Hitec Food Systems (now OctoFrost) — advanced thermal processing and frying solutions
Hitec Food Systems, recently acquired by OctoFrost, is a respected supplier of thermal food processing equipment. With years of accumulated experience and engineering know-how behind the scenes, this now consolidated technology brand has rapidly gained recognition for its high-quality machines engineered for baking, roasting, frying, blanching and pasteurisation.
OctoFrost continues to build upon Hitec’s legacy by focusing on innovative, reliable solutions that support processors of meat, poultry, snacks, vegetables and prepared foods through key thermal processing steps.
At Barsso, we work with OctoFrost/Hitec machines — helping customers with buying, selling, servicing and technical support for these systems, which remain highly relevant for industrial food lines.
Who are Hitec Food Systems / OctoFrost?
Hitec Food Systems was a specialist in industrial processing technology for thermal food preparation. Today, as part of OctoFrost, the brand’s expertise continues under a broader technology platform, but the core focus remains on machines that handle:
- contact roasting and baking
- hot air and steam baking/roasting
- continuous frying in oil
- blanching in hot water
- pasteurisation under controlled conditions
OctoFrost integrates this technology with modern design practices, making it suitable for processors aiming for consistent product quality and efficient production workflows.
What does OctoFrost (ex-Hitec) do?
OctoFrost’s suite of machines (previously branded under Hitec Food Systems) enables processors to apply controlled thermal treatment across a range of product types by:
- inducing browning and texture change through contact heat
- transfering energy via hot air and steam for baking and roasting
- imparting controlled frying action for colour, texture and moisture control
- blanching and water-based heat treatment
- pasteurising products to achieve food safety targets
These machines are designed to support multiple categories of food processing — from classic protein products to plant-based, snacks and vegetables.
OctoFrost / Hitec machine categories & capabilities
Below is an overview of the key machine types and processing technologies supported under the OctoFrost (formerly Hitec) umbrella:
1) Contact Baking & Roasting Systems
Purpose: Direct, controlled thermal treatment of product surfaces to develop texture, colour and flavour.
How they work
Products pass over heated contact surfaces (plates, belts or drums) at controlled speeds, allowing even browning and surface heating without the need for immersion in oil or steam.
Key features
- precise temperature control
- uniform contact heating
- adjustable dwell time
- easy integration with conveyors
Applications
- meat and poultry browning
- snack roasting
- bakery product finishing
- formed products requiring surface colour development
This type of system is ideal when surface texture and crust formation are important for product quality.
2) Hot Air / Steam Baking & Roasting Ovens
Purpose: Thermal processing using hot air and steam to cook, bake or roast product cores.
How they work
Temperatures and humidity are controlled in enclosed tunnels or chamber ovens, combining hot air circulation and steam injection to achieve even thermal transfer throughout the product.
Key features
- adjustable temperature and steam profiles
- continuous or batch modes
- uniform heat distribution
- integrated control systems
Applications
- roasted meat and poultry
- plant-based products
- vegetable and potato items
- ready meals requiring gentle thermal profiles
These systems are used when moisture retention and even internal temperature are critical.
3) Continuous Frying in Oil
Purpose: Controlled continuous frying of products that require specific textural and colour results.
How they work
Products move through heated oil baths on conveyor systems designed for continuous, stable frying with adjustable temperature and belt speed.
Key features
- consistent frying temperature
- uniform product coverage
- controlled oil flow and circulation
- integration with pre- and post-processing modules
Applications
- potato snacks
- breaded and battered products
- extruded snacks
- coated convenience foods
These fryers deliver repeatable frying results under high throughput conditions.
4) Blanching Systems (Water Treatment)
Purpose: Controlled thermal treatment in hot water to deactivate enzymes, stabilise texture or prepare products for further processing.
How they work
Products are immersed or conveyed through heated water at precise time and temperature settings to achieve blanching targets.
Key features
- thermostatic control
- gentle product handling
- consistent residence time
- integration with conveyors
Applications
- potato blanching
- vegetable pre-treatment
- pre-conditioning before freezing or frying
Blanching ensures texture stability and improved product quality in downstream steps.
5) Pasteurisation in Water
Purpose: Ensure food safety and microbial control through controlled thermal treatment.
How they work
Products are submerged or moved through regulated hot water zones designed to achieve pasteurisation targets, reducing microbial load without over-processing.
Key features
- precise temperature control
- dwell time management
- uniform heating profiles
- integration with CIP systems
Applications
- ready meals
- sauces or fillings
- prepared proteins requiring pasteurisation
This process helps processors meet safety regulations and product consistency requirements.
How OctoFrost / ex-Hitec technology works
OctoFrost machines (formerly Hitec Food Systems) are engineered with precise thermal and mechanical control:
- controlled heat transfer through contact surfaces, hot air, steam or oil
- uniform temperature distribution using calibrated zones
- adjustable product dwell times and speed controls
- hygiene-ready design for frequent cleaning
- scalable configurations from single module to full lines
These design principles ensure consistent results, reduced variation and stable line performance.
What is OctoFrost / Hitec specialised in?
OctoFrost (formerly Hitec Food Systems) is specialised in thermal and frying solutions that deliver:
- even contact roasting or baking
- controlled hot air / steam processing
- stable high-capacity continuous frying
- blanching and pasteurisation in water
- flexible integration with downstream operations
Their solutions are ideal for processors of meat, poultry, snacks, vegetables and prepared meals.
Barsso support — buying & selling OctoFrost / Hitec equipment
At Barsso, we support both sides of the market for OctoFrost (ex-Hitec) machines:
- Buying:
We help you source the right thermal processing, frying, blanching or pasteurisation system — matched to your product type, capacity and process goals. - Selling:
We are also interested in purchasing OctoFrost / Hitec equipment when machines become available due to upgrades, surplus stock or line changes.
Customers are also welcome to contact Barsso for service support, spare parts or technical advice on existing OctoFrost/Hitec machines.
