Deciding to open up a restaurant is a big step. In the design stages, one of your major priorities should be purchasing the right appliances for your commercial kitchen. If you’re stuck between choosing a conventional or convection commercial oven, below is a comprehensive overview of how they work and whether or not you need both.

Conventional vs. Convection Commercial Oven

Conventional ovens are the traditional option for residential homes; they utilize either gas or electricity to heat and cook food. While convection ovens still utilize the same heat source, they are also equipped with a fan that circulates heat throughout the oven for fast and even cooking. Convection ovens allow you to cook multiple items at once for shorter periods of time, which saves energy and money. Restaurant establishments often opt for convection commercial ovens to meet the volume of guests. 

How to Determine Which Oven You Need

Some establishments might benefit from installing both types of ovens. Because convection ovens distribute heat evenly, they are not ideal for cooking certain foods, such as pies, in which you would want the crust crisp and the filling soft. Additionally, because convection ovens blow hot air to warm the oven, opening the doors during baking creates a more dramatic dip in temperature than a traditional oven, which may be problematic for baked goods that need a consistent temperature to cook. If you own a restaurant that offers these types of dishes on the menu, it’s best to invest in both types of ovens.

In contrast, businesses such as cafes and small bistros are likely not roasting dishes; therefore, they only require a convection oven. This is also true for bakeries that specialize in cakes and baked goods, and need to ensure all items are baked evenly throughout.

When it’s time to purchase a commercial oven for your restaurant’s kitchen, turn to the team at Commercial Refrigeration of KY. For over 30 years, this locally owned and operated supplier has provided an extensive selection of state-of-the-art commercial kitchen products to dining establishments throughout southeastern Kentucky. They also specialize in maintenance and 24/7 emergency repair services. Call (270) 465-2910 to schedule a consultation, and visit their website for more information about their products.