Combi ovens have revolutionized the way commercial kitchens operate by offering a versatile and high-powered cooking solution, but despite their benefits, they are still relatively new to the foodservice industry. Since many operators are still unaware of the full capabilities a combi oven can offer, we've outlined the key purchasing considerations we considered while making our product selections.
Combi Oven Steam Source
The steam source refers to how your combi oven generates steam in the cooking chamber. This steam plays a crucial role in maintaining moisture while your food cooks, reducing cook times, and preserving the texture of your signature recipes. Consider the volume of cooking you will be doing, the maintenance requirements you are willing to manage, and the power of steam needed for your specific recipes.
- Steam generator combi ovens: These combi ovens generate steam through a built-in boiler, which injects steam into the cooking chamber as the water evaporates. They are ideal for high-volume and continuous cooking operations, providing a reliable source of steam for consistent results.
- Boilerless combi ovens: Boilerless combi ovens spray water onto heating elements within the unit to generate steam. While these units use less water and require less maintenance compared to steam generators, they may not be as powerful in terms of steam production.
Combi Oven Size
Combi ovens typically feature pre-fabricated slots to insert food trays or pans, allowing for a fixed amount of food to be cooked at one time. Because of this, their size directly impacts how much you can cook at one time. Consider your kitchen's space constraints, output requirements, and the variety of dishes you'll be cooking to determine the best size combi oven for your commercial kitchen.
- Mini combi ovens: Mini combi ovens are countertop models designed to hold a limited quantity of food. They are ideal for operations with minimal output needs or lesser demand, as well as small kitchens or mobile food businesses.
- Half-size combi ovens: Half-size combi ovens hold 6-10 pans at once, offering half the capacity of a full-size unit. These are ideal for low- and medium-output kitchens, where space is limited.
- Full-size combi ovens: Full-size combi ovens are the largest option, capable of holding up to 20 pans at once. They are ideal for high-volume operations, such as catering businesses, where a large quantity of food needs to be prepared.
Combi Oven Features
As with any piece of kitchen equipment, combi ovens are not one-size-fits-all. Evaluate your output needs, space constraints, and operational requirements to ensure that you select a model that best suits your specific cooking demands.
- Double stack capacity: By stacking combi ovens on top of each other, you can save valuable counter space while maintaining high productivity.
- Field reversible doors: This feature allows you to change the orientation from which the door opens, making it easier to adapt to evolving kitchen configurations and busy operational environments.
- Programmable functionality: With the ability to program specific cooking parameters, such as time, temperature, and humidity levels, programmable combi ovens streamline cooking processes and ensure consistent results.
- Roll-in convenience: This feature is particularly beneficial for operations that require mobility or frequent repositioning of equipment, providing hassle-free maneuverability and enhanced operational efficiency.
- Ventless operation: Ideal for smaller operations or locations without proper ventilation systems, ventless combi ovens provide a convenient and space-saving solution for commercial kitchens.
No matter what kind of foodservice establishment you operate, combi ovens help you achieve your output goals without compromising on consistency. These units add value to any commercial kitchen, preparing food in the right conditions and minimizing uncertainty. By choosing the right combi oven for your commercial needs, you can set your business up to succeed.