Rational and the combi steamer
Rational is a German company from Landsberg am Lech, founded in 1973. It is closely associated with the combi steamer, an appliance that combines dry heat and steam in a single cabinet. One unit can roast, steam, bake and reheat, which is exactly what a compact galley needs.
On a yacht, the galley is often a fraction of the size of a shore kitchen, yet the chef may be cooking for guests and crew on different schedules. Replacing several appliances with one well-chosen combi steamer frees up space and keeps service moving. That is why Rational units appear so often in professional yacht galley plans.
iCombi Pro and iVario on board
Two Rational product lines are relevant for yachts.
- iCombi Pro is the combi steamer. It is usually the centre of the hot kitchen, used for everything from breakfast pastries to roasts and steamed vegetables.
- iVario is a multifunctional cooking system for cooking in liquid and on a heated surface, such as boiling, braising and searing. In a galley it can take over jobs that would otherwise need several pans on a cooktop.
Many yachts use a single iCombi Pro in the main galley. Larger yachts sometimes add a second unit, or an iVario, so crew meals do not interrupt guest service. On smaller boats a compact combi steamer can be paired with an electric cooktop; our Kenyon marine page covers cooktops for that kind of galley.
Size selection is a balance between the number of people on board, the chef's style of cooking, the available power and the space, including the route the unit takes to reach the galley.
Fitting a combi steamer into a yacht galley
A significant electrical load for the generators
A combi steamer is a significant electrical load. We check the yacht's voltage, phase and frequency, whether 50 Hz or 60 Hz, and confirm the generator capacity with the engineer. The correct electrical version is chosen before ordering.
Steam generation and water quality
Steam generation means water quality matters. Watermaker output and port water behave differently, so filtration or softening is chosen for the yacht's own supply. The water connection must be reliable at sea as well as alongside.
Hot water and condensate discharge
The unit discharges hot water and condensate. The drain needs a suitable fall and a connection to pipework rated for hot water, usually into the grey water system.
Steam at the door and galley air conditioning
Steam escapes each time the door opens. Plan extraction above the unit and allow for the extra heat when sizing the galley air conditioning. Keep the recommended clearances from neighbouring equipment and joinery.
Securing the stand, trays and racks
The unit and its stand must be fixed to the structure. Trays and racks need secure stowage, and the door needs clear space to open safely when the boat is moving.
Delivery route and working height
Measure the route to the galley as well as the final position. Doors, hatches and stairs often decide the largest unit that can come aboard during a refit. The stand height also matters, because it affects how comfortably the chef can load and unload trays when the boat is moving.
Automatic cleaning and storage for its products
Rational units have an automatic cleaning function that uses the maker's cleaning products, so plan dry storage space for them on board. Service panels and the water filter should stay reachable after installation.
Electrical version, stand and companion galley equipment
We are an independent marine equipment supplier based in Wallingford, Connecticut, sourcing through a supply chain across Europe, Asia and the United States. For a Rational galley we:
- review the galley layout, power and water details and suggest suitable models and sizes;
- source the matching electrical version, stand and accessories;
- combine the order with other galley equipment where useful, for example Electrolux marine dishwashing or refrigeration;
- deliver to the shipyard, marina, agent or warehouse you choose;
- coordinate installation questions and commissioning with your yard;
- help with spare parts after delivery.
More on our approach is in the process section, and the full brand list is on the brands page.
Galley layout and head count for sizing the unit
Share the yacht details, the galley layout, the number of guests and crew, and your timeline through the quote form. If you are replacing an existing unit, a photo of the rating plate is a useful start.
"Rational" is a trademark of its respective owner. VST Marine is an independent supplier of marine equipment; this page is not an official Rational website.
