loaves of bread on metal tray shelves

Any commercial kitchen appliance that can multitask is worth its weight in gold, but non more so than a commercial combination oven. A commercial combi oven is an energy-efficient piece of catering equipment that can be expensive to purchase but will quickly become the backbone of any catering kitchen.

Choosing a commercial combi oven with optimum efficiency can be a minefield. To make things easier, we highlight a few features to look for that will help you make the best decision for your kitchen.

What makes commercial combi ovens an energy-efficient piece of catering equipment?

A combi oven (as the name suggests) can be used for a combination of cooking methods, including baking, roasting, steaming and dehydrating, making it a true all-in-one appliance. This saves valuable space in the kitchen and reduces the demand for ventilation as only one appliance is needed.

Another critical benefit of commercial combi ovens is their ease of use. The smart controls and intelligent technology makes high volume cooking a breeze. With simple controls and expert training available from the manufacturer, even novice users can produce great results with minimal input. And should any problems arise, most manufacturers offer technical support to ensure that your combi oven is continuously operating at its best.

Combination Oven Features & Programmes to Boost Efficiency & Usability

In the high-tech world of commercial combi ovens, there are three leading manufacturers on the market – Rational, Unox and MKN. All three brands offer a range of models to suit different commercial kitchens, so it's essential to pick the right one for your catering business.

Rational Combi Ovens - A Market Leader in Efficiency

Rational combi ovens are known for their precision cooking and self-cleaning capabilities, which make them a popular choice for busy commercial kitchens. The latest addition to the Rational range is the iCombi Pro, which features an innovative new steam system that ensures perfect results every time.

Here's what we love about the iCombi Pro range combi ovens:

  • High levels of productivity as a result of the intelligent assistants' cooperation.
  • IDensityControl generates up to 50%* higher productivity with up to 10%* quicker cooking times thanks to strong air circulation and dehumidification.
  • The iCombi range of ovens produces results that are uniform and consistent. In addition, the intuitive operation idea offers the best user support and a lower risk of mistakes.
Rational iCombi Pro 10-1/1 Combination Oven Rational iCombi Pro 10-1/1 Combination Oven

Unox Combi Ovens - Boilerless Steam On Demand

Unox combi ovens are another excellent option for busy commercial kitchens. The latest model in the range, the Cheftop Mindmaps plus, features a host of innovative features that make it one of the most user-friendly combi ovens on the market. You can experiene the cooking excellence at live Unox demo days.

Here's what we love about the Unox Cheftop combi ovens:

  • The UNOX CHEFTOP MIND.MapsTM PLUS oven is a combi oven range that directly supports work processes using artificial intelligence.
  • The vast selection of automatic programmes offered means it's easy to use.
  • The ideal combi oven range will suit large catering operations, banqueting, hotel, restaurant, large kitchen, and other food service applications.
Unox Cheftop combi oven Unox Cheftop combi oven

MKN Combi Ovens - Increased Capacity, Maximum Performance

MKN combi ovens are the perfect choice for commercial kitchens that demand the highest levels of flexibility and performance. The latest model in the range, the FlexiCombi, features an innovative FlexiRack system that allows you to increase the capacity significantly, making it an excellent choice for busy catering businesses.

Here's what we love about the MKN FlexiCombi range of combination ovens:

  • The cooking racks have crosswise insertion, which means handling heavy trays safely without changing hands or grip is standard.
  • The touch screen operation of the combi steamer is as easy to operate.
  • FlexiRack technology increases the oven capacity.
  • Intelligent economic features such as exact usage water heating.
MKN FlexiCombi MagicPilot Maxi combi oven MKN FlexiCombi MagicPilot Maxi combi oven

Combi Oven Efficiency Round-Up

All the commercial combination ovens listed are super-efficient appliances in their own right, but here's a list of other features we love.

  • Programmable for repeatable results: This is an excellent feature if you want consistent results. All models have this feature.
  • Scheduled cleaning cycles: Most commercial combi ovens come with a self-cleaning function, but some also have an additional feature that allows you to schedule cleaning cycles to take place overnight during off-peak hours, minimising disruption.
  • Auto-adjusting cooking temperatures and conditions: This is an excellent feature if you want to achieve the best possible results. All models that use AI have this intelligent feature.

With so many excellent features on offer, and a continuing progression of the combination oven market, it's no wonder commercial combi ovens are becoming an integral part of commercial kitchens across the country. A commercial combi oven is perfect if you're looking for an appliance that can optimise your kitchen efficiency.

If you're interested in experiencing the excellence that commercial combi ovens offer or would like more information, please get in touch and our team would be happy to help or alternatively read more in our Comprehensive Combination Oven Buying Guide.