With nearly 30 years of experience in blast chiller manufacturing and applications, Victory Refrigeration is now producing some of the easiest to use and most cost-effective examples of this type of equipment on the market. In fact, with nine models (five roll-ins, two reach-ins and two undercounters) ranging in capacity from 35 lbs. to 660 lbs., Victory has the right blast chiller for nearly every type and size operation.

According to Jim Hurston, VP of Sales for Victory, this breadth of line is just one of the competitive advantages Victory blast chillers offer end-users and specifiers. "Because these products have been proving their reliability and ease of use in kitchens of every variety since 1977, we've been able to determine the model sizes and features that best fit operators' actual needs," he commented.

One example of Victory's better blast chiller design is the shelving system found in the VBC 100 reach-in model. Hurston explained that the VBC 100 is the only mid-size blast chiller capable of storing both 12" x 20" and 18" x 26" pans on its standard shelves. "This feature gives the unit maximum storage flexibility, while its 100-lbs. capacity and trim foot print make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including helping smaller operators prepare for future growth," he noted.

Another benefit offered by all Victory blast chillers is their user-friendly, three-step control panels. Kitchen staff need only to push one button to set chilling modes and temperatures, touch another to select chilling termination by time or when cavity probes confirm a core food temperature of 38^°F, and push a third button to begin operations. "It's part of the Victory creed that simplicity of operation leads to greater durability and fewer, easier repairs," Hurston related. "Designing our blast chillers to be straight-forward and unthreatening to use also reduces training requirements and the 'fear factor.'"

So dependable are Victory blast chillers that they can be used as regular cold-storage units when not in rapid cooling mode. Hurston added that Victory blast chillers run particularly quietly during all applications and can be efficiently serviced through a front-mounted port that provides access to major refrigeration system components. Victory blast chillers are also designed for rapid operation, with all nine models capable of reducing the core temperatures of just-cooked foods in 2.5" pans from over 160^°F to 38^°F in 90 minutes or less. This is in accordance with HACCP guidelines and is an essential food safety component in any operator's cook-to-inventory or cook-chill program.

As the world-wide blast chiller sales leader, Victory (and its European sister company Williams) has brought the design and operation of this equipment to the state of the art. Yet, recognizing that operator and specifier expectations never stand still, Victory is preparing to enhance its blast chiller line with still-more-user-friendly controls and wireless data transmission capability. Hurston believes that Victory blast chillers' complete feature package will increasingly appeal to supermarket operators producing Home Meal Replacement (HMR) programs, as well as full-service restaurants that house-make multiple soups and/or sauces.

A Victory blast chiller model will be available for inspection in Booth # 1279 during the NRA Show.



For more information on ENERGY STAR-qualified Victory models, visit Victory's web site at www.victory-refrig.com