The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Mono Harmony / Poilin deck oven

aalexbettler's picture
aalexbettler

Mono Harmony / Poilin deck oven

hello bakers!

has anyone used either a Mono Harmony deck oven or a Poilin Stratos deck oven?

would you recommend them?

 

Also, what would you recommend checking when looking at buying an oven? Any tips?

 

Thank you!

MichaelLily's picture
MichaelLily

 I look at BTUs and footprint, cost, and capacity.  The standard decks are nice because you can stack them.  I came into possession of a Rotoflex and it works great for me.  Any deck will do, but you will want some system for steam.  I rigged my own.

aalexbettler's picture
aalexbettler

Michael,

thanks as well :-) 
Can i ask what BTU stands for?
Footprint, you mean the energy it takes (kWh)?
Yes, will need steam and water filter (am in UK, very hard water). 

xx

drogon's picture
drogon

btu - British thermal units - a measure of power usually applied to gas fired ovens. Kw for electric. About 1000 BTU per Kw.

footprint - physical floor size.

If you become a member of the real bread campaign then I think Tom Chandly ovens have a deal for members. (Like half price or something)

get an in-line water softner - no need here in Devon, but I have friends who won't be without them further up country..

-Gordon

aalexbettler's picture
aalexbettler

gordon, thanks for this. went to see a mono harmony yesterday.. beautiful machine, maybe too good for me..(has programmes)

yes, water is a must here

this oven is 9kw per deck, which is quite a lot!

also, it only goes up to 220C, which i was suprised as am used to bake at 250C! any idea why or if ok?


am already a member but dont like tom chandley ovens, even though cheap, i dont find them reliable..

is there any other brand you would recommend looking into?

 

many thanks!

xx

drogon's picture
drogon

... then I might be able to advise more, but my microbakery just has a Rofco B40 and Lincat.

However on the 220°C thing - not sure that's a problem. That's all I set the Rofco to and it produces some fine loaves. Any higher and they get a little too dark for my liking. It does go to 300°C though and one day I'll use that to make some pizza... I still run my Lincat to 250°C though for similar results.

How many loaves at a time are you looking to bake? I've seen photos of someone with 4 Rofcos! (They're 3Kw each)

-Gordon

jack-bara's picture
jack-bara

I have just created the same topic - Polin Stratos or Mono Harmony, as I'm not sure which one to go for.

Alex, what did you opt for in the end?! Any thoughts? 

Thanks!

Jack