#Germany #RATIONAL #iCombi Pro #CD 101 #Bad Grönenbach

RATIONAL Marks Half a Century of Innovation in Cooking

In 2026, RATIONAL proudly celebrates an impressive dual milestone: the 50th anniversary of its groundbreaking steam convection oven and the impressive production tally of 1.5 million units. Founded by Siegfried Meister in 1973, RATIONAL made waves in the culinary world by introducing the first-ever steam convection oven, fundamentally transforming commercial kitchens across the globe.

The initial model, known as the CD 101, debuted in 1976, marking the dawn of a new cooking era. By ingeniously combining steam and hot air circulation, RATIONAL offered a versatile cooking tool capable of roasting, baking, and steaming—all in one unit. This innovative approach addressed the escalating demands of professional kitchens, revolutionizing cooking methods and efficiency. Just four years later, the company introduced the floor-standing model CD 201, specifically catering to large-scale cooking needs.

For the past five decades, RATIONAL has remained at the forefront of technology development. Innovations such as the ClimaPlus Combi oven in 1997, the SelfCookingCenter in 2004, and the iCombi Pro released in 2020, have all contributed to evolving the professional kitchen into a place that prioritizes ease, efficiency, and sustainability.

This unwavering focus on providing the best equipment to customers has been a cornerstone of RATIONAL's philosophy. Martin Hellmann, RATIONAL’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasizes that high production volumes enable advancements in manufacturing automation, allowing the company to utilize industry-leading technologies. “As a result, every product embodies outstanding quality and durability to meet customer expectations,” he states. RATIONAL prioritizes maximizing customer benefits over simple profit maximization, deeply ingrained in their corporate culture known as the “Bottleneck Concentration Strategy.” The effectiveness of this strategy is evident in RATIONAL's share of nearly 50% in the global market, which contributes to around 180 million meals prepared using their products every day.

Markus Pashmann, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at RATIONAL, highlights the importance of the 50th anniversary and the 1.5 million units produced: “These achievements are not just numbers; they’re a testament to the high satisfaction and trust our customers have placed in us over the years. We take pride in this and will continue to prioritize maximizing benefits for our customers.”

In early February, the anniversary model, featuring a gold dial, was donated to the St. Nikolaus Children's Hospice in Bad Grönenbach by Markus Pashmann and Martin Hellmann. At this hospice, children facing life-threatening illnesses and their families receive comprehensive support from the initial stages of illness through end-of-life care. RATIONAL chose to deliver this special anniversary model to this organization, emphasizing the crucial role warm meals play in restoring a sense of normalcy for families. “We are profoundly grateful for this gift,” expresses Marlies Brechel, president of the South German Children’s Hospice Foundation. “This will be a substantial support to ensure we can provide even the smallest yet significant moments daily.”

For more on RATIONAL's innovative products, including the iCombi Pro and customer use cases, visit their official website at rational-online.com.

Contact Information for Readers

RATIONAL Japan Co., Ltd.
Phone: 03-6316-1188
Website: https://www.rational-online.com/
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Press Inquiries

F&R Sales Promote Co., ltd.
Saito
Phone: 03-3553-7510 / 090-1738-2669
Email: [email protected]

About RATIONAL

RATIONAL Group has positioned itself as a worldwide market and technology leader in the heating cooking sector for professional kitchens. Established in 1973, the company today boasts a workforce exceeding 2,700, with over 1,500 employees based in Germany. RATIONAL was listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in 2000 and is now included in the MDAX.

Our primary corporate objective is to always provide maximum benefits to our customers. RATIONAL is acutely aware of its responsibility to adhere to principles of sustainability, reflecting an attitude concerning environmental protection, leadership, and social obligation. The outstanding achievements RATIONAL has accomplished have earned it numerous international accolades each year.