January 9, 2014 - 2:39pm
I need a Small Commercial Convection Oven, suggestions?
Hi All,
Up until now I haven't needed ovens in my small commercial kitchen because I assemble gluten-free sourdough bread mixes. No baking involved. Now, I'm developing a super healthy snack bar and need a good convection oven. I am looking for a half size commercial convection oven that plugs into 120.
Anyone have experience with these ovens? I see a few brands online but not many reviews: Cadco, Blodgett, Axis...
I appreciate any help out there!
many thanks,
sharon
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Sharon, there have been a few here though bought Cadco, but not much in the way of reviews. If you end up buying something, please come back and post, since in is a desert here.
hi guys if you use the search button you can find posts from past and present members if you search "ovens" there are over 200 pages with reference to ovens.
Being specific such as "cadco ovens " will bring up 5 pages of articles.
As recently as November 2013 Varda posted an article on her new oven. The bread Fairy also wrote a review article on her oven.
Most members are more than happy to receive a PM (Personal Message ) if you have a need for extra info.
Kind regards Yozza
I have been using a half size Moffat convection oven for many years and it is still running strong. I have an older model (discontinued) that has a capacity of 2 half sheet pans. The newer models can handle 3 half sheet pans. My old Moffat oven runs on 120VAC and draws 13.3 amps (1.6 Kw load). Here is the link to Moffat:
http://www.moffatusa.com/products/turbofan-e22m3-half-size-tray-manual-electric-convection-oven
Hi Bob S.
Thanks for your response. I looked at the link and the oven looks nice and solid. Do you use it in a commercial or home setting? and about how often do you use it?
Any cons about it at all? is it easy to clean? is it noisy? hot to the touch outside?
many thanks,
sharonk
I can only comment on my older model E25 Turbofan oven. It is somewhat noisy, probably due to the powerful blower. The newer version boasts a low velocity fan, which might lower the noise level. The thermostat is accurate most of the time, but drifts occasionally. I always monitor the temperature with an oven thermometer.
I use the oven at home several times a week, mostly for bread. It does a great job roasting meats. The oven is easy to clean (it never really gets all that dirty), and like most commercial ovens it bears a "CAUTION HOT" label on the oven door.
Bob
CHECK OUT VOLLRATH OVENS --- SOME WHAT PRICEY BUT A GOOD PRODUCT --- I JUST BOUGHT THE MODEL40702 CHEYENNE OVEN AND LOVE IT ---
TONYK
Hi Tonyk,
Thanks for your input. I just recently heard of the Vollrath...like last weekend! I like the look if it. Is it very noisy?
thanks,
sharonk
SHARON,
I HAVE MY OVEN IN MY LAUNDRY ROOM --- MY AC/HEATER IS IN THE SAME ROOM AND I CANNOT TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MY AC/HEATER WHEN EITHER IS RUNNING SO I WOULD SAY THAT THE NOISE IS NOT A PROBLEM --- I SUGGEST IF YOU GET ONE YOU SHOULD REDUCE YOUR NORMAL COOKING TEMP AND COOKING TIME BY AT LEAST 20 TO 25 % --- IT IS AN AMAZING OVEN AND I VERY HAPPY SO FAR --- FYI --- I BOUGHT A BOSCH MIXER AND IT LASTED AROUND A YEAR AND DIED --- I THEN GOT AN ANKARSRUM MIXER --- IT IS WONDERFUL --- IT TOOK ME SEVERAL TRIES TO LEARN HOW TO USE IT I AM SO HAPPY --- IF YOU GET EITHER IF THESE APPLIANCES I WILL BE HAPPY TO TELL YOU WHAT I HAVE LEARNED ---
Hi Slkirk and All,
I decided to order the Vollrath 40703. It was in a midrange price point and seemed to do all that I needed. The less noisy fan was attractive to me since my commercial kitchen is rather small. It gets delivered next week so I"ll post back about it!
Thanks all for your suggestions.
best,
sharonk
Hi All,
Thanks again for your suggestions and helpful input. I've been working with the new Vollrath and am very impressed with it. It is fairly quiet, cool to the touch, easy to clean and seems to bake very well. Still learning and testing, though. The only thing that I was disappointed about is that it says it fits standard half size pans but in actuality they only work on the bottom shelves because the ones above have obstructions like bolts, lights and something else that was in the way. I can work around that but for the price I don't think I should have to work around anything.
That said, I am happy with the choice I made.
Here are the cookies I'm still perfecting and hope to sell at farmer's markets. Sprouted Almond.
all the best,
sharonk
Hi Sharonk, your post has been really helpful. Are you still pleased with your oven?
Would you recommend it to a small coffee shop?
Can you share any more photos of your baked goods in the Vollrath?
Thanks,
Ryan
Hi Ryan,
Glad you asked! This oven started showing signs of REALLY uneven baking after NEARLY 1 year. I had to fight hard with the company to convince them to do something. They finally replaced the fan under warrantee which made a difference. They didn't seem to think any replacement would help the problem.
I also had a lot of frustration with the rack placement. It says it can hold 3 standard half size sheet pans but the truth is that only 1 half size sheet pan will fit properly at a time because 1 pan will hit the light bulb cover and another pan will hit the bolt for the shelf frame. I had to use 2 smaller pans, which held less than the half size pan. When I called the company about the inaccurate advertising they connected me with the tech dept whereupon the techie agreed with the problem and said they should change their advertising since what I said was completely true.
There was also a problem with the timer, resulting in heat that turned itself off but didn't let me know the heat was off resulting in rubbery muffins. A timer with a bell or whistle would go a long way and for what I paid, I thought they really cheaped out there.
I think the oven is okay for warming things and baking small amounts of non-finicky items but if you want to bake and not have to watch like a hawk, I'd say look for a more professional oven.
good luck with your business!
sharonk
Hi Sharon, thanks for saving me the headache. I was going Moffatt but because I"m shipping internationally they informed me that my warranty would be void. So I decided on a Star CCOH-4. I'll come back and report my results (pending I remember.)
Hi Ryan, I'm wondering how your Star oven is working out. The school where I teach is considering buying one (but the model CCOF-4), and I have been unable to find a single review online. If you had any feedback to share, we would really appreciate it.
Emily