Alto Shaam

Alto Shaam

Alto-Shaam's history dates back to 1968 when, after 13 years in the restaurant business, Jerry D. Maahs went into the manufacture of equipment for the foodservice industry. During the years spent in the restaurant business, Jerry Maahs recognized and sought solutions to the equipment problems of the foodservice operator.

The Halo Heat Method

When Mr. Maahs decided to change direction and become a manufacturer, he devoted the first two years to careful research. He entered the U.S. marketplace with a line of holding equipment aimed at replacing steam tables, and introduced it at a 1970 food service trade show in Chicago. The patented Halo Heat method, which is featured in many of our products is achieved with a thermostatic controlled, low density thermal cable, wrapped throughout the walls of the cooking or holding cavity. This principle of uniform heat distribution is applied, to the greatest extent possible, in a complete line of specialty ovens and serving equipment. Alto Shaam manufacturers Halo Heat Low Temperature Cooking, Holding, and Serving Equipment for hotels, restaurants, institutions and supermarkets.

The History of Alto Shaam in the UK

It was a quiet lunchtime in 1974, when our Chairman & Managing Director, Jacki Walker, (then a junior administrator at a vending company) was in the office alone and received a large American visitor who talked for an hour about Thunderbolts and 747s and Halo Heat: not wishing to appear dim, she listened intelligently and looked at pictures - confusing because they had nothing to do with the weather or aeroplanes or angels - but had everything to do with cooking meats, 240lbs of meats, all at the same time, slowly, in Thunderbolt ovens, and Automatically in 747s, incorporating the patented Halo Heat system. Got it.

Onwards and Upwards

Needless to say since the early times the selection of equipment has become extensive, including its well loved Banquet Carts, and more latterly, its Rack Management Systems for plated meal regeneration for thousands. She recalls it was exciting, a chance to deal with Americans, visit America! Get away from hum drum vending equipment! Such was her enthusiasm, she convinced her boss to visit a private demonstration at the American Embassy and the rest is history. The large American President of Alto-Shaam, Jerry Maahs: Jerry made his first Overseas Distributor Appointment during that visit, and remains a good friend to this day.

Featured Alto Shaam Products