This year Rational celebrated a monumental double milestone: 50 years since launching the world's first combi oven in 1976, and the production of their 1.5 millionth unit. As the UK's go-to specialists for refurbished Rational combi ovens, we're genuinely excited to mark this occasion—because for half a century, Rational has set the benchmark for professional cooking, and we play a big part in keeping that legacy alive and affordable right here in the UK.
From 1976 Revolution to Everyday Essential
Back in 1976, Siegfried Meister's vision changed everything. The original CD 101 combi-steamer combined hot air convection with steam in one appliance, allowing chefs to roast, bake, steam, grill, and poach without multiple machines. It was a game-changer for efficiency, consistency, and quality in busy kitchens.
Today, Rational holds ~50% global market share in combi ovens, with around 180 million meals prepared daily in their appliances. The 1.5 millionth unit—a special edition with a golden dial—was donated to the St. Nikolaus Children’s Hospice in Germany, a fitting gesture that underscores Rational's commitment to great food and community.
How CaterCombi Keeps the Rational Legacy Thriving in the UK
At CaterCombi, we don't just sell equipment; we specialise in refurbished Rational combi ovens because we know how exceptional they are. Many of the models rolling out kitchens today date back to the 2000s or 2010s, yet after our rigorous 57-point refurbishment process—including full testing, cleaning, calibration and parts replacement where needed, they are great performers.
Why choose refurbished Rational combi ovens from us?
- Proven Reliability — These ovens are built to withstand years of heavy commercial use. We see it every day: Rational units consistently outperform expectations long-term.
- Unbeatable Value — Get premium Rational performance (SelfCookingCenter, White Efficiency, iCombi series, and more) at a fraction of the new price, perfect for startups, expansions, or budget-conscious operations.
- UK-Focused Support — Next-day delivery across the country, full warranties, servicing, and expert advice tailored to British kitchens.
- Sustainability — Refurbishing extends the life of high-quality equipment, reducing waste while delivering the efficiency Rational is famous for (lower energy/water use than traditional setups).
No wonder searches for "rational combi oven," "refurbished rational," and "used rational combi oven" remain so strong—chefs and operators know the Rational name means quality, and we're here to make it accessible.
Celebrating 50 Years Together
Rational's achievement isn't just about numbers; it's about the countless professional kitchens transformed over five decades. At CaterCombi, we're proud to be part of that story—keeping these ovens in action, helping more UK businesses cook better, more efficiently, and more profitably.
Whether you're looking to upgrade to a refurbished Rational iCombi Pro, add a reliable SelfCookingCenter, or explore our rental options for flexibility, we're ready to help you benefit from 50 years of Rational excellence.
Explore our current refurbished Rational stock: All Refurbished Combi Ovens – Catercombi Ltd.