MKN Machine Range: Why Chefs Are Choosing FlexiChef, FlexiCombi & SpaceCombi
If you’re shopping for commercial kitchen equipment that saves space, time and energy — and gives consistent, repeatable results — MKN should be on your shortlist.
Vanrooy Machinery have recently added MKN to their supplier roster, bringing models like the MKN FlexiChef, MKN FlexiCombi and MKN SpaceCombi to Australian kitchens. This post unpacks what each machine does, who it’s for, and why many operators are switching to MKN.
Meet MKN: An Introduction to the Brand
MKN is a long-established German manufacturer focused on professional cooking solutions: think high-quality engineering, digital controls and products designed around chefs’ workflows. Their range spans multifunctional pans to advanced combi steamers — all built for reliability and efficiency.
Real benefits — Energy, time & consistency
Energy & water savings: MKN’s SmartBoiling and GreenInside concepts aim to reduce energy and water usage versus older equipment — Specifically, the FlexiChef highlight large savings in cooking time and water for cleaning cycles. These efficiencies reduce operating costs and increase sustainability.
Hygiene & cleaning: automated cleaning systems (e.g., SpaceClean / WaveClean) simplify HACCP compliance and reduce manual cleaning labour.
How to choose the right MKN for your kitchen
Decision checklist
- Menu & throughput: Are you servicing a big lunch rush or steady low-volume service? (FlexiCombi for high throughput; SpaceCombi for compact but capable service; FlexiChef for production/catering work.)
- Footprint: Measure available space and service access. SpaceCombi is best when width is constrained.
- Power & utilities: Check electrical, gas and water requirements; You can always coordinate with Vanrooy for site prep prior to purchasing a unit.
- Staff & training: If you need repeatability with less highly-skilled staff, MagicPilot/Guided Cooking features help.
Example configurations:
- Small café: SpaceCombi MP 6-tray (compact) + small blast chiller.
- Mid-sized bakery/catering: FlexiChef 50L + FlexiCombi 6.1 (for versatility & volume).
What is the FlexiChef? It is a multifunctional bratt pan that lets you cook, grill and fry in one compact footprint. MKN’s latest model emphasizes intuitive operation (MagicPilot touchscreen), multi-zone cooking (FlexiZone), and features like Guided Cooking and automatic cleaning.
Why it stands out
- FlexiZone: divide the pan into up to 3 independently controlled zones — perfect for cooking multiple items at once.
- SmartBoiling / ReadyXpress: MKN claim big reductions in cooking times and major energy savings for closed-lid boiling processes. The FlexiChef includes fast production times and reduced water/energy consumption during cleaning cycles.
- Ergonomics & automation: improved lifting systems for baskets, automatic cleaning options and cloud connectivity for monitoring/HACCP. These features reduce labour strain and help reproducibility.
Who it’s best for
Busy kitchens that need a flexible all-in-one unit — caterers, large cafés, and production kitchens that want to consolidate equipment while keeping throughput high.
What is the FlexiCombi?: It is MKN’s feature-rich combi steamer: digital controls, program storage, humidity control, and a capacity-boosting FlexiRack system. It’s built to deliver repeatable results at higher throughput.
Key features
- FlexiRack® increases usable capacity (more trays per load).
- MagicPilot / Video Assist: touchscreen control with video help and guided recipes — great for training staff and ensuring consistency.
- ClimaSelect & fan control: precise humidity and multiple fan speeds for improved bake and roast results.
Why choose FlexiCombi
If your menu needs consistent results across baking, steaming and roasting — and you need programmable repeatability — FlexiCombi delivers both power and automation to reduce skill variance and increase throughput.
MKN SpaceCombi — big performance in a small footprint
What is the SpaceCombi?: The SpaceCombi packs full combi-oven performance into a very compact (55 cm) width, while still offering up to 6 x GN 1/1 inserts. It’s ideal when floor space is limited but you can’t sacrifice standard combi functions.
Why it works for small kitchens
- Small footprint, but full combi functionality (5 fan speeds, automatic cleaning, MagicPilot controls).
- Optional HoodIn/condensation solutions reduce the need for a full extraction canopy in some setups — helpful where infrastructure is limited.
Best use cases
Cafés, front-of-house cook stations, small restaurants, and sites with limited kitchen real estate that still need capable combi performance.
MKN Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are MKN machines energy-efficient?
A: Yes — MKN promotes features like SmartBoiling and GreenInside that reduce energy and water use in specific cooking and cleaning cycles. Always check specific model data for measured consumption.
Q: Does Vanrooy stock all MKN models?
A: Vanrooy supplies core MKN models (FlexiChef, FlexiChef Team, FlexiCombi, SpaceCombi), which you can view the details of here. Additionally, please contact Vanrooy Machinery for current stock, lead times and pricing details.
Q: Is the FlexiChef suitable for sous-vide?
A: FlexiChef supports precise temperature control allowing sous-vide style cooking in vacuum-sealed bags — it’s part of its multi-mode functionality.
Q: What about cleaning and HACCP reporting?
A: MKN devices include automated cleaning options and cloud/HACCP features for monitoring and reporting.
Next Steps
Want specs or a quote? Reach out to Vanrooy Machinery today to check model fit, site prep and lead times. If you already have floor plans or utility specs, include them — Vanrooy can advise which MKN configuration matches your needs.
