How to choose the right combi oven for your commercial kitchen

In the dynamic realm of commercial kitchens, the quest for reliable and efficient cooking equipment is constant. We are always on the hunt for that one appliance that checks the boxes. One standout solution making waves in the industry is the Eloma Combi Oven.

Celebrated for its versatility and precision, this cutting-edge appliance has become a fixture in commercial kitchens. In this guide, we will explore the intricacies of Eloma Combi Ovens, shedding light on the different models’ features, advantages, and operational nuances, empowering chefs and kitchen teams to maximise the potential of this gem and gain an insight into what makes each model unique.

About Eloma

Eloma, founded in 1975, is a balanced blend of traditional and modern – from the development of the first Combi Oven to its newer models with advanced technical features. Designed and manufactured in Germany with high-quality engineering and craftsmanship, these units are robust, feature-packed, and energy-efficient to boost production efficiency and reduce running costs in a commercial kitchen.

What is a combi oven?

A Combi Oven is a commercial steaming oven that seamlessly integrates three cooking functions into a single unit, offering unparalleled cooking capacity with endless options.

Eloma ovens can cook with convection, steam, or a blend of both. The blend of functions empowers chefs to roast, bake, steam, slow cook and oven fry, making menu options limitless, and the combi oven is the apparent choice for versatility. Before delving into the specifics, let’s unravel some fundamental aspects of Eloma Combi Ovens.

How are they better than their wood-fired and gas-oven counterparts?

Size and Capacity

Eloma Combi Ovens offer a diverse range of sizes to cater to kitchens of all sizes and requirements, from small cafes to large food manufacturing sites. These ovens are available with capacities ranging from a small six Gastronorm tray to forty Gastronorm trays, suitable for smaller restaurants and cafes and ideal for larger operations such as bustling restaurants, hotels, or food manufacturing sites. The ovens can be stacked and customised to suit almost any kitchen configuration.

Consider factors such as space, volume, and available power when selecting the size that best suits your kitchen. The Skanos specialist team is on hand to answer any questions you may have and provide professional assistance with choosing the right unit.

User-Friendly Interface:

There’s a significant commonality across Eloma models: their focus on user-friendliness and automation, designed to simplify the cooking process for chefs and all kitchen staff alike. The programmable recipe interface allows for precise control over cooking parameters, ensuring consistent results and reducing the likelihood of errors. This emphasis on usability can be particularly beneficial in busy commercial kitchens where efficiency, volume and consistency are paramount.

Precision Cooking

The combination of convection and steam cooking allows for meticulous control of temperature and humidity, achieving precise results and uniformity in every batch. The ability to seamlessly switch between cooking modes gives you complete freedom to express your menu's creativity.

The combination of cooking techniques ensures minimal shrinkage and preserves the flavour and nutrient density of each ingredient in every dish.

AutoClean Pro

Eloma Combi Ovens feature a built-in cleaning system called AutoClean Pro. AutoClean Pro removes the manual labour from basic cleaning, eliminates the guesswork from building a maintenance schedule and is programmable to complete heavy-duty cleaning outside of business hours.

Scheduling regular cleaning cycles ensures peak oven performance and maintains hygiene standards.

Multi EcoSystem

Eloma’s innovative design emphasises energy efficiency, resulting in reduced operational costs and a lower carbon footprint.

This is all thanks to Eloma’s Multi Eco System, which uses a heat exchanger to reduce energy use by recycling the steam and heat inside the oven and pre-heating the water to continue producing steam.

It has been estimated that running one Eloma oven equipped with the Multi Eco system can save up to $ 3,000 per year in electricity costs. This is based off 8 hours daily use, 6 days per week.

Programmable

The programmable settings for storing and replicating recipes effortlessly are just one of the many standout features of Eloma ovens. Each model offers a different level of program functionality, allowing you to control parameters such as temperature, humidity, and cooking time for consistent, precise results with every batch. There is an option to replicate the last cook cycle to remove any guesswork and minimise confusion.

Ease of Maintenance

Adherence to Eloma’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance will ensure the longevity of your Combi Oven for many years to come.

These guidelines are as simple as implementing routine checks to ensure the unit is performing at peak capacity and conducting regular cleaning cycles with AutoClean Pro. The Skanos service team is available to provide technical assistance and service support for the lifetime of your oven.

Eloma MULTIMAX

Eloma’s MultiMax range is for the chef who likes to get straight to the point and doesn’t need the bells and whistles of modern technology. If your cooking style is direct and you like to get the job done without hassle, then MultiMax is for you.

Designed with user-simplicity in mind in its basic touch control interface, the MultiMax is the uncomplicated vessel for your menu to come to life, without the extras.

The MultiMax is available from the smallest size of six Gastronorm trays, all the way up to a large forty tray volume.

MultiMax ovens feature a 5 inch touchscreen control interface with recipe and step programming for up to 99 recipes, are variable in heat settings from 30-300 degrees, includes HACCP data logging functionality, boasts the automated AutoClean Pro system and is fully customisable, to suit your needs.

Eloma GENIUS

If you’re a chef who values modern technology and the reliability of the MultiMax, the Genius range could be ideal for your kitchen. The Eloma features an interactive touch and swipe screen interface, making it a smart appliance.

Available from six to forty gastronorm trays, the Genius offers all the features of the MultiMax but with even more capabilities. It has nine cooking mode combinations, programmability for up to four hundred recipes per user, a customised display, and an adaptive interface. It also includes a password manager system to save each user’s settings and automatic cleaning and maintenance reminders to keep the oven performing at its best. AutoClean Pro is built-in to reduce the need for heavy-duty scrubbing and maintain hygiene.

Eloma JOKER

For the chef with little space and big ideas comes the Joker. While small in size, don’t be fooled, the Joker doesn’t compromise on significant features. The Joker is entirely customisable to suit the needs of any commercial kitchen no matter the size, making it ideal for small cafes and food trucks. The Joker can be customised to include AutoClean pro, a self-contained water tank, making the unit suitable for any kitchen where a fixed water supply is not available, and a variety of unique control features to suit your needs. The Joker can be stacked to suit any configuration.

Getting the combi oven that’s right for you

We’ve covered the basics on the features of each of the Eloma models, but there’s still plenty more to learn. Whether you want to know more about a specific model’s specifications, the generous two-year warranty period or the service and support Skanos can offer for your Eloma oven, the Skanos team is here to help.

Reach out today to learn more.