ITW Back-of-House Solutions That Make an Impact
What You’ll Learn in This Blog
Back-of-house (BOH) decisions have a direct impact on labor efficiency, food quality, and overall profitability. For operators evaluating commercial kitchen upgrades, the right BOH equipment can ease labor strain, improve consistency, and support long-term ROI. This blog highlights how ITW Food Equipment Group brands help kitchens operate more efficiently and reliably—doing more with fewer resources.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
- How ITW back-of-house equipment supports labor efficiency and consistency
- Why the Vulcan Chef’s Combi is a key solution for high-volume operations
- How Hobart warewashing equipment helps reduce BOH bottlenecks
- Why Traulsen refrigeration plays a critical role in food safety and BOH workflow
- How HRI helps operators evaluate, test, and implement the right equipment solutions
Why Does Back-of-House Equipment Matter More Than Ever?
Today’s foodservice operators are balancing tighter labor pools, rising food costs, and higher guest expectations than ever before. The back of house is where those challenges are either solved—or amplified. Smart equipment investments can reduce manual labor, improve consistency, and give kitchens flexibility to adapt menus without adding staff.
That’s where ITW Food Equipment Group stands out. Their portfolio is built around real kitchen pain points, with equipment that supports speed, reliability, and long-term value. At HRI, we work closely with ITW brands to help operators identify which BOH solutions will make the biggest difference for their operation.
Vulcan Chef’s Combi: The BOH Workhorse
One of the most impactful BOH solutions in the ITW lineup is the Vulcan Chef’s Combi. As labor-saving equipment continues to top priority lists, combi ovens remain a go-to for operations looking to do more with less—and Vulcan delivers a model designed for real-world kitchens.
The Vulcan Chef’s Combi combines convection heat, steam, and precise humidity control in one unit, allowing operators to roast, bake, steam, retherm, proof, and combi-cook with consistency. This makes it especially valuable for kitchens looking to consolidate multiple pieces of equipment while maintaining menu flexibility. For high-volume environments like K–12, healthcare, and institutional kitchens, that versatility translates directly to efficiency.
Why operators love it:
- Multi-function flexibility: One piece of equipment replaces several others, freeing up space and simplifying workflows.
- Consistent results: Programmable controls ensure repeatable outcomes regardless of operator experience.
- Labor savings: Pre-set cooking modes reduce training time and hands-on oversight.
- Easy cleaning: Automated cleaning cycles help keep BOH operations moving without added labor.
With upcoming Vulcan Chef’s Combi open house events at HRI Culinary Solutions Centers, this equipment is front and center for operators looking to see firsthand how combi cooking can elevate their BOH performance.
Hobart: Warewashing and Food Prep Built for BOH Efficiency
While cooking equipment often gets the spotlight, warewashing and food prep play a critical role in BOH efficiency. ITW’s Hobart brand is widely known for building dependable equipment that supports both clean-up and prep workflows in high-demand operations.
From undercounter units to high-capacity conveyor systems, Hobart warewashers are designed to minimize downtime while maximizing throughput. In addition, Hobart’s food prep equipment—such as mixers, slicers, and processors helps kitchens reduce manual labor while maintaining consistency and speed during prep.
Why operators rely on Hobart equipment:
- Flight-type and conveyor dishmachines: Ideal for high-volume kitchens that need continuous warewashing throughput
- Undercounter and door-type machines: Space-saving solutions for smaller BOH footprints
- Mixers, slicers, and food processors: Durable prep tools that support consistent output and faster production
- Operational reliability: Equipment designed to reduce rework, downtime, and labor-intensive tasks
For operators, Hobart solutions support smoother BOH workflows from prep to clean-up—helping kitchens stay efficient through every phase of service.
Traulsen Refrigeration: Protecting Product and Supporting BOH Flow
For many operations, refrigeration is the backbone of the back of house. Traulsen is widely recognized for building durable, high-performance refrigeration solutions designed to support food safety, consistency, and efficient kitchen workflows.
From reach-ins to roll-ins, Traulsen refrigeration is engineered to maintain consistent temperatures in demanding environments—helping operators protect product quality while supporting smooth BOH operations.
Why operators rely on Traulsen refrigeration:
- Reach-in and roll-in refrigerators/freezers: Designed for daily, high-volume use with consistent temperature performance
- Durable construction: Built to withstand heavy use in commercial kitchens
- Food safety support: Reliable temperature control helps protect product integrity
- Workflow efficiency: Configurations that integrate seamlessly into prep, cook, and holding areas
For BOH teams focused on food safety, organization, and long-term reliability, Traulsen refrigeration remains a trusted solution.
ITW BOH Solutions, Backed by HRI Expertise
What truly sets ITW equipment apart is how seamlessly it integrates into a well-designed kitchen and that’s where HRI adds value. Our team takes a consultative approach, helping operators assess their current BOH challenges, evaluate ROI, and select equipment that aligns with both menu goals and staffing realities.
Through live demos, hands-on training, and real-world application at our Culinary Solutions Centers, we help turn equipment features into practical solutions operators can rely on.
Want to See ITW Back-of-House Equipment in Action?
There’s no substitute for seeing equipment perform in person. With Vulcan Chef’s Combi events and ongoing culinary demonstrations, HRI invites operators, dealers, and consultants to experience ITW BOH solutions firsthand.
Whether you’re upgrading a single piece of equipment or rethinking your entire back-of-house workflow, HRI is here to help you find solutions that deliver long-term impact.
Contact your HRI rep to learn more, schedule a demo, or attend an upcoming event.
