and a protective bottle sleeve.
Microplane bar tool set
Microplane has launched a five-piece bar tool set that combines its photo-etched blade technology with a design suited to front-of-house use. Presented in a wooden storage block, the set comprises a zester and grater, traditional citrus zester, Y-shaped peeler, channel knife and bottle opener. The BPA-free, scratch-resistant tools have a raw-metal finish. US-based Microplane is known for its exceptionally sharp stainless-steel graters, which cut ingredients cleanly rather than tearing or crushing them.
Monika and Thermapen temperature-monitoring system
Monika has replaced its purpose-built handheld PA with a Google Pixel Smart PA device and introduced an updated Thermapen probe. Powered by Android, the new device is easier to update, which should extend its working life. Monika’s cloud-connected system is installed on the handset in advance, allowing it to be used immediately. Pairing the Thermapen with the Google Pixel device enables temperature readings to be logged on Monika’s fully auditable central dashboard, removing the need for paper records. The probe can also be used without logging a reading, such as when checking whether food has reached a safe temperature during cooking. A wireless charging cradle offers greater flexibility when positioning the device in a commercial kitchen.
Blendtec Stealth
Now available exclusively through Lockhart Catering Equipment, Blendtec’s flagship Stealth model combines high-powered blending with a sound enclosure and airflow system designed to reduce operating noise. Lockhart will also stock the Blendtec Connoisseur 825 and Connoisseur 825 SpaceSaver, as well as a purpose-built rinse station intended to speed up cleaning between blends. The models use lightweight, stackable, NSF-certified jars and blunt safety blades that Blendtec says are stronger than traditional sharp blades. A one-touch interface is designed to deliver consistent results and simplify operation in busy commercial settings.
Bamix Superbox
The Bamix Superbox combines the Swiss manufacturer’s 200W stick blender with a range of attachments intended to create a compact food-preparation system. Supplied with a whisk, beater, multipurpose blade, meat mincer, processor, powder disc, SliceSy attachment, one-litre jug and stand, it can be used for chopping, blending, whipping, grating and emulsifying. Suitable for preparing soups, sauces, smoothies, dips and desserts, the system is designed to offer broad functionality while taking up relatively little worktop space. Its attachments are easy to clean and the Swiss-made motor is intended for long-term use.
New app set to spark connections at The Catering Innovation Show
Lockhart Catering Equipment has launched a purpose-built app for attendees of The Catering Innovation Show. Taking place on 5 October at London’s Business Design Centre in Islington, the free-to-attend event will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, chefs and industry experts for a day dedicated to innovation. Available through the Apple and Google app stores, the app provides access to the full agenda, FAQs and travel information and can be used to check in and connect with suppliers and operators before and during the event. The show will feature chefs including Gareth Ward, Tommy Banks, Ben Murphy, Mark Tuttiett, Tom Shepherd and Lisa Goodwin-Allen. Lockhart’s charity partner Prept will also host a raffle, with £5,000 of catering equipment as the top prize. The charity helps primary- and secondary-school pupils develop cooking skills and a healthy relationship with food.
Polar price drop promotion
Nisbets has reduced the prices of seven Polar commercial refrigeration products until the end of September, with discounts of up to nearly 50%. The promotion covers upright and display fridges, a triple-door counter fridge, a back-bar cooler, an undercounter ice machine and a 600-litre upright freezer. It also includes Polar’s G-Series forced-air upright fridges, which use updated insulation, refrigerant and design technology intended to improve energy efficiency. The single-door 600-litre model has a B energy rating. Nisbets says some upgraded Polar units can reduce energy costs by as much as 50%, while all products included in the promotion come with a two-year warranty as standard.
Vogue stainless-steel smash burger press
Designed for heavy commercial use, Vogue’s smash burger press is made from solid 430 stainless steel. Its weighted base applies even pressure, whether forming thicker, traditional-style burgers or pressing patties directly onto the grill to create smashed burgers. The rigid, corrosion-resistant construction prevents the press from flexing under pressure, while its smooth surface is easy to clean. A welded frame provides additional strength for repeated use and the solid wooden handle offers a secure grip while helping to reduce heat transfer during cooking.