Alto-Shaam
Alto-Shaam is a commercial foodservice equipment manufacturer founded in 1955, best known for inventing the Cook & Hold oven and pioneering Halo Heat technology—a low-temperature radiant heating system used in professional cooking and holding equipment.
Alto-Shaam is a Wisconsin-based commercial foodservice equipment manufacturer that pioneered Cook & Hold oven technology in 1955. Founded by Jerry Maahs (whose backwards-spelled last name gave the company its distinctive moniker), Alto-Shaam revolutionized professional cooking with its proprietary Halo Heat technology—a gentle, low-temperature radiant heating system that surrounds food evenly without harsh elements or forced air fans.
The Invention That Started It All
Alto-Shaam was born from a practical problem: Jerry Maahs, a Chicken Delight franchise owner, needed to keep delivery food hot during brutal Wisconsin winters. His solution became the first Cook & Hold oven, using Halo Heat thermal cables to maintain food quality during extended holding periods. This innovation reduced shrinkage and preserved moisture better than conventional warming methods, making it invaluable for operations that cook in batches or handle catering deliveries.
Product Line and Technologies
Today, Alto-Shaam manufactures a comprehensive range of commercial cooking equipment including Cook & Hold ovens, combi ovens (Combitherm and Prodigi lines), multi-cook ovens (Vector and Converge models), warming cabinets, heated display cases, smokers, rotisseries, and blast chillers. The company was the first U.S. manufacturer to introduce European combination cooking technology to the American market, adapting combi ovens for domestic foodservice operations.
The Vector and Converge multi-cook ovens feature Structured Air Technology, which divides a single unit into up to four independently controlled cooking chambers. This allows kitchen staff to roast, bake, hold, and steam different items simultaneously in one footprint-efficient piece of equipment.
Ventless Innovation
Many Alto-Shaam products operate without requiring expensive hood ventilation systems, making them particularly attractive for operations with limited kitchen infrastructure or tight budgets. Cook & Hold ovens, multi-cook ovens, and select combi ovens can run ventless or with optional Ventech condensation hoods instead of full hood systems. This ventless capability expands installation possibilities and significantly reduces upfront costs.
Energy and Water Efficiency
Alto-Shaam’s Halo Heat technology uses one-half to one-third the energy of conventional ovens by eliminating the need for high-temperature cycling. Their boilerless combi ovens feature PROpower flash steam generation, which reduces water consumption by 80% compared to traditional steam ovens that require water-filled boilers. These efficiency features lower ongoing operating costs while supporting sustainability initiatives.
Family Ownership and Global Reach
Alto-Shaam remains family-owned after nearly 70 years, now led by second-generation family members Karen Hansen (CEO and Chairwoman) and Steve Maahs (President). The company manufactures equipment at its Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin headquarters and distributes to over 90 countries worldwide. This longevity and continued family leadership signal consistent product quality and customer support—important considerations when investing in commercial cooking equipment that must withstand years of daily use.
Common Uses
Alto-Shaam equipment is used in commercial kitchens, catering operations, hotels, hospitals, schools, and any foodservice operation that needs to cook food in advance and hold it at serving temperature without quality loss. Cook & Hold ovens are particularly common in operations that batch-cook proteins overnight (like pulled pork or brisket) or need to prepare banquet quantities hours before service. Multi-cook ovens appear in high-volume kitchens where space is limited but cooking versatility is essential. Warming cabinets and heated display cases are staples in catering operations, buffet service, and front-of-house applications where food must stay at safe temperatures while maintaining visual appeal.
