Duke Manufacturing developed a new Flexible Batch Broiler for Burger King. The new platform uses batch cooking instead of the chain’s traditional conveyor method. An energy management system that has a $3,000-$4,000 annual savings.

The Duke batch broiler cooks up to eight Whopper patties at one time. Control features cycle the burners on and off and at varying percentages during the cooking cycle to allow Burger King to offer virtually any menu item.

Nieco Automatic Broilers has manufactured the conveyor oven for Burger King for decades. The new Nieco MPB 94 Low-Energy Broiler added a second, "flex" conveyor to handle any variety of menu item.

Burger King plans a number of innovative product lines as it completes the rollout of the new broiler. First up is the Steakhouse XT, a fresh-cooked, extra-thick burger.

Burger King is testing fire-grilled bone-in riblets in stores equipped with the new broiler. John Shaufelberger, SR VP, global product marketing and innovation, said initial testing of the product is "doing quite well."

Burger King followed the slider trend with its recent introduction of its BK Burger Shots and BK Breakfast Shots. The Breakfast Shots are available in a two-pack or a four-pack.