Questions to Ask CONVECTION OVENS 1. Do you need a Gas or Electric unit? • If a Gas unit is needed, Natural Gas or LP Gas (propane) must be specified: » LP gas user can be identified by larger storage tanks outside the restaurant. » Natural and LP Gas units cook the same but are not interchangeable. » Gas units and most electric units will require a hood. » Gas units will typically require one 120V connection per deck or cavity to power the convection oven fan motor and the controls. • If an Electric unit is needed, Voltage must be specified (120V units are exempt): » Common voltage for half and full size units is 208 or 240V and are available in one- or three-phase. » Electric units often require an electrician for installation as the ovens are hard wired. » Countertop convection ovens are usually for 120V; 208 or 240V are commonly supplied with a cord and plug. 2. Do you need a single-deck or double-deck unit? • A single-deck oven has one cooking cavity while a double-deck oven consists of two single decks stacked vertically. » Most full size ovens hold five pans per cavity » Double-deck units are ideal for high-volume or multiple cooking temperature operations
• Always measure height for double-deck units to avoid clearance issues. 3. Do you want dependent or non-dependent doors? • Dependent doors open together and are easier to work with when holding a pan. • Non-dependent doors require you to manually open each door. 4. Do you want solid or glass doors? • Most major brands come standard with glass doors. Solid doors could have additional costs. 5. Do you want a single speed or a two speed fan? • Two-speed fans are ideal for low-speed ovens baking sensitive or light items. • Most major brands come standard with a two- speed fan but confirm before ordering. 6. Do you want standard depth or bakery depth? • Bakery-depth allows sheet pans to be inserted parallel or perpendicular in the cooking cavity. 7. What are your BTU requirements? • Batch cooking will have lower BTU requirements than a la carte cooking. 8. Do you need casters? • Casters are highly recommended as they allow easier cleaning under the unit. 9. Do you want standard or digital controls? • Standard controls are operated with mechanical dials rather than a digital interface.
Typical Convection Oven Depths
Standard Depth
Bakery Depth
EQUIPMENT GUIDE
12
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog