Rapid Cook Ovens Buying Guide

What Is a Speed Oven?

A high-speed or rapid cook oven is a type of oven that uses two or more heat transfer methods, such as microwave and convection heating, to expedite the cooking process and reduce wait times. Speed ovens are popular for operations with limited footprints since they are designed for countertop use and can prepare various fresh, hot food on demand to help increase menu flexibility.

Speed Oven vs Microwave

A speed oven goes beyond the capabilities of a microwave oven in that it combines microwave technology with other heating sources like convection and radiant heating to cook food faster and more consistently.

High-Speed Oven Heating Sources

Speed ovens use two or more heat transfer methods to reduce the cooking times of foods. Let's review the four heating combinations high-speed ovens can utilize for rapid cooking:

1. Impinged Convection Heating

Utilizes impingement plates and fingers to force convection currents directly at the food within the oven cavity for accelerated, uniform cooking. This type of heating is best for dishes such as pizza, sandwiches, and roasted vegetables.

2. Microwave and Convection Heating

Utilizes convection heat and microwave technology to quickly cook and finish food within the oven cavity. This type of heating is best for dishes such as nachos, mozzarella sticks, par-baked chicken wings, and breakfast sandwiches.

3. Microwave and Impinged Convection Heating

Similar to microwave and convection heating, microwave and impinged convection heating utilizes microwave technology along with impingement plates and fingers to force convection currents directly at items placed in the oven cavity. This allows food to cook from the inside out via microwaves while the impinged convection currents crisp the outside. This type of heating is best for dishes such as nachos, mozzarella sticks, par-baked chicken wings, and breakfast sandwiches.

4. Microwave, Impinged Convection, and Radiant Heating

Utilizes microwave, impinged convection, and infrared radiant heat to enhance toasting and crisping. This heating method provides the most cooking versatility and can be used to cook numerous dishes, from pizza to fish to muffins.

Rapid Cook Oven Features

High-speed ovens have features that can help modernize your kitchen and improve meal preparation time and consistency. Programmability, a ventless design, and Wi-Fi connectivity are three useful features that can help streamline your operation.

Programmable

Most rapid cook ovens allow you to program and store a variety of recipes so you can offer a diverse menu with guaranteed consistency. This will help simplify the training process when working with new employees and ensures consistent results across multiple units and restaurant locations.

Ventless

A high-speed oven's ventless functionality allows users to operate their unit without a commercial hood. This is helpful for establishments with limited hood space and locations where a commercial hood installation isn't permitted.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Wi-Fi connectivity allows users to add and update programmed recipes to their high-speed oven via a wireless device. Wi-Fi connectivity is helpful for businesses with multiple locations, allowing them to update their menu remotely and save time and labor.

High Speed Oven Cooking Times

High-speed ovens reduce the time spent preparing foods, thus increasing your speed of service. The chart below outlines how quickly some foods can be cooked using a rapid cook oven.

Food Type	Cook Time	Food Type	Cook Time
Pizza	Less than 3 minutes and 30 seconds	Quesadilla	1 minute
French Fries	Less than 2 minutes and 30 seconds	Roasted Chicken Breast	6 minutes and 30 seconds
Panini	Less than 30 seconds	Popcorn Shrimp	2 minutes and 30 seconds
Toasted Subs	20 seconds	Chocolate Chip Cookies	1 minute and 35 seconds