Choosing between a combi steam, convection, and bakery oven

As a restaurant or bakery owner, you want to make sure you invest in the right professional kitchen equipment. High-quality commercial catering equipment like combi steams, convection and bakery ovens offer efficiency and convenience for any commercial kitchen.

Combi steam ovens are beneficial for kitchens that produce a variety of different products such as cakes, pies and meat dishes. They help keep food moist and flavourful and help with batch consistency.

For food businesses looking for fast and even cooking results, convection ovens are the most suitable choice. They use a fan to cook food by circulating hot air around your food items, so no parts are over or undercooked.

Businesses that specialise in baking could benefit from the use of a professional bakery oven. These ovens provide even heat distribution as well as moisture control to guarantee perfectly baked products every time.

1.  Combi steam oven

Combi steam ovens combine the functions of a steam cooker and an oven. Most models include a fan for heat circulation, easily adjustable steam levels and a wide temperature range.

These ovens use steam to retain the moisture of food which results in dishes that are flavourful and tender. The use of steam cooking ensures that products are perfectly baked and retain their texture. This makes combi steam ovens ideal for businesses that want to produce delicious and moist cakes, breads and other cooked dishes.

Professional kitchen equipment is designed for ease of use and investing in a commercial combi steam oven allows businesses to efficiently cook various types of pastries and baked goods. This multifunctional tool lets you expand your menu easily and keeps customers excited to see what you’ll create next.

In professional kitchens and food businesses, consistency between batches is important to meet customers’ expectations. Combi steam ovens provide even heat distribution, thanks to the continuously circulating air, as well as precise moisture control.

The versatility of combi steam ovens makes them an ideal choice for small or large operations. They are great multifunctional appliances that suit almost any kitchen. It’s no wonder these baking ovens are popular in successful commercial kitchens.

2.  Convection oven

Ovens are an essential piece of professional cooking equipment, and you’ll find these models in most commercial kitchens. Convection ovens provide consistent temperature distribution and help reduce cooking times, which is important for busy kitchens. Professional convection ovens come in a variety of sizes and are suitable for any sized kitchen.

Most convection ovens contain multiple fans that ensure the heat in the inner chamber of the oven is efficiently distributed. This results in faster baking times than traditional ovens and more consistent results across all types of baked and cooked food items.

Commercial convection ovens are useful as they generally include indicator lights. These show when the desired temperature has been reached and the products can go into the oven. Most models are designed to be easy to operate and can be programmed with specific temperature and time settings for different recipes.

Convection ovens can also be scaled up in size for kitchens that need large-capacity baking equipment. These include multiple racks that can accommodate larger quantities of baked goods and ensure that each batch is consistent. This reduces baking times and allows for more efficient baking, which is crucial in a busy professional kitchen.

One important advantage of professional convection ovens is their efficiency. Convection ovens use less energy than traditional ovens and reduce costs for professional kitchens. This can save businesses a lot of money in the long run.

The versatility of convection ovens makes them a great option all food businesses, especially bakeries. Whether you specialise in bread or cakes, these baking ovens can help your business produce deliciously baked goods quickly and efficiently.

3.  Bakery oven

If you're looking to invest in quality professional baking equipment, consider investing in a specialised bakery oven.

Commercial bakery ovens are a staple in professional bakeries. These specialised ovens are designed specifically for the baking industry, with features that optimise the baking process. Bakery ovens come in a variety of sizes and are typically suited according to Bakerynorm sizing.

Businesses like bakeries, company canteens and coffee houses usually opt for professional bakery ovens. This is because they are suitable for baking large quantities quickly. Most models are equipped with multiple fans to ensure heat is distributed efficiently throughout. As a result, food comes out of the oven light, crispy and consistently baked. They also include a steam control system so you can add moisture when needed.

Bakery ovens are used primarily to bake bread, pastries, cakes and other baked products. They provide precise temperature control to achieve an even baking result which is crucial in the baking process. By contrast, combi steam ovens are suitable for a wider variety of food items, such as meat or vegetables, as well as bread and cakes.

What is the difference between Gastronorm and Bakerynorm

Gastronorm and Bakerynorm are two standard measurements used in commercial kitchens. Gastronorm is the standard size for commercial gastronomy trays and Bakerynorm is the standard size for commercial bakery trays. These trays are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen workflow.

When buying professional kitchen equipment, it's important to keep in mind your business needs. Gastronorm comes in multiple sizes from 1/1 GN to 1/9 GN. They are widely used in the catering industry and are designed to fit different-sized appliances, from combi steam ovens and freezers to fridges. Bakerynorm only comes in size 60 x 40cm and is mostly used in the baking industry.

Certain multi-functional accessories are also designed with these specific measurements in mind. Stainless steel trays and racks come in Gastronorm sizes and can be stacked and stored efficiently. Bakerynorm sized trays make it possible to move products between preparation stations without having to touch the food items themselves. This is beneficial for busy kitchens as it provides a more efficient workflow while maintaining a clean and contaminant-free environment.

Other equipment especially for bakeries

Commercial kitchens use other professional bakery equipment that can make everyday tasks easier. For bakeries, investing in these high-quality appliances can help save time and ensure efficient food production process.

Bakery fridges and freezers are used for keeping ingredients fresh and allow bakeries to produce quality products on a regular basis. Having the right fridge or bakery freezer is beneficial for bakers who want to store large batches of ingredients or ready-made dough, and keep them in perfect condition.

Blast chillers offer rapid cooling for baked goods or desserts and ensure they maintain their freshness. This quick chilling allows bakers to prepare pre-baked items for sale, expanding their business offering and increasing their profits.

To show off your products, a heated food display or a display fridge showcases your items while providing safe storage for pre-baked items. Freshly made desserts or pastries are best kept where your customers can see them, helping them make choices more easily.

To help with the preparation of dough, dough mixers are a key appliance in a bakery. They come in several sizes and capacities, and are suitable for small or large mixing jobs. Planetary mixers and stand mixers provide bakers with the tools to efficiently mix almost any ingredients and reduce manual labour. Lastly, a dough roller can be used to quickly flatten and shape dough before it goes into the oven.

The decision between a commercial bakery oven, combi steam oven and convection oven depend on your exact kitchen needs. If you’re a business that produces a wide range of baked and cooked products, such bread and pastries and roasted meats, a combi steam oven is the best all-in-one solution. A convection oven is beneficial for bakeries, cafes and restaurants looking to produce large quantities of cakes, breads and pies. For bakeries who produce several batches of baked products a day, a commercial bakery oven is the ideal choice.

View the entire range of ovens from Maxima and other cooking equipment in our Cooking Equipment category on our website.