It is without a doubt that ovens are very essential in any kitchen. Depending on the type of dishes you serve and the customers you have, you might want to purchase different ovens for your kitchen, including the very beneficial convection oven.

In this convection oven buying guide, we will be looking at the various things to consider when going for a convection oven, including the different types, brands, and features.

What Is A Convection Oven?

A convection oven is an oven that is designed to cook food evenly and quickly. It does not work like the conventional oven that makes use of radiated heat from its heating elements to have food cooked.

A convection oven utilizes a fan and exhaust system to circulate hot air around the product and also get rid of cold air space. Thanks to this air circulation, food cooked in a convection oven will cook evenly and faster.

What To Look For When Buying A Convection Oven?

There are many things to look out for before buying convection ovens to make sure that it is the right fit for your commercial kitchen or business. These include;

Size

• Compact or Countertop Convection Ovens: These ovens are typically smaller and more affordable than their larger counterparts. They are designed to fit on a countertop and are ideal for small kitchens or for people who have limited cooking needs. They typically have a capacity of 0.5 to 1.5 cubic feet.

• Mid-Size Convection Ovens ( Half-size ovens): These ovens are generally bigger than countertop models but smaller than large convection ovens. They usually have a capacity of 1.5 to 2.5 cubic feet.

• Large Convection Ovens: These are ovens that are designed to cook meals in large quantities. They usually have a capacity of 3 to 5 cubic feet.

• Commercial Convection Ovens: These ovens are designed for use in restaurants, cafes, and other commercial kitchens. They are much larger than home ovens and have a capacity of up to 10 cubic feet. The bakery depth of these models will also allow for better airflow as their interior cavity is about 4" deeper than a standard oven.

Pan Capacity

The number of pans you will need to fit into your oven will be based on the number of full-size sheet pans or half-size sheet pans you have. For example, if your baked goods are cookies, then you would be able to fit 11 full-size sheet pans in a full-size oven.

Number of ovens

Based on how much space you have, you can decide to stack your ovens. Another option would be to purchase countertop models if you are looking to reduce your cooking time without sacrificing additional floor space.

Different Models

Countertop ovens

This model of the oven is compact and mostly used for small bakeries or restaurants. If you only bake small batches and have limited kitchen space, then this model is great for delivering the same amount of power. The Axis AX-514 2,700 Watt Electric Countertop Convection Oven is a great countertop oven that comes with all the features you need.

Floor Model (Full-size ovens)

These are larger ovens that come in a variety of configurations. They also have single or double-deck versions. The single-deck models usually have space underneath for storage, while the double-deck models are great for high-volume operations. If you are looking for a high-quality floor model oven, try out the Standard Range SR-COG Single Deck Full Size Gas Convection Oven.

Types Of Convection Ovens

Traditional

The traditional oven also known as the "American" version is your standard radiant oven. It has its heating elements above and below the cavity.

Advantages

• Simple to use

• Very durable

Disadvantages

• Limited functionality

True Convection Oven

The "European" convection oven introduces a third heating element that heats the air. Then this hot air is circulated onto the food.

Advantages

• Cooks at a lower temperature

• Reduces cooking time

Disadvantages

• More expensive

Direct-Fired

The direct-fire oven makes use of flames to heat up the oven chamber.

Advantages

• Versatility

• Faster cooking times

Disadvantages

• Limited control

Indirect-Fired

This type of convection oven uses an external heat source to heat up the air inside the oven chamber.

Advantages

• Reduced risk of flare-ups

• Versatility

Disadvantages

• It is quite complex to use

Cooking Type

• Baking

• Broiling

• Roasting

• Typical oven-style cooking

Utility

The power source for the ovens may differ. These are the different types we have;

Natural Gas

Natural gas ovens are the cheapest options and they need the right connection. These gas models heat up faster than electric ovens.

Advantages

• Cost-effective

• Environmentally friendly

Disadvantages

• Limited availability

Liquid Propane Gas

Liquid propane ovens are a viable alternative to their natural gas counterparts. They heat up very fast and run more efficiently.

Advantages

• Cooks most recipes within a shorter period

• Energy efficient

Disadvantages

• Hard to install

Field Convertible

This kind of oven allows you to convert from one type of energy source to the other. What's more, is that you don't need a technician to make that change.

Advantages

• It is cost-effective

• Easy to convert the power source

Disadvantages

• Conversion can be quite expensive

Electric

Electric ovens can be easily incorporated into your kitchen. You can call a professional for on-site connection if you are not familiar with this.

Advantages

• Cooks evenly and eliminates hot spots

• Easy to maintain

Disadvantages

• Slower heating times

Control Options

Manual

A convection oven can come with manual controls. You will be required to set the fan speed, time, and temperature.

Advantages

• More affordable

• Straightforward to use

Disadvantages

• Needs more attention

Digital

Convection ovens that come with digital controls allow the user to set the fan speed, time, and temperature with just a button.

Advantages

• Comes with preset cooking modes

• Cooks with uniform temperatures

Disadvantages

• More expensive

Placement

When it comes to the placement of your convection oven, these are the important factors to consider to make sure the convection cooking process goes smoothly.

• Ventilation: Make sure you place the oven in a spot that is well-ventilated to allow airflow around it

• Electrical Requirements: Check the electrical requirements of your potential oven and be sure your kitchen has enough to power it.

• Height: Install the oven at the right height to allow for easy access to the interior and controls.

• Level: Make sure the oven is level when it is installed.

Warranty

Check the warranty of the oven you want to buy to ensure you are receiving the coverage you require.

Power

Check the wattage of the oven. Generally, the higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly the food will cook. Consider your cooking needs when deciding on the wattage of the oven.

Cooking Modes

Look for an oven that has multiple cooking modes, such as convection, grill, and microwave. This will provide more versatility in your cooking and allow you utilize more recipes.

Capacity

Check the capacity of the oven. This is highly imperative if you plan on cooking large dishes, such as whole chickens or roasts.

Brand Reputation

It is recommended that you buy from a well-known brand with a good reputation in addition to great customer service.

Price

You should also select a convection oven based on your budget. For countertop and mid-range ovens, the price range is around $100 to $1,000. While commercial and high-end ovens have a price range between $1,000 and 10,000.

Temperature Range

Your convection oven should have the proper cooking temperature range for the dishes and snack foods you wish to cook.

Overall Durability

The durability of your oven matters as you would want a piece of equipment that can withstand the rigors of daily usage.

What Features To Look For In A Commercial Convection Oven?

You need to look out for features that would make your cooking easy and more enjoyable. Some of these include;

• Halogen lighting

• Self-cleaning

• Temperature probe

• Child lock

• Defrost settings

• Auto-cook programs

More Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Commercial Convection Oven

These are some other important things to look out for when you want to buy a commercial convection oven.

Fan Features & Capabilities

The fan is a very essential feature of the oven. This is what helps to keep the circulation of proper airflow and ensures that the food cooks evenly. Some models come with one fan, while others have two fans with an auto-reverse feature. You need to be able to turn the fan on or off if you are cooking delicate items.

Steaming

Check to see if you are able to adjust the steam settings of the oven. There are certain models that allow you to select how much steam you want to use to cook a particular dish.

Interior

There are three interior options and they include stainless steel, porcelain, and aluminized steel. Stainless steel interiors are the most durable, porcelain interiors help in reducing the buildup of food and grease-laden particles, while aluminized steel interiors are the most common and economical.

Check The Door Material

The door of your convection oven is very important since it would undergo a lot of use in the kitchen. You can choose between solid doors and tempered glass doors as they each come with their own benefits and downsides.

Care And Maintenance

Just like any other piece of equipment, you need to ensure that you take good care of your convection oven as this can impact its performance. Some manufacturers will grant you easier access to the interior by making the door and inner shelving easily removable.

Reviews

It is important for you to check the reviews of your potential oven for your commercial kitchen. This is helpful because you can get a first-hand look at how the oven works and how well it does its job.

Where To Buy A Convection Oven?

Whether you want a single or double-deck convection oven, or a manual or digital oven, you can get the best convection ovens from Kitchenall. Head over to their website and place your order. You will find the best countertop convection ovens, commercial convection ovens, and also the best customer service.

Conclusion

A convection oven is a great addition for quick-serve restaurant kitchens, convenience stores, concession stands, and also for other catering needs. These ovens work differently from conventional ovens and cook food more evenly and faster. With our convection oven buying guide, you should be able to make a well-informed decision when buying your convection oven.

FAQs

What Are The Best Brands Of Convection Ovens?

Some of the most popular and high-quality brands when it comes to convection ovens include Cookline, Electrolux, Axis, Standard Range, and KitchenAid.

How Important Is Energy Efficiency When Choosing A Commercial Convection Oven?

Commercial convection ovens are usually energy-consuming, so opting to go for an energy-efficient model can save you money on utility bills. You should look out for models that are ENERGY STAR certified.