What is a Combi Oven?

A combination oven or a “Combi” Oven is rising in popularity in the restaurant and catering world. A Combi oven is generally a convection oven and steamer rolled into one unit. It offers the traditional benefits of a convection oven and steam cooking but also offers the functionality of using one piece of equipment to do both at the same time.

With the advantage of steady heat and humidity levels, foods can be cooked more precisely and consistently leading to better flavors, higher retention of nutrients in the food, and reduced shrinkage of the final product.

Origins

Originally created in Europe in the 1970s to save space in small restaurant kitchens, Combi Ovens replace the need for numerous pieces of equipment and can perform a diverse range of functions such as baking, roasting, steaming, poaching, blanching, and rethermalizing all within a tiny space.

Some consider the Combi Oven a multi-functional masterpiece and has much to offer to the hospitality industry. Here are 4 key advantages of a Combi Oven over other traditional ovens:

1. More control over humidity levels

Combining dry heat with steam allows users of Combi Ovens to accurately define the levels of humidity within the oven so they have more control over the moisture levels of the food they are cooking.

Because of this precision, Combi Ovens can cook food at high heat without the usual food shrinkage and drying out that typically occurs when cooking without humidity.

2. Improved cooking times

With a higher humidity level and enhanced air circulation, Combi Ovens offer the advantage of transferring heat faster and cooking food more efficiently. Combi Ovens typically offer 40 to 50 percent faster cooking times and often produce increased yields due to the addition of humid air.

3. Improved food results

With the advantage of steady heat and humidity levels, foods can be cooked more precisely and consistently lead to better flavors, higher retention of nutrients in the food, and reduced shrinkage of the final product.

For example, when Combi Ovens are used correctly, roasted meats will be more tender and full of flavor. Baked cakes will be higher in volume and moisture, and pastries will be lighter and crispier. The most important benefit, however, is that cooking results will be repeatable. This is something that most chefs strive for in their kitchen.

4. Save money

Combi Ovens can offer exceptional savings for all food businesses because the Combi Oven provides an improved environment for cooking food with a dramatic reduction in food shrinkage.

For instance, cooking roast beef with a regular convection oven may result in a shrinkage of about 30 percent. Using a Combi Oven can decrease this food shrinkage to less than 10 percent. This can lead to significant savings over the long term and help you recoup your initial investment of the Combi Oven.

With a new Combi Oven in your kitchen, you can begin to enjoy these and many other benefits that this revolutionary technology can bring to you and your customers.

References:

• http://www.starchefs.com/product_education/hobart/combi_oven/html/
• http://www.alsco.com.au/2015/09/the-wonders-of-combi-ovens/
• https://www.dynamiccateringequipment.com.au/blog/combi-oven-vs-conventional/