Williams Refrigeration has updated its popular range of Onyx prep stations. The new models have all been converted to eco-friendly natural hydrocarbon refrigerant and have been redesigned to improve efficiency and airflow as well as serviceability.

Onyx prep stations are designed to offer a flexible area for the preparation of food, combining refrigerated storage positioned beneath a worktop with refrigerated food wells providing instant access to regularly used fresh ingredients. They are ergonomically designed to be at the ideal working height, with the ingredient pans in comfortable reach.

The spacious work area makes them ideal for preparing a range of foods including pizza, sandwiches, tapas, salad and desserts.

A range of sizes are available capable of holding 1/1GN pans, from the compact, space saving two door model up to the large, 1043 litre capacity, five door model. The ingredient wells are capable of holding a selection of 1/3 and 1/6 GN pans, up to four 1/3 pans on the two door model, with the five door model taking twelve.

Ingredients stored in the wells are maintained at the correct temperature in two ways: pans are cooled from beneath, and a curtain of cool air is blown over the top of the food - via our newly designed honeycomb shaped air guide - helping to maintain an internal temperature of 4°C by keeping warm kitchen air away from the ingredients. After passing over the ingredient wells the cold air is drawn back into the Onyx, allowing for a tighter and more accurate temperature control with minimal air loss into the environment, reducing energy consumption.

Other updates to the Onyx range include the use of EC (Electrically Commutated) brushless fans, which allow for precise control with reduced power consumption. The complete Onyx range has also been converted to natural hydrocarbon refrigerant… as well as a low GWP/zero ODP, it has excellent thermodynamic properties helping to reduce energy consumption even further. Furthermore, the base of the unit has been redesigned to make it easier to install, transport and service.

Capable of operating in ambient conditions up to 43°C and constructed from sturdy, food safe stainless steel, the Onyx comes with a lift-off cover to allow ingredients to be stored overnight, and removable, easy to clean crumb catchers. A choice of customisation options is available, including drawers, a hinged lid, granite worktop, and a polypropylene chopping board!

Key updates to Onyx range:

• Significantly more energy efficient than the previous model
• Inclusion of EC fans
• Natural hydrocarbon refrigerant
• New honeycomb air guide controls air curtain precisely
• Redesign to make installation, transportation and servicing easier