Eglfing / Herborn, Germany - Welbilt has received the Kitchen Innovations (KI) Awards 2023 for its two brands Convotherm and Merrychef. Through this, the National Restaurant Association, the American industry association, recognizes strong innovation. The two innovations honoured are ConvoSense from Convotherm and the Merrychef conneX® range with integrated panini press. The coveted awards will be presented at the National Restaurant Association Show from 20 to 23 May in Chicago (USA).

Innovative solutions for modern gastronomy
With the world's first AI-controlled, fully automatic cooking and baking system ConvoSense for combi ovens, Convotherm helps restaurateurs load the perfect cooking programme and start it immediately. ConvoSense is especially suitable for mixed loads, automatically recognising the food being cooked during loading and starts the right programme for each tray. Precise control of the conditions in the cooking chamber ensures reliably consistent and excellent results. With ConvoSense, Convotherm has launched the world's first AI-controlled, fully automatic combi oven.

Merrychef has also developed an innovative product with the conneX® panini press, which helps businesses to consistently offer food with perfect grill marks. The tripleX technology makes the high-speed oven the fastest, quietest and most energy-efficient solution in its class. The patented panini press accessory is not attached to the unit and can be easily moved in and out with one hand. A newly developed auto-lift feature on the press also allows for smooth loading and unloading.

Innovative solutions to today's challenges
Since their inception in 2005, the National Restaurant Association Show's Kitchen Innovations Awards have earned a reputation for defining the gold standard for foodservice equipment. The distinguished panel of expert judges identifies the most innovative and technically advanced solutions in the industry. The winning products score high on automation, efficiency, sustainability and other forward-thinking innovations. As 2023 award winners, Convotherm and Merrychef will exhibit their ConvoSense and conneX® automated panini press products in the event's Kitchen Innovations showroom.

Tom Cindric, President of Winsight Exhibitions, says: "We are thrilled to recognise the winners of this year's Kitchen Innovations Awards. Every year we discover innovative products that revolutionize kitchen and foodservice operations - and 2023 is no exception. The winning equipment responds to the challenges facing the foodservice industry today - including labour shortages and labour costs. The winning solutions create a new generation of kitchens that improve operations and safety through high efficiency, versatility and productivity, helping to increase profits.

Hans-Werner Schmidt, Managing Director Webilt Germany and Vice President Central & Eastern Europe added: "We are delighted to receive this recognition and proud to be part of such a prestigious event."
The National Restaurant Association Show is the world's leading trade show for the hospitality industry. From innovative food and beverage products to new technologies, the show provides a comprehensive platform for exchange and knowledge transfer. More information about the National Restaurant Association Show can be found at https://www.nationalrestaurantshow.com/

More information about Convotherm ConvoSense: https://www.convotherm.com/ConvoSense
More Information about the Merrychef® panini press, the conneX® range or high-speed ovens can be found at https://www.merrychef.com/