FIT Express achieves the highest score in its category in the FoodSpace SpeedOven Challenge
Prática’s FIT range is the only one with two models among the three highest scores in the Multi-Technology Batch SpeedOvens category
A comprehensive comparative assessment of 16 leading Speed Ovens on the market, conducted under controlled and comparable conditions with a standardised menu and blind evaluation, placed two models from Brazilian manufacturer Prática among the three highest-scoring products in the Multi-Technology Batch SpeedOvens category of The SpeedOven Challenge, conducted by independent US foodservice consultancy FoodSpace®.
The FIT Express achieved 72.6%, the highest score in the category, while the FIT XL recorded 71.6%. The assessment comprised 2,790 completed evaluation forms and 46,370 points awarded.
FoodSpace evaluates foodservice technologies
Specialising in foodservice, FoodSpace® operates across design, management and innovation.
Its activities include operational planning and development, foodservice design, equipment procurement, operational management and technology evaluation for the sector.
The company created The SpeedOven Challenge to provide operators, designers and consultants with information to support equipment specification according to the characteristics of each operation.
Assessment used blind identification
To reduce the influence of brand recognition during the assessment, each piece of equipment was assigned a numerical identifier.
Evaluators assessed the food without using the manufacturers’ identities as a reference.
Products were sourced from suppliers selected by the organisers or assembled in-house according to controlled specifications.
Items prepared by FoodSpace were weighed to maintain consistency throughout the testing process.
Each manufacturer was also able to send its corporate chef to work with the respective equipment.
The chefs received product samples in advance and developed the cooking programmes used during the assessment.
Criteria varied according to the characteristics of each food item and included temperature, browning, crispness, base cooking and browning, internal texture, moisture retention and overall quality.
The menu covered breakfast items, sandwiches, pizzas, appetisers and desserts.
FIT Express leads Multi-Technology Batch SpeedOvens
The FIT Express recorded an overall average of 72.6%, based on 193 evaluation forms. Its highest scores by application were pizza at 81% and desserts at 79%.
The score also demonstrated consistent performance across a varied menu.
Results across different types of food highlight its versatility across applications, an important characteristic for foodservice businesses that need to handle varied preparation requirements using the same equipment.
FIT XL records an average score of 71.6%
The FIT XL achieved an overall average of 71.6%, based on 196 evaluation forms. Its highest scores by application were desserts at 84% and sandwiches at 74%.
The performance of both models makes the FIT range the only one in the assessment with two products among the three highest scores in this category.
FoodSpace relates performance to application
One of FoodSpace’s findings is that an overall average, considered in isolation, does not determine which piece of equipment is suitable for a particular operation.
Performance can vary according to the type of food, heating technologies, cavity configuration, accessories and programming.
FoodSpace therefore recommends that equipment specification takes into account the menu and the operational requirements of each business.
Final food quality, integration into the workflow, programming, training, technical support and equipment lifecycle are among the factors identified by FoodSpace when selecting a Speed Oven.
Access the full The SpeedOven Challenge report:
FoodSpace®:
