What is best for your commercial kitchen?
It’s crucial to have the right equipment to set your commercial kitchen up for success. Whether you’ve been in the hospitality game for a while or you’re a newbie setting up your business, two types of oven you’ve probably heard of are combi ovens and convection ovens.
If you’ve been tossing up between the two but you’re just not sure which will work best for your commercial kitchen, we’re here to help! Each has their own features and benefits so making an informed choice about which is best for your commercial kitchen is crucial!
Combi Ovens
Combi ovens, which is short for combination ovens, are a great addition to modern commercial kitchens. The main thing that sets a combi oven apart is the ability to combine three different cooking methods in one unit – convection cooking, steam cooking and a combination of both. This makes combi ovens a versatile choice if you’re looking for an oven that can adapt to a wide range of cooking techniques and dishes.
Combi ovens have a very precise control over temperature and humidity, this means that your chefs are able to get consistent results every time making combi ovens a great choice for delicate foods that need careful cooking like custards or pastries. The combination of steam cooking and convection cooking also means that meat will stay moist whilst getting a crispy exterior which isn’t something that is achieved quite as easily with other ovens!
Many modern combi oven models are also equipped with intuitive controls that allow you to program your oven for different recipes which is perfect for a commercial kitchen that needs its chefs to spend less time checking on the oven and more time focusing on other tasks.
Convection Ovens
Convection ovens have been a staple in commercial kitchens for decades thanks to their simplicity and reliability. Convection ovens use fans that circulate hot air throughout the oven so there is even heat distribution throughout the entire unit.
One of the main advantages of convection ovens that has made them a staple for years is their speed. The hot air makes for faster cooking times when compared to other ovens making them ideal for busy commercial kitchens where you have to get things prepared quickly and efficiently. The speed of a convection oven makes them a game-changer during peak hours helping to ensure quick turnaround times without compromising on any of your food quality.
Convection ovens are also great if you’re a commercial kitchen that needs to achieve a crispy and golden exterior on baked goods, breads or roasts. The dry heat is perfect for making crispy crusts while maintaining the juiciness of the inside of meats. Convection ovens are also quite simple to operate which is great if you’re looking for an oven that doesn’t need much training for your commercial kitchen staff.
Choosing The Right Oven For You
When you’re tossing up between a combi and a convection oven, the choice really does come down to the specific needs and priorities of your commercial kitchen. If you’re looking for versatility, a combi oven might be the best choice for you, but if speed, simplicity and reliability are what you’re after, a convection oven might be the better choice.
It is worth noting that some commercial kitchens opt for both types to enjoy the benefits of each. This approach allows chefs to leverage the strengths of both combi and convection ovens.
When it comes to choosing between a combi oven or a convection oven for your commercial kitchen, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. You’ll need to consider your specific needs, demands and menu items before making your choice. If you’re looking for more advice on which oven will be best for your commercial kitchen, chat to our Flexikitch team today to find out more.