Combination Ovens: A Comprehensive Commercial Buying Guide

At the heart of any professional kitchen you will generally find a commercial combination oven and combi steamer. This equipment is capable of delivering bulk cooking alongside the precision generally associated with individually prepared dishes.

Typically central to busy operations, this one piece of equipment will become the main hub of activity for the large majority of the menu. Often carrying a hefty price tag, it's vital to make an educated investment from the start.

Get up to speed on commercial combination ovens and combi steamers and what you should be looking for here.

In professional kitchens, the commercial combination oven is often the linchpin of culinary operations. Its unique ability to handle a spectrum of cooking techniques – from bulk preparation to fine, individual dishes – makes it a must-have in any high-volume kitchen.

A commercial combi oven is a culinary powerhouse, uniting the functions of convection and steam cooking into a single appliance. This combination not only offers a wide array of cooking options but also saves precious kitchen space, allowing chefs to maximise their culinary creativity in a compact footprint.

The combination oven that kitchens know, love and rely on today, hasn't always been able to perform to the high standard recognisable today. Read more about The Evolution of Combination Ovens.

The combi oven shines across various cooking methods. Whether you're aiming for the perfect roast, a beautifully baked bread, or delicately steamed vegetables, the combi oven and steamer adapts effortlessly. Its steam mode is especially notable for preserving the natural qualities of vegetables, while the convection mode guarantees evenly cooked and browned baked goods. For meats, the dual action of steam and convection ensures juicy, flavourful results with every roast.

At its core, a combi oven operates by circulating dry heat, akin to traditional convection ovens. However, its ability to introduce and control steam takes cooking to a new level. This steam integration helps lock in flavours and speeds up cooking, while also enabling the oven to crisp food by removing moisture. The use of water, both in cooking and cleaning processes, necessitates a direct water connection and appropriate drainage, often overlooked but critical infrastructural needs. Read more about the benefits of using combi steamers in modern kitchens.

When selecting a combi oven, several factors come into play.

The choice between gas combi ovens and electric combination ovens hinges on your kitchen's existing setup and the chefs' preferences. Combi ovens are available with both power options, so there is always something for every business. Your final decision will often be determined by the existing power supply and fittings you have available. Chefs may also have a preference over which format best suits their cooking styles, so if you are in a position to choose, get your chef in on the decision making process.

Top Tip: Even when choosing natural or LPG gas equipment, a small electrical connection will still be required.

The decision between countertop and freestanding models will obviously be dependent on the size of your kitchen and the expected level of use. Where space is limited, a countertop model is a great choice. If counter space is limited, combination oven stands are available from many manufacturers to create a space suitable for your equipment. Larger kitchens with higher demand will need something with greater capacity, hence floor standing models. With a range of styles and sizes in both counter top and freestanding designs there is plenty to choose from.

The capacity of the oven, is often referred to as grid capacity i.e. how many shelves or trays it can hold. As well as varying numbers of grids combi ovens and steamers will be designed to hold specific size gastronorm (GN) trays. With models holding between 2 to 20 shelves or grids, and accommodating gastronorm sizes of 1/1, 2/1 or 2/3 there is plenty of choice for every sized kitchen. The perfect equipment should align with your kitchen's output and available space.

Controls are another important consideration, with manual controls and automated touch screen interfaces available. Opting for manual controls leads to a more hands-on approach for the chef. While temperatures and humidity levels are still precise, it falls to the user to make sure settings are correct. More intelligent systems with clear touchscreen controls are available which automatically monitor and control cooking conditions, however these obviously come with greater expense. Complex menus will often call for more sophisticated technology, capable of making intelligent decisions regarding the cooking process. Consider your intended menu and then decide which style of control will allow you to achieve the best outcome.

The oven’s memory function, crucial for storing multiple recipes, can significantly streamline kitchen operations. The number of cooking processes able to be programmed into the equipment should always be considered. Some models can store up to 1200 multi-stage recipes – that’s an entire menu for some businesses. As the perfect temperature, desired outcome and cooking duration are already inputted, foods can be prepared to the same high standard at the touch of a button, saving time and guaranteeing repeatable, consistent results. Remember that every cooking process not stored in the memory will need to be inputted manually every time leading to longer operational times and inevitable minor variations.

Additional features can further enhance cooking efficiency and consistency. While quality performance is guaranteed with every model it could be the little extras that really set your operation apart from the rest. Look out for self-teaching operation; this system actually learns a chef’s preferred methods and habits and is able to implement changes when appropriate to achieve the best results. Some commercial combi ovens will also provide a precise core temperature probe. This not only enhances food safety but also allows the unit to register when cooking is complete. A USB port may also be present allowing data and operational information to be quickly transferred. 

Read more about Commercial Combination Ovens - Optimising Efficiency.

The advanced technology of combi ovens extends to their cleaning features. Modern combi ovens often include self-cleaning systems and integrated hand showers, simplifying the cleaning process and ensuring high standards of hygiene are easily maintained.

Given their high cost, combi ovens represent a significant investment. However, their versatility and role as a kitchen centrepiece justify the expense. Buffalo combination ovens are a great option for kitchens that need the cooking versatility of a combination oven and combi steamer, but are working with a limited budget. Alternatively, commercial leasing options and iwocaPay can provide financial flexibility, allowing you to spread the cost over time.

Understanding the warranty and after-sales services available for your combi oven is crucial. This ensures long-term support and peace of mind, safeguarding your investment. 12 and 24 months parts and labour options available dependent on the manufacturer. As combination ovens and combi steamers are highly technical pieces of kit it is always recommended to choose a product with full warranty cover with as many years of cover as possible to provide peace of mind that should any problems occur, you will have the expertise of the manufacturer available. 

Selecting a combi oven from a reputable brand is key. Brands like Rational, Unox, MKN, Fagor Professional and Alto-Shaam have established reputations for quality and reliability, making them preferred choices among culinary professionals. Investigate what each has to offer and watch videos online where possible to understand the features of equipment and determine if it can meet your requirements.

Maximising the benefits of your combi oven includes taking advantage of the support offered by manufacturers. Services like live demonstrations, online videos, on site training, and post-purchase support can be invaluable in optimising the use and understanding of your new appliance.

Buying a combination oven is a massive outlay and so making the right decision is vital. Do your research, ask other business owners about their experience with different equipment and for any further advice get in touch with or knowledgeable team who are on hand and ready to help you make the right buying choice.

Investing in a commercial combination oven is a strategic decision that impacts the efficiency, versatility, and quality of a professional kitchen. A careful assessment of your kitchen’s specific needs, combined with an understanding of the various features and options available, will guide you in choosing the right combi oven. Beyond the appliance itself, consider the brand and the support it offers to fully leverage your investment in the long term. A well-chosen combi oven and steamer not only streamlines kitchen operations but also elevates the culinary experience.