buyer's guide
Fast, efficient, and versatile – commercial speed ovens are the secret weapon your kitchen is missing!
Whether you're prepping a quick fish and chips or gourmet lamb racks, speed ovens ensure top-notch quality and consistency in a fraction of the usual time.
Regardless of the task – be it roasting, baking, broiling, or grilling – a speed oven flexibly adjusts, making certain that your commercial kitchen can keep up with the demands.
Speed ovens of several makes and models are available in New Zealand, which often makes the task of finding the best one for your food service rather difficult.
This comprehensive commercial speed oven buying guide covers everything important to help you navigate expertly through the buying journey.
A speed oven, also referred to as a rapid cook oven or high speed oven, is an advanced appliance engineered to use several methods of heat transfer for swift and effective cooking.
By typically incorporating two or more types of heating techniques - microwave, convection, air impingement, or radiant heat, these ovens can drastically reduce the cooking duration, often to a tenth or a fifteenth of the time taken by conventional ovens.
Despite the rapid cooking, it still maintains the quality and consistency of traditional cooking methods.
They fit comfortably on any standard countertop, which makes them particularly advantageous for kitchens with space crunch.
The main difference between a speed oven and a microwave oven is the heating technology they use.
While a microwave oven employs solely microwave technology, a speed oven makes use of an amalgamation of heat transfer techniques, integrating convection or radiant heat, or both, in addition to microwave technology, thereby ensuring faster and more even results.
Faster cooking
Speed ovens drastically cut down cooking times, improving service speed and turnover.
Superior quality
Though they cook really fast, they deliver the best cooking quality for every dish.
Consistent results
Speed ovens deliver incredibly consistent results. Every time your dishes come out the same.
Versatile
Bake, broil, toast or roast, speed ovens will do it all to perfection, enabling commercial kitchens to serve a wide variety of dishes without requiring additional appliances.
Saves space
Providing the functionality of multiple appliances in one, speed ovens conserve space in tighter kitchens.
Energy efficient
They cook faster, hence consume less energy overall.
Commercial high speed ovens use an assortment of heating sources for speedy and efficient cooking.
Different combinations of heating technology employed by speed ovens include:
Both impingement and convection heating are utilized.
These models channel the convection flow directly onto the food using impingement plates and fingers.
These ovens are ideal for preparing crispy pizzas, toasting sandwiches, and roasting chicken and vegetables, among others.
These ovens use microwave technology with convection heating for speedier cooking.
They are great for producing crunchy nachos, perfectly toasted sandwiches, juicy chicken, and delicious cookies.
These models employ microwave technology and impingement convection heating, assuring food cooks rapidly and evenly inside, while retaining a crispy exterior.
They are suitable for an extensive range of dishes, from mozzarella sticks, cookies, and sandwiches to bread, chicken wings, and roast chicken.
These ovens combine microwave technology with convection and radiant heating, bringing the benefits of all three into one device.
They can bake cakes, make paninis, or roast chicken breasts and meat swiftly without sacrificing taste or texture.
Some models integrate microwave, impingement convection, and radiant heating, offering unmatched flexibility and excellent results with a quick cooking time.
From preparing pizzas, fries, and roasting meat or seafood, to baking cakes and signature bread, they excel in all.
Depending on their power output and capacity, manufacturers usually classify speed ovens into three distinct categories.
These are:
Entry-level speed ovens are typically less powerful compared to the other two versions.
They usually have less than 5000W power output and a cavity smaller than one cubic ft.
They are more budget-friendly, with price tags in New Zealand ranging from about $5000 to $13000, varying based on the brand and model.
Designed to meet intense commercial demands, these versions are robust and generally have a power range between 3000W and 6000W, with a cavity varying from as small as 0.50 cubic ft. to over one cubic ft.
Their price usually falls between $10,000 and $22,000.
Max-performance speed ovens are ideal for business operations with high-volume needs, where the oven is in constant use for long periods.
These are resilient, high-performing, and adequately equipped to cater to the speedy needs of bustling food services.
With a power output typically above 5600W and up to 11000W, these models can have a cavity as large as two cubic ft. or bigger.
They are generally priced over $13000.
Before deciding on the right speed oven, first evaluate your needs, like the kind and quantity of food you'll be cooking.
Consider your available space for the oven and what purpose the oven will serve.
These considerations will help you pinpoint your needs and select the best model.
Speed ovens are advanced and compact cooking appliances designed to enhance commercial cooking operations while saving space and time.
They usually incorporate numerous high-tech features to improve efficiency and streamline tasks.
Some of these features are,
Programmable commercial speed ovens can store multiple recipes, ensuring the preparation of a vast range of dishes consistently, irrespective of the chef on shift.
These machines can be programmed quickly with just a few button clicks or via Wi-fi.
Some advanced models can memorize as many as 100 recipes with multiple steps, which can be updated seamlessly.
Proper ventilation is vital in commercial kitchens.
Before investing in a commercial speed oven, check its ventilation requirements and if a hood is needed.
There are numerous ventless speed oven models, negating the need for additional ventilation systems, thereby saving space and cost.
Ventless models are excellent for front-of-house operations.
An extremely useful feature.
Wi-fi connectivity allows you to program and adjust the recipes stored in the oven remotely.
Some models also send self-diagnostic reports and notifications directly to your connected device, allowing you to track the appliance's health and functionality from a distance.
This feature is particularly useful for businesses operating at multiple sites.
Rapid cook ovens can cook meals 5 to 20 times faster than conventional ovens, depending on the make and model.
Here's an approximate estimate of the time needed to prepare some common dishes in a commercial high speed oven.
Since its inception in 1950, MerryChef has held a pioneering position in the field of sophisticated cooking equipment, earning its global recognition through seven decades of relentless innovation and dedication to excellence.
This UK-based company is celebrated for its revolutionary contributions to commercial cooking.
With an expansive range of compact but powerful speed ovens, MerryChef adeptly meets the diverse needs of fast-paced commercial kitchens.
Top-quality components, advanced features, and reliable service make them a trusted choice.
MerryChef's line of speed ovens features two unique series - the long-standing eikon and the modern conneX.
The eikon e3 model is particularly noteworthy.
This multipurpose unit works as a baker, cooker, toaster, and grill, all contained within one sleek appliance.
It boasts a robust design with a larger cooking area capable of accommodating multiple trays, maximizing productivity.
The conneX 12, on the other hand, is a favourite among establishments seeking state-of-the-art, high-speed ovens.
This always-connected device delivers cooking speeds up to 80% faster than conventional ovens.
TurboChef was established in 1991, and since then, the brand has carved a prestigious position as a producer of new-generation ovens, renowned for advanced technology and exceptional cooking proficiency.
TurboChef's speed ovens stand out for their energy efficiency, versatility, and user-friendliness.
They combine best-in-class technology, deliver swift cooking durations and consistent outcomes without compromising on quality.
Two specific models from TurboChef's assortment have received special recognition.
The ventless i5 commercial rapid cook oven is lauded for its versatility and high yield, making it a perfect match for larger establishments with high-demand requirements.
Another preferred choice is the TurboChef Bullet, which integrates radiant heating, rapid air impingement, and RF energy to deliver remarkable toasting and heating performance.
Boasting a legacy of over half a century, Accelerated Cooking Products (ACP), the creator of Menumaster, has cemented its position as a premier producer of commercial kitchen equipment, with a particular focus on commercial ovens.
Their dedication to innovation and dependability has earned them a strong reputation in the food service sector.
Their speed ovens have come to be associated with quickness, efficiency, and uniform cooking outcomes.
These ovens merge pioneering technology to offer supreme adaptability, accuracy, and longevity, thereby meeting the needs of fast-paced commercial kitchens worldwide.
Among their renowned speed oven models, the Menumaster MOC5241 shines prominently.
It offers an enhanced capacity and achieves cooking speeds that are 42% faster compared to similar-powered microwaves.
This model also includes user-friendly intuitive controls and programmable settings, simplifying its use for kitchen staff.
Kolb, a Swiss company established in 1935, has a rich history of delivering high-quality and innovative cooking appliances.
They're renowned for crafting technologically advanced, energy-efficient, and user-friendly commercial kitchen equipment that seamlessly integrates into modern commercial kitchens.
Kolb's speed ovens are celebrated for their fast cooking times, versatility, and consistent high-quality results.
Considering the quality of the equipment and the service, the products are priced reasonably.
Among their highly sought-after models, the Kolb 4th generation Atollspeed 400H has garnered substantial acclaim.
It combines impingement and microwave technology to cook food 7-12 times faster than traditional solutions.
The compact Atollspeed Easy is a popular choice for cafes and smaller food services offering a wide range of fast foods.
Spending thousands of dollars on a new commercial speed oven can put a strain on your budget and cash flow.
If you’d prefer not to invest a lot of money in a speed oven, a cheaper, pre-owned appliance might be the solution you’re looking for.
SilverChef’s range of ‘Certified Used’ commercial equipment is mostly ex-rental equipment sourced from businesses we know and trust.
The equipment is typically less than two-and-a-half years old, has been fully refurbished by us, and is backed by a three-month parts-and-labour warranty.
Considering the effective, or useful, life of a commercial speed oven is around 10 years, you can be sure our Certified Used commercial high speed ovens have plenty of life left in it.
You can either buy or finance the ‘Certified Used’ (and clearance) equipment on our website. (We’re one of the few financiers, if not the only one, in New Zealand that funds second-hand commercial kitchen equipment.)
Read more about ‘Certified Used’ equipment
There are several places, both online and offline, where you can find good deals on commercial speed ovens in New Zealand.
Start by scouting prominent appliance outlets for ongoing discounts or special offers.
You can also check the online marketplaces for available new and second-hand speed ovens at attractive rates.
However, for a trustworthy and hassle-free solution, we suggest checking our selection of certified, previously-owned commercial speed ovens.
Here, we guarantee not only competitive pricing but also superior quality.
While commercial speed ovens offer numerous benefits, they do have a few drawbacks that may need to be considered when deciding if they're the right fit for your kitchen.
These ovens are typically more expensive and have a limited one-time cooking capacity compared to traditional ovens.
Your staff might need some additional training to get familiar with these advanced appliances.
Maintenance and repairs might also cost more.
Despite these potential drawbacks, many commercial kitchens find the advantages of speed ovens outweigh the disadvantages.
It ultimately depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
Yes, commercial rapid cook ovens can be excellent for baking due to their versatility and ability to manage a variety of cooking techniques, including convection baking.
However, it's important to note that while speed ovens are great for many types of baking, they might not be the best choice for every kind of baked good.
Some artisan bread and pastries that require precise temperature control and longer, slower cooking times might be better suited to traditional ovens.
As always, the right choice of oven will depend on the specific needs of your kitchen.
An advanced technology incorporated in speed ovens for drastically reducing cooking times, compared to traditional ovens.
This technique uses microwave radiation to stimulate water molecules in food, thereby creating heat and facilitating quick cooking.
A cooking method that relies on a fan to circulate heat evenly within the oven, thus accelerating cooking and ensuring uniform results.
This unique cooking method uses directed hot air streams to quickly cook and produce a crisp exterior on food items.
These digital controls permit the adjustment of specific cooking variables such as duration, temperature, and cooking methods in the oven.
This feature enables the programming of multiple cooking phases like defrosting, cooking, and browning into a single cooking cycle.
These are pre-set recipes and cooking instructions stored within the oven to automate the cooking process for certain dishes, thereby ensuring uniform outcomes.
This handy feature uses steam or other cleaning techniques to streamline and hasten the cleaning of the oven's interior.
A power-saving feature that minimizes energy usage during periods of downtime, leading to decreased operational costs.
This function automatically modulates the speed of the oven's fan based on the cooking requirements, ensuring better cooking.
We hope this guide has helped you better understand what you need to look for in a commercial speed oven and how to choose the right model for your needs. If you want to know more, you can always reach out to the SilverChef team.
Hospitality equipment can be expensive and paying for it outright can put pressure on your business’s cash flow.
Our finance solutions allow you to get the equipment you want now and to pay for it in small, regular amounts out of the revenue it generates for you.
Rent–Try–Buy® not only helps you maintain your cash flow, it gives you unrivalled flexibility to adapt your equipment to the changing needs of your business.
You can upgrade or buy the equipment at any time or, after 12 months, return or continue renting it.
If you decide to buy the equipment, we’ll give you back 50% of the rent you paid in the first year and 25% of any rental payments thereafter — to put toward the purchase price.
