Your Convection Oven Buying Guide
A convection oven is a must-have for every commercial kitchen, from bakeries to restaurants. The machine’s ability to cook large batches faster and with better consistency makes a convection oven an invaluable tool that a commercial kitchen can’t do without.
When it’s time to buy a commercial convection oven, do you know what you’re looking for?
Find the appliance that will meet your production needs and deliver on quality — an oven that both fits into your kitchen (literally and figuratively!) and your long-term expectations.
Selecting the Size
Size is an important consideration — you must know the dimensions of your kitchen space before you go shopping. You will quickly realize you have three main options:
- Countertop ovens
- Half-size ovens
- Full-size ovens
Countertop and half-size ovens will have a width large enough to accommodate a half-size sheet pan, but only a full-size oven will hold a full-size sheet pan.
Depth matters too — “bakery depth” ovens can fit a full-size sheet pan front to back.
But keep in mind that size doesn’t necessarily mean more power. If you only bake small batches at one time and your kitchen space is limited, countertop convection ovens can deliver the same amount of power but take up much less space.
Gas or Electric?
It’s an age-old debate: What’s a better power source for an oven, gas or electric?
Electric convection ovens are easier to install and less expensive up front, but electricity costs more than gas. Gas ovens may require a professional installation, but over time you may pay less for fuel, depending on prices in your area.
Most countertop convection ovens operate on electricity, while you can choose between gas and electric for half and full-size commercial ovens. But note that all convection ovens require an electrical power source to operate the fan.
Fan Features
A fan is a key feature of every convection oven. It’s what keeps the air circulating and helps the product cook evenly and quickly. Different models offer different types and numbers of fans. Some ovens only have one fan, but other dual-fan ovens have an auto-reverse feature that changes the direction of the fan’s rotation every time the door opens. This helps the fan’s motor wear evenly, and it increases effective airflow.
Temperature Range
Make sure you buy a convection oven that has the right temperature range for the products you bake. Some ovens can only heat up to 500 degrees, while some heat to 550 degrees. Some ovens can be set as low as 140 degrees, but some have a minimum temperature of 200 degrees.
What Does the Warranty Cover?
Reliability is an important factor in any industrial baking equipment you purchase, so buy from a dependable manufacturer with a history of making quality products that last. Also, check on the warranty before you finalize your purchase to make sure you’re receiving the coverage you need.
Trust Stratton Sales to help — we guide you expertly through the commercial convection oven buying process. Get answers to your questions, and product recommendations based on your needs. Call today for more information.
