Canada's Definitive Commercial Cooking Equipment Buying Guide

37

Combi Ovens

ombi ovens combine convection and steam cooking in a single unit. They can operate in convection

mode, steam mode, or a combination of both. Combi Ovens are highly versatile, and are used for

baking, roasting, steaming, poaching, and more. Technology has moved this category a long way in the

last decade, allowing for network, WiFi and Bluetooth enabled devices to ensure recipes are followed

consistently.

Combi Ovens can be intimidating at first. Conversely, they can also produce outstanding and consistent

results. However, not all Combi Ovens are created equal. Manufacturers have developed a range of

features in this category to allow operators the best of what they require in their

kitchens.

While Rational has the largest marketshare in Canada, many other lines are well

established internationally and for good reason. Lainox and their Naboo line

have a free, cloud-based recipe system making downloading new recipes quick

and seamless for multi-unit applications or to allow chefs to try new menu items

without having to start from scratch. In addition, their touchscreen module is set up

similar to today’s phones and tablets making it easier to use.

Unox, perhaps the largest Combi Oven brand in the world, has innovation at the

forefront with their Intelligent Performance features. “Adaptive.Cooking™” will

automatically set cooking parameters regardless of the amount in the cooking

chamber while “CLIMALUX™” measures humidity to achieve the optimal results.

Garland’s brand ConvoTherm has both a manual

dial option as well as the full programmable

EasyTouch option with a fully automatic cleaning system and disappearing door

for more space and added safety in a busy kitchen.

While every Combi Oven on the market offers unique features and benefits, none are perfect for every

application. Combi Ovens are a significant investment; if your menu only requires a steamer oven or a

traditional oven, it is more cost-effective and practical to opt for those simpler, less expensive, and easier-to-

maintain options.

As with all ovens, capacity is a key consideration. The Combi Oven will either accommodate half-size or

full-size pans, and different ovens accommodate a different number of pans. Another feature touted in the

market is whether the Combi Oven contains a boiler or is boilerless. Boilerless units are less expensive and

require less maintenance. However, in a high demand busy kitchen, a Combi Oven with a boiler will produce

more steam on demand and recover quicker a heavy steam application. Finally, for any piece of cooking

equipment that utilizes a water supply, the cost of a water filter and/or softener should be factored in.

Alto-Shaam includes exclusive features such as

boilerless design, which is standard on their Prodigi

and CT Express Combi models, with up to 80% less

water usage as well as Safevent™ that automatically vents heat and steam

during the last 60 seconds of cooking to keep

staff safe.

Ovens

Made with Publuu - flipbook maker