Equipment & Technology

Chunmi Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd – a leading global internet home appliance company – has made its first African foray by entering the South African marketplace.

The Chinese based company has signed an exclusive distribution partnership with the Swiss Diversitas Group. Together they will bring cutting-edge, world-class smart kitchen technology to South Africa and the SADC region, starting with the launch of the TOKIT Omni Cook C2 — a sleek, all-in-one smart cooking device, often referred to as a ‘Chef Robot’ and designed for modern homes, offered at a very competitive price point.

Established in 2013, Chunmi is a high-tech company that develops intelligent IoT (Internet of Things) kitchen products. In April 2014, Chunmi became part of Xiaomi’s ecological chain; a network of independent companies, each of whom focuses on developing specific products.

The Xiaomi Corporation is a Chinese multinational corporation and technology company headquartered in Beijing. It is best known for its consumer electronics, software and electric vehicles. It is the second-largest manufacturer of smartphones in the world. The company is ranked 338th and is the youngest company on the Fortune Global 500. Xiaomi invests in companies such as Chunmi and provides them with resources but Chunmi operates largely autonomously, focusing on its own product development.

By 2020, Chunmi had successfully applied for more than 800 patents and 500 authorisations globally. In the same year it had more than five million users connected to its internet services via its smart cooking appliances. It has collected 48 global awards since 2013.

Says co-founder and vice-president of Chunmi Technology Diego Kuo: “We are delighted to be launching our product into South Africa, our first venture on the African continent and incredibly proud of our partnership with Swiss Diversitas South Africa. Our products are currently sold in over 50 countries and regions, with millions of users worldwide.

“To date, Chunmi has served more than 20 million households in China and has brought its amazing products to each corner of the world. The TOKIT Omni Cook C2 is a testament to our mission to revolutionise the kitchen with smart, innovative and user-friendly appliances. Designed with cutting edge and knowledge and the deep understanding of our users’ needs, the TOKIT Omni Cook C2 is here to make cooking simpler, healthier and more enjoyable for everyone. We are not just launching a product: We are empowering families to create delicious meals and unforgettable moments.”

Adds Johannesburg based Swiss Diversitas Group founder and director Nicolas Thoenen: “Chunmi is the ideal partner to expand our footprint in the smart kitchen and household appliances category on the Sub-Saharan African continent. At Swiss Diversitas Group, we bring Swiss precision and passion to South African kitchens.

“Founded on a vision to transform culinary experiences, our Swiss-owned South African company has pioneered access to elite kitchenware for discerning home cooks and professionals alike. We don’t just supply premium products — we curate culinary possibilities, connecting South Africans with exceptional tools that inspire creativity and excellence in every meal prepared.”

Selecting the right catering equipment—especially something as essential as a commercial oven—can make or break your kitchen’s efficiency and output. Whether you run a hotel, restaurant, bakery, or catering company, the key lies in understanding your specific culinary needs and matching them with the right oven type. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular commercial oven options and where each one shines.

Deck Ovens: For Artisan Baking

If your kitchen specialises in traditional baking, a deck oven is your best friend. “Deck ovens, such as our Anvil models are ideal for traditional baking such as bread, cakes, pastries, and artisan items.”

These ovens use static heat to create a slow, gentle bake that enhances the natural development of the dough’s crumb and rise. The result? Perfectly baked, bakery-quality goods. While deck ovens are not designed for roasting, they’re unbeatable when it comes to baking breads and pastries. Some models also include hot ceramic bases to mimic wood-fired effects—ideal for pizza-style baking.

Convection Ovens: For Everyday Flexibility

For kitchens that need speed and consistency, convection ovens are the go-to. “Our Anvil convection ovens are versatile all-rounders. They are perfect for general baking, pastries, frozen goods, and light roasting.”

These ovens use a built-in fan to circulate hot air, which ensures even browning and faster cooking times. With compact designs and stainless-steel interiors, they’re easy to clean and maintain—making them a smart choice for cafes and restaurants aiming for efficiency with minimal fuss.

Combi Ovens: Maximum Versatility

If you’re after true all-in-one functionality, consider investing in a combi oven. “The most versatile of all, our Anvil models, combine convection and steam for total culinary control.”

Combi ovens can roast meats and seafood, steam vegetables, and even bake bread, all in one unit. The addition of steam helps reduce shrinkage and improve yield, which is particularly important in high-volume production kitchens, hotels, and catering businesses.

Making the Right Choice

For bakeries or pastry shops, deck ovens offer that slow, even baking required for flawless bread and desserts.

For smaller restaurants or cafés, convection ovens provide quick, reliable results for a range of dishes.

For large-scale operations, combi ovens are the ultimate multitaskers, offering the greatest flexibility across menu items and cooking techniques.

Choosing the right oven not only enhances the quality of your dishes but also improves efficiency and kitchen workflow. Consider your menu, kitchen size, and volume needs—then invest in equipment that supports your culinary goals.

Running a commercial kitchen in 2025 means dealing with rising costs, demanding customers, and tight profit margins. The good news? New kitchen equipment is finally catching up with what chefs actually need.

Why old equipment is costing you money

Many South African kitchens are still using equipment from the early 2000s. These machines eat electricity, break down constantly, and take up too much space. It’s like trying to run a modern business with a flip phone.

Smart equipment isn’t just trendy – it’s practical. A good induction cooktop heats faster than gas and uses 50% less energy. That’s real money back in your pocket every month.

Equipment that actually makes sense

Combination ovens: One machine that steams, bakes, roasts, and grills. Perfect for smaller kitchens where every metre counts. You can cook vegetables, meat, and bread in the same unit.

Smart fridges: These aren’t fancy gadgets – they’re workhorses that alert you when temperatures change. No more spoiled stock because the fridge failed overnight.

Induction cooking: Faster than gas, easier to clean, and much safer. Your chefs won’t be sweating over hot flames all day.

Blast chillers: Cool food fast and safely. Essential for any kitchen serious about food safety and reducing waste.

The money side of things

New equipment costs money upfront, but the savings add up quickly. Energy-efficient fridges can cut electricity bills by 30%. Modern ovens cook faster, meaning you serve more customers per hour.

The real win? Fewer breakdowns. Old equipment breaks when you’re busiest – usually during lunch rush or weekend service. New equipment comes with warranties and predictive maintenance that prevents problems before they happen.

What to look for

Energy ratings: Look for high energy star ratings. In South Africa’s electricity climate, this matters more than ever.

Size matters: Buy equipment that fits your space and volume. A massive oven in a small kitchen is wasteful.

Easy to clean: Equipment that’s hard to clean becomes a health hazard. Smooth surfaces and accessible parts save time and keep inspectors happy.

Local support: Can you get parts and service locally? Beautiful equipment from overseas means nothing if you can’t fix it.

Don’t fall for these mistakes

Buying the cheapest option usually backfires. That “bargain” oven will cost double in repairs and electricity over five years.

Also, don’t buy equipment just because it looks impressive. Focus on what actually improves your kitchen’s efficiency and your team’s working conditions.

The sustainability angle

Green equipment isn’t just good PR – it’s good business. Water-saving dishwashers, energy-efficient ovens, and smart systems that reduce food waste all improve your bottom line.

Many customers now choose restaurants based on environmental practices. Having efficient, modern equipment shows you care about more than just profits.

Making the investment work

Start with the equipment that impacts you most. If your fridge is constantly breaking, replace that first. If your oven takes forever to heat up, that’s your next priority.

Consider leasing for expensive items. This spreads costs and often includes maintenance packages. For a busy kitchen, predictable monthly payments can be easier than large capital outlays.

Modern kitchen equipment isn’t about showing off – it’s about running a profitable, efficient business. The right equipment helps you cook better food, serve more customers, and keep your team happy.

In today’s competitive market, you can’t afford to fall behind. Invest in equipment that works as hard as you do.

In the fast-paced and competitive realm of the hospitality industry, butchers find themselves at a crossroads: to thrive, they must invest in the right catering equipment that enhances efficiency, product quality, and customer satisfaction.

Caterweb, a leading supplier of top-tier commercial kitchen equipment, understands the unique challenges butchers face and offers solutions that can transform operations from ordinary to outstanding.

At the heart of any successful butchery operation are meat slicers. A high-quality meat slicing machine is indispensable; it ensures precise, even slicing of meats, which not only reduces waste but also guarantees consistency in portion sizes. Whether preparing deli cuts, sausages, or marinated meats, these machines save precious time and enhance the overall presentation of products, ultimately delighting customers.

In addition to slicing, refrigeration plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and safety of meats. Caterweb’s selection of cold rooms and commercial display refrigerators is designed to keep meats at optimal temperatures, preserving freshness and extending shelf life. During busy periods, proper chilling becomes even more vital, supporting butchers in their commitment to food safety.

Efficiency in meat processing is another critical factor, making mincers and grinders essential tools for butchers. Caterweb’s modern grinders facilitate the quick and hygienic preparation of sausages, mince, and other custom meat blends. By streamlining these processes, butchers can support higher turnover rates while ensuring that product quality remains at the forefront.

Furthermore, an organized workspace is paramount in enhancing productivity. Heavy-duty stainless-steel workbenches and shelving not only provide a hygienic surface for food preparation but are also easy to clean, enabling butchers to maintain high standards of hygiene. Thoughtful storage solutions further keep ingredients fresh and workspaces clutter-free, fostering an efficient working environment.

As the trend towards premium butchery options grows, dry aging cabinets are gaining traction. These specialised units allow butchers to control the aging process of meats, enhancing flavour and tenderness, which can give them a notable edge in the highly competitive market.

Finally, it is essential not to overlook the importance of packaging and processing tools like vacuum sealers and wrapping machines. These devices not only extend the shelf life of products but also prepare meats for retail, takeaway, or wholesale distribution, broadening market opportunities for butchers.

Investing in catering equipment tailored specifically for butchery operations transcends mere productivity boosts; it is about delivering consistently high-quality products that elevate both the business’s reputation and its bottom line.