How to Choose a Restaurant Oven

The kind of commercial oven you buy depends a lot on what kind of cooking you will be doing. Your choices run from convection ovens to pizza ovens and everything in between.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Product Brochures
• Measuring Tapes
• Pots And Pans

1. Decide what you will most often cook in the oven.

2. Get recommendations from local restaurants or from friends familiar with commercial ovens.

3. Do some online shopping to familiarize yourself with different styles and brands.

4. Carefully study specification sheets that list dimensions, capacities, temperature controls, gas and/or electrical requirements, venting recommendations and accessories.

5. Ask about warranties and service options.

6. Once you choose an oven, make sure you check specifications on gas and/or electrical connections and venting.

7. Expect to pay shipping and installation costs.

Tips & Warnings

• You'll find a huge variety of commercial ovens on the market. Many are specialized (for pizza or fish, for example), while others are appropriate for more general baking. Your best bet is to ask around to find an oven that meets your needs.

• Commercial ovens available include deck ovens, countertop ovens, conveyor ovens, convection ovens, char-broilers and barbecue roaster ovens.

• Your best bet may be to buy a used commercial oven. Check online or in your local newspaper's classified listings.