Retigo

Buying Retigo

Retigo is a Czech manufacturer that builds one thing and builds it well: combi ovens, also called combi-steamers. A combi combines convection (dry hot air) and steam in a single cabinet, so the same box roasts, bakes, steams, poaches, proves, regenerates and holds. Lordwell stocks the Retigo Vision line in two families. Blue Vision is the flagship, with the fullest control set and the most automation. Orange Vision covers the core combi functions at a lower entry cost, which suits a kitchen that wants genuine combi cooking without every top-end feature. Both are run from Retigo's Vision touchscreen controls and both self-clean with automatic wash cycles, so you are choosing depth of features and budget, not a different class of oven.

Size the oven by grid count and pan size before anything else. Retigo model numbers tell you both: a 611 holds 6 x 1/1 gastronorm shelves, a 1011 holds 10 x 1/1, a 1221 holds 12 x 2/1, and a 2011 or 2021 is a 20-grid floor-standing or roll-in machine for banqueting and high volume. There is also a compact 623 (6 x 2/3 GN) for tight sites. As a rough rule, a 6-grid suits a pub, cafe or small a la carte kitchen, a 10-grid is the reliable mid-size workhorse for most restaurants and gastropubs, and 20-grid machines are for hotels, banqueting and production kitchens. The 2/1 models take larger pans and full-size roasting trays, so favour them if you cook big joints, whole birds or sheet patisserie.

Two build choices then matter. First, steam generation: boiler models (the b suffix) make steam in a dedicated generator for consistent, clean steam even at low temperatures, which favours delicate steaming and patisserie, while injection models (the i suffix) spray water onto the fan and heating element, which costs less and needs no separate boiler to descale. Second, energy: most models are electric, and gas is offered on the injection build, coded ig. Before you commit, confirm the practical fit: available power and phases (or gas supply and flue), a cold water feed and a drain and, critically, your water hardness, plus enough clearance and extraction over the oven. Check the spec sheet for what is standard, too: on Blue Vision the six-point core probe and flap valve are fitted as standard, while on entry Orange models the core probe is a single-point unit that can be an option, so confirm your exact model includes what you expect rather than assuming.

Retigo: common questions

What is the difference between Retigo Blue Vision and Orange Vision?

Both are the same fundamental combi oven, run from Retigo's Vision touchscreen controls, with automatic cleaning and core-probe cooking. Blue Vision (the B models) is the premium range with the fullest feature and automation set and a six-point core probe and flap valve fitted as standard, so it suits busy kitchens that want the most programmable cooking and hands-off control. Orange Vision (the O models) delivers the core combi functions of convection, steam and combination cooking at a lower entry price, which is a sensible choice when you want a proper combi without paying for every top-tier feature; there is also an Orange Vision Plus step if you want more programs and control without moving up to Blue. If you are unsure, tell us your menu and volume and we will point you to the right family and size.

Boiler or injection steam: which Retigo should I choose?

This is the b versus i choice in the model name. Boiler models generate steam in a separate steam generator, giving very consistent, high-quality steam that holds up even at low temperatures, so they favour delicate steaming, patisserie and precise low-temperature work. Injection models spray water directly onto the fan and heating element to create steam. They cost less to buy, have no dedicated boiler to descale, and cope well with everyday roasting, baking and general service. For most mixed menus, injection is plenty. Choose boiler if steam quality and low-temperature consistency are central to what you cook.

What size Retigo combi do I need?

Work from grid count and pan size. A 6-grid (611 or the compact 623) suits pubs, cafes and smaller kitchens; a 10-grid (1011 or 1021) is the mid-size workhorse for most restaurants and gastropubs; a 12-grid (1221) steps up capacity for busier sites; and 20-grid machines (2011, 2021) are floor-standing or roll-in ovens for hotels, banqueting and production. As a very rough guide a 6-grid handles a modest a la carte service, a 10-grid covers a busy restaurant, and 20-grid ovens are built for hundreds of covers. Also decide between 1/1 and 2/1 pan width: the 2/1 models take larger trays, which helps if you cook big joints or full sheets. Send us your covers and footprint and we will confirm the model.

Do I need a water softener or filter with a Retigo?

In most of the UK, yes, and it is the single biggest thing that protects your investment. Combi ovens use a cold water feed for steam, and hard water leaves limescale that shortens the life of boilers, spray systems and elements and can void warranty cover. Boiler models in particular need managed water. Before installation you should check your local water hardness and fit appropriate treatment (a softener or a dedicated combi water filter). We can advise on the right treatment for your area and supply it alongside the oven so the machine is protected from day one.

Is a Retigo electric or gas, and what supply do I need?

Retigo Vision ovens come in both. Most models are electric and gas versions carry a g in the code (for example B611ig or O1011ig). Electric combis of this size typically need a three-phase supply, and larger 20-grid machines draw significant power, so your electrical capacity has to be confirmed by a qualified electrician before install. Gas models need a suitable gas supply and flue or extraction arrangement. Every combi also needs a cold water feed and a drain. Tell us your available services and we will match you to a model that fits, or flag what needs upgrading before delivery.

How quickly can I get a Retigo combi delivered?

Honestly, it depends on the model. A combi oven is a large capital appliance, and Retigo ovens are generally ordered in from the manufacturer rather than held on our shelf, so we confirm the lead time with you before you commit rather than promising a blanket next-day date. Some catering lines are stocked in our own warehouse for next working day when ordered before the cut-off, but for a machine like this we will give you a realistic timescale up front and coordinate delivery, siting, connection and commissioning so it is installed and running properly, not just dropped at the door.