Buying a commercial oven is a critical decision and a huge investment. That can significantly impact your commercial kitchen’s efficiency and the quality of your food. Whether running a fine dining restaurant, a bakery, or a catering service, having the right oven ensures consistent cooking, saves time, and enhances productivity in your commercial kitchen.

With a wide range of commercial ovens in the market, finding the perfect fit for your business can feel tricky. In this guide on what to look for when buying an oven, we’ll outline the key factors to consider when selecting a commercial oven, ensuring it meets your needs, fits your budget, and supports your business goals.

What to Look for When Buying an Oven for Commercial Use?

Choosing the right commercial oven is essential for any food business. It can impact the quality of your dishes, the efficiency of your kitchen, and your overall profitability. To make the best decision, you need to evaluate various factors that align with your business needs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to look for when buying an oven:

1. Oven Capacity

The capacity of a commercial oven is one of the most important factors to consider because it directly impacts the efficiency and output of your kitchen. Whether you’re running a restaurant, bakery, or catering service, the oven must accommodate your cooking volume without slowing down operations.

Capacity in commercial ovens is typically measured in:

• Cooking space: Total cubic feet available inside the oven.
• Number of racks or trays: This determines how much food you can cook simultaneously.
• Batch size: The quantity of food the oven can handle in a single cooking cycle.

For example, a convection oven may have multiple racks that allow for even cooking several trays at once, while a deck oven might focus on large baking surfaces ideal for pizza or bread.

If you run a busy restaurant, catering service, or bakery, you’ll require an oven with a high capacity to meet customer demand efficiently. Handling multiple orders or large batches at once reduces cooking time and improves workflow.

Also, consider your menu and the type of dishes you prepare. For example, a bakery specializing in artisan bread might prioritize depth and width for baking sheets, while a pizzeria might need multiple decks for pizzas.

Even if your current capacity requirements seem manageable, it’s wise to think ahead.

• Anticipate Growth: If you plan to expand your menu, increase service hours, or cater to a larger customer base, an oven with a slightly larger capacity will save you from needing an upgrade later.
• Seasonal Demand: For businesses with peak seasons (e.g., holiday catering), having an oven that can handle surges in demand is essential.

By carefully evaluating your current and future needs, you can select an oven with the right capacity to support your business operations efficiently and effectively. This consideration is a foundational step when deciding what to look for when buying an oven for commercial use.

2. Size of the Oven

When selecting an oven for commercial use, the physical size is just as critical as its cooking capacity. The dimensions must align with your kitchen layout to ensure it fits seamlessly into your workspace without disrupting workflow. A well-planned fit maximizes efficiency and complies with health and safety standards.

Before purchasing a commercial oven, take precise measurements of your kitchen and consider the following:

• Available floor or counter space: Ensure the oven can fit without crowding other essential commercial kitchen equipment.
• Ventilation clearance: Many ovens require specific clearance for proper ventilation to prevent overheating. This is crucial for maintaining performance and ensuring the safety of your staff.
• Access points: Make sure to have enough room to open doors fully and load or unload trays without obstruction.

The size of the oven also impacts how easily it can be moved or positioned in your kitchen.

• Small Kitchens: For compact spaces, countertops or stackable models can save valuable floor space while still providing sufficient cooking power.
• Temporary or Mobile Setups: If your kitchen setup changes frequently, consider smaller, portable ovens that are easy to relocate. This is ideal for catering businesses or food trucks.
• Dedicated Stations: Larger kitchens may have room for full-sized, floor-standing ovens with multiple compartments, ideal for high-volume cooking.

Choosing the right size ensures that your kitchen remains functional and organized, even during peak hours.

When you select an oven that fits your kitchen space,

• Chefs and kitchen staff can move freely and safely.
• Allow adequate space for regular cleaning and servicing to keep the oven in top working condition.

While size and capacity are closely linked, they aren’t always proportional. For example, some modern ovens are designed to offer high capacity in a compact footprint. If you don’t need a high-capacity oven, a smaller model might still meet your needs without taking up unnecessary space. Larger ovens often consume more energy, so a smaller model could save on operational costs if it fits your requirements.

3. Ease of Use

In a fast-paced commercial kitchen, ease of use is a critical factor when choosing an oven for commercial use. An oven that’s intuitive and simple to operate can significantly enhance productivity, reduce errors, and ensure consistent food quality, even during the busiest hours.

Why Ease of Use Matters?

• Kitchens operate under tight timelines, and an oven that’s difficult to use can slow down the entire workflow.
• Features that simplify operations ensure that food is cooked consistently, maintaining high standards for quality and taste.
• A user-friendly oven reduces the learning curve for new staff, saving time and resources on extensive training.

Key Features for Easy Operation:

1. Digital Controls:

Digital control panels make it easy to set precise temperatures, timers, and cooking modes.

• Clear displays: LED or touchscreen displays show real-time temperature readings and cooking progress.
• Precision: Digital controls allow for accuracy, which is especially important for delicate recipes that require exact temperatures.
• Quick adjustments: Easy-to-use controls enable quick changes without interrupting the cooking process.

2. Programmable Settings

Programmable ovens allow you to save specific cooking parameters for frequently used recipes.

• Consistency: Ensure the same results every time, even when operated by different staff members.
• Time-saving: Staff can focus on other tasks while the oven handles the cooking process automatically.
• Customization: Ideal for businesses with specialized menus that require repeated precision, like bakeries or pizzerias.

3. Intuitive Design

An intuitive design ensures that every part of the oven is straightforward and functional.

• Smooth-opening doors: Doors that open and close easily improve efficiency during loading and unloading.
• Ergonomic handles: Comfortable, heat-resistant handles minimize the risk of burns and strain.
• User-friendly interfaces: Clear labeling and simple navigation help reduce mistakes and speed up operations.

When evaluating the ease of use, consider:

• Safety Features: Look for features like cool-to-touch surfaces, automatic shutoff, and audible alarms for added safety and convenience.
• Cleaning Ease: Ovens with removable trays, self-cleaning options, or non-stick interiors are easier to maintain, saving time and effort.
• Multilingual Interfaces: In diverse kitchens, interfaces with multiple language options can make operations easier for all staff members.

By choosing a commercial oven that prioritizes ease of use, you’ll create a more efficient and productive kitchen environment. This is a key consideration in understanding what to look for when buying an oven, ensuring that your equipment supports your team and enhances overall operations.

4. Power Type

When deciding what to look for when buying an oven, understanding the power type is essential. The choice between gas, electric, and dual-fuel ovens can significantly impact the efficiency, performance, and operating costs of your commercial kitchen. Each option has distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on the type of cooking you do and the utilities available in your location.

Gas Ovens:

Gas ovens are popular in commercial kitchens, particularly for their speed and cost-effectiveness.

• Faster heat-up times: Gas ovens heat up quickly and are ideal for high-demand environments.
• Lower operational costs: In areas where gas is more affordable than electricity, gas ovens help reduce energy expenses.
• Moist heat: They produce natural moisture during cooking, which can be beneficial for some recipes.
• Versatility: Gas ovens are available in various designs, including convection and full-size models for larger operations.

However, gas ovens require proper ventilation and a reliable gas supply, which should be considered when planning your commercial kitchen equipment layout.

Electric Ovens:

Electric ovens are known for their precision and even heat distribution, making them a perfect option for baking and roasting.

• Precise temperature control: Electric ovens maintain consistent heat levels. It is crucial for baked goods and delicate recipes.
• Energy efficient: Many modern electric models, such as commercial convection ovens, are designed to be highly energy efficient, helping to reduce energy costs.
• Compact options: Compact ovens are often electric, and ideal for small kitchens or temporary setups.
• Ease of installation: Unlike gas ovens, electric ovens don’t require a gas line, simplifying setup.

Remember that electric ovens may have higher energy costs in areas where electricity is expensive, and might take longer to preheat than gas ovens.

Dual-Fuel Ovens:

Dual-fuel ovens combine the best of both worlds by pairing gas burners with an electric oven.

• Versatility: Gas burners provide quick heat for stovetop cooking, while the electric oven offers even baking and roasting.
• Ideal for varied menus: A dual-fuel oven can be a versatile solution if your kitchen handles a wide range of dishes

While these models are typically more expensive upfront, their adaptability makes them a worthwhile investment for high-quality output.

Key Considerations for Power Type

• Utilities: Assess the availability and cost of gas and electricity in your location. Some areas may not have reliable gas lines, making electric ovens the better choice.
• Type of Oven: Depending on the type of oven you need (e.g., convection, deck, or combi ovens), certain power types may be more suitable.
• Kitchen Layout: The installation requirements for gas ovens (ventilation and gas lines) versus electric ovens (power outlets) can influence your decision.
• Energy Savings: While gas ovens may have lower operational costs, energy-efficient electric models can also help reduce energy consumption in the long term.

Choosing the right power type is vital when selecting commercial kitchen equipment. This decision ensures that your oven supports your kitchen’s performance, energy savings, and operational goals.

5. Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key factor when selecting an oven for commercial use. An energy-efficient oven not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes environmental impact.

• Look for models with Energy Star ratings, which signify reduced energy consumption.
• Features like insulation, rapid preheating, and eco-modes can further improve efficiency.

Although energy-efficient models may have a higher upfront cost, they save money in the long run through lower utility bills.

6. Maintenance and Warranty

Maintenance is crucial to keep your oven running smoothly and avoid downtime. When purchasing, consider:

• Ease of cleaning: Look for ovens with removable racks and self-cleaning options.
• Durable materials: Stainless steel models are often easier to clean and more resistant to wear.
• Warranty: A robust warranty offers peace of mind and covers unexpected repairs.

Investing in an oven with accessible customer support and readily available replacement parts is always a wise decision.

7. Versatility and Cooking Features

Different businesses have different cooking requirements, so choosing an oven that aligns with your menu is essential.

• Convection ovens: Ideal for even baking and roasting.
• Deck ovens: Perfect for pizzerias or bakeries.
• Combination ovens: Offer versatility by combining steaming and baking in one unit.
• Specialized ovens: Such as rotisserie or pizza ovens, cater to niche needs.

Evaluate your cooking needs and choose an oven that complements your menu offerings.

8. Ventilation Requirements

Many commercial ovens require proper ventilation to comply with health and safety regulations.

• Check local codes: Ensure your kitchen has an appropriate exhaust system or hood for your oven type.
• Choose ventless models: If you’re limited by space or budget, ventless ovens with built-in filters can be a great alternative.

Proper ventilation improves kitchen safety and prevents overheating.

9. Cost and Budget

Finally, consider your budget while keeping long-term value in mind.

• Compare models: Balance the initial purchase price with operational costs like energy consumption and maintenance.
• Focus on quality: A slightly higher investment in a reliable, high-performing oven pays off in durability and efficiency.

Remember to assess the return on investment (ROI) that a commercial oven can provide for your business.

Knowing what to look for when buying an oven ensures that you make an informed decision that supports your business goals. From oven capacity and energy efficiency to ease of use and maintenance, every factor plays a role in selecting the perfect oven for commercial use. By taking the time to assess your specific needs, you’ll invest in an oven that enhances your kitchen’s performance and contributes to your success.

Not sure which commercial oven matches your needs? Let us help you. Our expert team is here to guide you in finding the perfect oven that fits your requirements, kitchen layout, and budget. Whether you need a convection oven, combi oven, or any other type, we’ll ensure you choose the best option for your commercial kitchen.

Contact us today:

Phone: (03) 9794 8627

Fax: (03) 9794 7258

Email: sales@melbournerefrigeration.com.au

Visit us during our trading hours to explore our range of high-quality commercial ovens and other commercial kitchen equipment. We look forward to helping you find the ideal solution for your business!