How Rational iCombi Pro & iVario Pro Are Transforming Hotel Kitchens

Running a hotel kitchen is no small task. From early morning breakfast service to banquets, à la carte menus, bar food and late-night room service, the demand for variety, speed, and consistency is relentless. Guests expect perfection at every meal, and operators need to balance high standards with efficiency, sustainability and cost control.

At Stephens Catering Equipment, we believe the right technology can make all the difference. That’s why we recommend two innovative systems that are reshaping professional kitchens across Ireland: the Rational iCombi Pro and Rational iVario Pro.

Smarter Cooking with iCombi Pro

The iCombi Pro is more than just an oven. It’s an intelligent cooking system that adapts automatically to the load and desired result. Whether you’re cooking one steak or twenty, baking croissants for the breakfast buffet, or preparing vegetables for a banquet, the iCombi Pro monitors and adjusts conditions for consistent results every time.

With features like iProductionManager, it allows chefs to cook different dishes at the same time, with the system guiding when to load and unload. The result? Less stress in the kitchen, better use of energy, and food that is always fresh and perfectly cooked.

The Power of iVario Pro

The iVario Pro replaces several pieces of equipment in one intelligent unit. Acting as a tilting pan, boiling pan, and fryer all in one, it’s ideal for everything from pasta and casseroles to puddings and fried dishes. It cooks with extraordinary precision and speed – without sticking, boiling over, or wasting energy.

This versatility saves valuable kitchen space, reduces investment in multiple appliances, and delivers consistently excellent food, whether for small portions or high-volume banqueting.

Benefits for Hotels

Together, the iCombi Pro and iVario Pro cover up to 90% of all conventional cooking applications, giving hotels the flexibility to serve every guest, every time.

• Breakfast buffets: Keep bacon, sausages, eggs and pastries fresh for hours.

• À la carte service: Pre-produce and finish dishes to order without compromising quality.

• Banqueting: Cook and chill in advance, then bring thousands of plates to temperature simultaneously with perfect consistency.

• 24/7 service: Easy-to-use systems mean even non-chefs can achieve great results for late-night snacks and room service.

Sustainable, Cost-Saving Solutions

Beyond quality and flexibility, Rational systems also deliver on sustainability. By combining these two appliances, kitchens can reduce their footprint by up to 60%, lower energy consumption, cut food waste, and eliminate the need for multiple pieces of traditional equipment. The savings in time, space and running costs make them a sound long-term investment.

Experience Rational for Yourself

At Stephens Catering Equipment, we know that special guests deserve special attention – and the right kitchen technology helps deliver that consistently.

We invite you to see the Rational iCombi Pro and iVario Pro in action at our test kitchens in Broughshane, Lifford and Maynooth.

👉 Book your free live demo today and discover how these intelligent systems can transform your kitchen, your team, and your guest experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes the Rational iCombi Pro so intelligent?
The iCombi Pro is driven by iCookingSuite, which uses intelligent sensors and algorithms—based on the chemistry of browning (Maillard reaction)—to continuously adjust cooking parameters like temperature, climate, air-speed, and time for perfect results every time. 

2. How does the iCombi Pro handle loads of different sizes or mixed foods?
It automatically detects load size and type, and adapts accordingly. Whether you're cooking one item or many, the iCombi Pro adjusts its settings dynamically—and you can even change target results mid-cook. 

3. What is iProductionManager, and how does it help kitchens?
iProductionManager intelligently organises production sequences, advises when to load/unload dishes, and lets users choose between energy-optimised or time-optimised cooking paths—streamlining operations and reducing manual oversight. 

4. Can the iCombi Pro bake consistently?
Yes—its intelligent baking paths provide precise control over humidity, fan speed, and temperature. Whether you’re baking croissants or muffins, the iCombi Pro adapts in real time to deliver perfect results—even with changing batch sizes or varying dough conditions. 

5. What does "low-temperature cooking" mean in iCombi Pro?
This feature enables gentle, overnight cooking of large roasts, ensuring juicy, tender results. You choose doneness and browning, and the Combi handles the rest—holding plates for hours without loss of quality or appearance. 

6. How does the Rational iVario Pro replace multiple appliances?
It combines the functions of tilting skillets, kettles, deep-fat fryers, pressure cookers, stoves, and more—all in one unit. This saves space, simplifies workflows, and reduces capital investment. 

7. How efficient is the iVario Pro?
The iVario Pro operates up to 4× faster than traditional kitchen technology while using up to 40% less energy—thanks to its powerful ceramic heating elements and intelligent control systems. 

8. What’s the benefit of the pressure-cooking function on the iVario Pro?
With its iVarioBoost system and sealed lid, it delivers up to 30% faster results for stews, soups, stocks, and more—all while preserving the quality of the cell structure in your food. 

9. Are these systems easy to use, even for non-chefs?
Absolutely. Both systems feature intuitive displays (MyDisplay) that can be customised to show only relevant functions. The iVario Pro also offers ConnectedCooking, allowing remote setup and management, making them user-friendly for all kitchen staff, regardless of experience.