The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Oven/proofer

CJtheDeuce's picture
CJtheDeuce

Oven/proofer

I have a super systems combination oven proofer that i just got up & running. My question is that when I have the proofer set at 80 & my infrared thermometer is confirming the temp. then start the 3 deck oven to preheating it radiates heat to the proofer & i start getting higher & higher temp at the top, 140 & climbing. Anyway to compensate for this ?

Charlie

flournwater's picture
flournwater

First of all,  an infrared sensor thermometer works fine for surface temperatures but it is useless for air temperatures.  Whatever reading you're getting for your "confirming temperature" has no value for proofing purposes.

Frankly, you'd be better off if you simply put your dough into the oven along with an incandesent lamp.

 

Doc.Dough's picture
Doc.Dough

the proofer comes to equilibrium after a little bit and an IR thermometer gives a good measurement

Chuck's picture
Chuck

To be honest, I've never even heard of a "combination oven proofer" before, and suspect such a thing is out of the realm of the home bakers here on TFL (a 3 deck oven? in my apartment?) ...but hopefully a picture would show differently.

mcs's picture
mcs

The proofer is below and the oven is above.   They're sold as a unit-like what you see them using at a Subway.

Can't think of what it would be, Charlie.  Obviously the heat shouldn't be radiating downward like that.  Maybe a mouse ate the insulation separating the two units?

-Mark

Doc.Dough's picture
Doc.Dough

I have to agree that there should be some insulation between the oven and the proofer. I would call the manufacturer and see if there is supposed to be something there. Even an air gap would help though without some air flow radiation would cross the gap in no time at all.

CJtheDeuce's picture
CJtheDeuce

I'll open it up & look for insulation between the units. This morning I used the lower racks & did ok, I may just put a couple of sheet pans together at the top for an air gap. This is really fun to have this fired up in the garage & interesting to work out the logistics of a 12 loaf bake.

Thanks for the input

Charlie