Selecting the right equipment for your commercial kitchen is critical to your success. It’s also difficult to do, especially with all of the options on the market. When it comes to convection ovens, you have many decisions to make before you buy. Finding the best option for your kitchen comes down to understanding your needs, your plans for the future and weighing your options.
The following tips can help you narrow down your choices to buy the right convection oven for your situation, but first, exactly what is a convection oven?
Convection oven basics
A traditional oven has a stationary heat source, which often leads to hot spots. These are areas within the oven that are hotter than others, based on distance from the heat. A convection oven has a fan to circulate hot air throughout the interior. This moving air speeds up cooking time, reduces hot spots and reduces uneven baking. Convection ovens also yield more desirable and consistent results, better browning, flakier pastries and more.
Countertop or floor model?
First you need to determine how much space you have and what size convection oven you need. If your volume is lower, and you’re short on space, a countertop model might be for you. Keep in mind though, a floor model can come in quarter, half and full sizes. This can give you the benefits of a floor model even if you have limited space. This is important to consider when you think about future growth and increasing the volume of food you need to produce.
Gas or electric?
How your kitchen is set up might determine this for you, but it’s still something you need to consider. Electric convection ovens are convenient, easily accommodated in most commercial kitchens, and generally quite efficient. Gas convection ovens require proper clearance when installed to insure airflow on all sides. Additionally, local codes may play into your decision, so consult with the gas company, your Realtor or commercial food equipment professional for guidance.
New or used?
The decision between new or used food equipment is also a tough one, especially if your budget is tight. For the sake of longevity, new food equipment will most often provide you more years of reliable use in comparison to used models. New equipment tends to have warranties that can offer you some peace of mind. One danger of used equipment is that you can’t be sure how it was maintained, so you may be buying something that is waiting to break down on you.
Your convection oven is the heart of your commercial kitchen, so it’s important to get the right one. And while it's great to have choices, it is also easy to get overwhelmed with various models and different functionalities. Take your time, weigh your options and compare the models you’re considering and you’ll find the perfect oven for your needs both today and in the future.
