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Nutrition education in schools plays a pivotal role in shaping the habits and choices young people make when it comes to food. A well-rounded approach to mealtimes—backed by practical nutrition knowledge—equips students with the lifelong skills they need to make healthier choices.
But education isn’t just about what’s on the chalkboard. It’s also about what’s on the plate.
At Stephens Catering Equipment, we know that creating nutritious, appealing, and cost-effective school meals doesn’t have to be a challenge. With innovative technology like the RATIONAL iCombi Pro and iVario Pro, school kitchens can deliver consistent, healthy results that satisfy both students and catering staff.
Why Modern School Catering Matters
Modern school catering must do more than fill stomachs—it should nurture growing minds and bodies. Today’s students are increasingly aware of food’s impact on health and the environment. By upgrading kitchen equipment and adopting smarter cooking practices, schools can:
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Offer healthier meals with lower fat and calorie content
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Preserve essential nutrients through gentler cooking methods
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Serve fresh food quickly and in large volumes
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Minimise waste, energy use, and operational costs
The RATIONAL Advantage: iCombi Pro & iVario Pro
1. Intelligent Cooking with Nutritional Benefits
Traditional cooking methods such as deep frying or boiling often lead to the loss of vitamins and minerals. The iCombi Pro, with its ability to cook using 100% fresh steam and convection heat, retains these nutrients while enhancing flavour and texture.
Meanwhile, the iVario Pro’s ultra-precise temperature control ensures fast, gentle cooking, so essential minerals stay where they belong: in the food, not down the drain.
2. Versatility for Diverse School Menus
Every school has a unique population with a wide range of dietary needs—from allergens and intolerances to cultural preferences and specific nutritional requirements. RATIONAL systems adapt to these needs with:
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Programmable recipes
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Multi-zone cooking with iZoneControl
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iProductionManager for coordinated meal prep
This means your team can easily prepare everything from lean proteins to whole grains and vibrant vegetables—all in one system.
3. Less Fat, More Flavour
By reducing reliance on added fats and oils, combi steamers help lower students’ intake of saturated fats while preserving moisture and natural flavours. The result? Healthier dishes that are still full of taste, ensuring students enjoy every bite without compromising on nutrition.
4. Time-Saving Efficiency for School Kitchens
In a busy school environment, time is critical. The iCombi Pro and iVario Pro simplify kitchen workflows with features such as:
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Built-in sensors to monitor and adjust cooking automatically
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Ultrafast cleaning cycles
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No need for constant checking, stirring, or turning
Together, they can save up to 1–2 hours of working time per day.
5. Lower Energy & Operating Costs
RATIONAL systems are not only smart—they’re economical. Short preheating times, zoned cooking, and energy-efficient components mean:
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Up to 70% lower energy costs
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Up to 25% less raw material waste
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Up to 30% less space required
These savings make them a smart long-term investment for any school kitchen.
Improving school catering doesn’t need to be complicated. Small changes—like switching to smarter equipment or involving students in updating traditional menus—can make a big impact. By upgrading dishes with healthier cooking methods and fresh ingredients, you ensure students are nourished and satisfied.
At Stephens Catering Equipment, we specialise in supplying and supporting school catering operations across Ireland and the UK. Whether you’re outfitting a new kitchen or upgrading your existing setup, we can help you integrate powerful tools like the RATIONAL iCombi Pro and iVario Pro to achieve better nutrition, lower costs, and simpler workflows.
Get in touch today to learn how we can help you deliver healthier, tastier, and smarter school lunches—every day of the week.