Anyone in the hospitality or commercial kitchen business knows that the best way to produce quality food is to have quality equipment. The right equipment ensures that food is made consistently every time.
In addition to wanting to utilize the benefits of blast freezers, business owners are also opting for the innovative combi ovens. The overall concept of these nifty units is nothing new and the benefits they offer make them valuable additions to kitchens of all sizes.
What is a Combi Oven?
Combination ovens, as they’re actually labelled, are ovens that enable the user to cook with convection, steam, as well as a combination of both. Their ability to handle a wide range of cooking tasks makes them a popular choice for busy commercial kitchens.
The two primary features of most convection ovens include steaming and convection and here’s how they compare:
- Steam: This function allows for gentle, slow cooking which is ideal for delicate items such as vegetables, fish, and custards. With this function, the user can easily regulate the humidity and moisture inside the oven cavity. This is essential to keep food moist, which prevents drying out.
- Convection: The convection function is better suited to more traditional cooking methods where hot air circulates inside the oven. This not only expedites the cooking process but also provides the browning and crispy texture required when cooking some food types.
A Wide Range of Top Features to Consider
When you’re shortlisting the options of potential stoves or ovens to add to your home it’s essential to consider the ways that each product will benefit your processes and your overall food preparation goals. With that in mind, our kitchen experts have shared a few of the top ways that a combi oven will benefit your kitchen.
1. Combi Ovens are Versatile
Quite possibly the benefit that makes a combi oven so appealing is the versatility it offers. Multiple cooking functions are available in one appliance, meaning your chefs will be able to do anything from baking bread to roasting veggies in the same oven. Not only does this allow for an efficient cooking and baking process, but it also saves considerable space in your kitchen.
2. Cooking and Baking is Consistent
The secret to a successful kitchen lies in being able to prepare the same recipes consistently every time. This is often difficult to do if different people are preparing food or if you’re using a regular oven.
Combi ovens provide the user with more control over how the food is prepared. This is because you’ll be able to control the humidity levels as well as the temperature, making it much easier to create consistent dishes. Consistency is also essential if your kitchen has a signature dish which is also the draw card to your business.
3. Produce Healthier Meals
If you’re looking to prepare your meals in the healthiest way possible, then a combi oven is definitely the way to go. The steam function ensures that your meals or prepared in the most low-fat way possible. Gently cooking your food also retains a lot more flavours and nutrients. This ensures that your veggies retain their colourful, fresh profiles.
4. Reduces the Number of Appliances You Need
You may think that an ideal kitchen features every possible appliance or gadget that will make cooking and food prep a breeze. However, not all kitchens have the space for a wide range of appliances. Maintaining and cleaning different gadgets and appliances can also be time-consuming.
Since most combi ovens feature the convection and steaming function, there’s no need to invest in a separate steamer. This is wonderful news for smaller kitchens where both functions are required but the space is limited. It’s essential to highlight that some combi ovens also feature a grill and smoker function, making them even more appealing.
5. Buying an All-in-One Saves Money
Since the combi oven is a multifunctional appliance, you’ll easily save money by not having to invest in an individual steamer or grill. The money that you would have spent buying two or three appliances can rather be used to invest in a quality combi oven with as many features as possible.
A huge plus in this regard is that some combi ovens also feature a ventless option. This means that there’s no need to add additional ventilation which not only saves time but money as well. Keep in mind that you will also be saving time and money by only needing to clean, service and maintain one appliance rather than three or four smaller ones.
Since many models are designed to be energy efficient, you’ll also see a huge saving on your energy bill. This is usually because modern combi ovens use considerably less energy than traditional ovens.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that combi ovens are a valuable addition to your kitchen, no matter how big or small. Not only are they versatile, but they also offer consistent cooking and boast a space-saving design. With these features, your kitchen staff will easily be able to create a wide range of dishes without too much fuss. Since there is an extensive range of combi ovens to choose from, you’ll easily be able to choose the best unit for your space, budget, and overall kitchen needs.
