Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has invested in a brace of MIWE gusto convection ovens from EPP to assist with its cutting-edge food research and testing operations. The ovens are used at its testing facilities during the product development process for foods such as plant-based meat alternative products, as well as for more traditional bakery goods including biscuits and cakes.

“We do a lot of experimental work in plant-based development, and manufacturers come to us to look at different cooking techniques to get the best product results, which is where the MIWE ovens are used” says Christopher Watts, maintenance lead at Reading Scientific. “Once they were installed, the team was initially unsure of how to use them, but I spoke to Jole (Reddin) at EPP, and he came promptly to do some training on-site and show where they were going wrong. The ovens have been used ever since, and I’ve had absolutely no complaints, they’re very pleased with them.”

In recent years RSSL has seen soaring demand in its work around plant-based products – with consumers looking for alternatives to meat, egg and/or dairy – which is one of the fastest growing categories in the food industry. RSSL’s expertise has supported manufacturers keen to develop meat alternatives, including a UK food producer’s first range of meat-free burger and mince products, which used a blend of soya protein, pea protein and other ingredients, to develop an acceptable flavour and juiciness, having tested more than 140 prototypes.

“We were delighted to supply the MIWE gusto ovens to help RSSL in its innovative work to test, refine and create exciting products before they are brought to market,” says Jole Reddin, technical sales support executive at EPP. “It was a pleasure to visit them and show some of the capabilities of the oven, which I believe is a perfect fit for RSSL. Getting the complex flavours and textures of meat products just right for plant-based alternatives is clearly a considerable challenge. To complete such intricate work, reliability and consistency is key during the baking process, and MIWE ovens deliver exactly that. The MIWE gusto is well suited to a lab environment with its small footprint, plus it has a variety of modes to suit different functions depending on requirements.”