Countertop pizza oven are a great space-saving option for any kitchen. However, when you buy one, you’ll want to be informed about the different features, specs, and benefits of each model. That’s why it’s vital to do some research beforehand so there are no surprises later on.
From size and capacity to cooking features and price, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide. In this article, we’ll provide you with the details you need to make an informed decision.
What is a Countertop Oven?
Countertop ovens let you enjoy the same advantages and capabilities as conventional ovens but in a much more compact size that is perfect for countertops and tabletops. They can easily fit into any kitchen and provide great convenience without sacrificing efficiency. The appliance has a smaller interior capacity than a traditional oven and cooks a wide variety of food items; from small casseroles to large pizzas.
If you’re considering an oven for your business, think about the space-saving benefits of a smaller device. Compact, yet powerful equipment such as this saves room in your workspace while providing the same desirable features as a full-size oven. Additionally, countertop pizza ovens often preheat more quickly than traditional ovens, which means you can start cooking your meals faster.
But the real selling point of a countertop oven is its versatility. Many models come with multiple cooking functions such as baking, broiling, toasting, and even air-frying. This means you can use it to cook a wide variety of foods without having to switch between different appliances.
“Compact and versatility, it’s the oven of choice for small pizza stands and food trucks.“
8 Things You Must Know Before You Invest in a Countertop Oven
If you’re thinking of investing in a countertop oven, there are certain factors you should consider beforehand. Make sure to research the available options and determine which type best suits your needs – size, features, and price – before making a purchase.
Size and Capacity
When it comes to buying a countertop pizza oven, size and capacity should be considered. The size of the oven determines how much space it takes on your countertop and the capacity determines how much food you can cook at a time. Choose an oven that is the right size for your kitchen space and can accommodate the amount of food you plan on cooking.
Countertop pizza ovens come in a variety of sizes; from small, compact models that can fit on a small countertop, to larger models that may take up more space. If you have limited countertop space, choose a model that can easily fit in the space you have available. If you often cook for a large client base or entertain guests frequently, a larger oven with a higher capacity would be a good choice.
By considering both size and capacity, you will find a countertop oven for baking that meets your needs perfectly.
Power Consumption
The amount of power an oven uses can vary depending on the model and its features. On average, countertop pizza ovens use between 1000 and 2000 watts per hour, however, some models use more or less.
Prior to making any purchase decisions, it’s best to look into the power consumption of the desired model. Some manufacturers list this in their product specifications and there may be customer reviews available that mention it. It’s worth doing a bit of research and comparing the power consumption of different models to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Must-Have Features
One of the most important factors is the features and specialized pre-programmed settings that come with it.
Look for an oven that has all the features and settings you need for your specific cooking needs. Some ovens come with an auto-cook option which can save time when preparing meals. Also search for other features like convection cooking which can help reduce cooking time by circulating hot air around the food, or a timer setting that will automatically turn off your oven at a certain time.
One of the most important features necessary is temperature control. The commercial tabletop oven should have a wide range of temperature settings so that you can cook a variety of dishes at the right temperature. This way, you ensure that you get an oven that meets all of your needs while also providing great value for money.
Cooking Modes
Some ovens have pre-programmed settings for different types of cooking like baking, broiling, and roasting. These features are helpful for inexperienced cooks as it sets the perfect temperature and cooking time for each dish so they won’t have to guess.
The most basic cooking mode is baking. This mode is perfect for making cookies and other baked goods. The oven reaches a high temperature and uses both the upper and lower heating elements to bake the food. A convection baking mode is also available in some ovens. A commercial countertop convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food for faster and more even cooking.
Some models even feature specialized pre-set cooking modes such as the pizza mode, making it easier to bake your favorite pies. If you’re looking to expand your cooking repertoire, consider roasting, convection baking, and dehydrating.
Price
The cost of a commercial countertop pizza oven can vary significantly with some models costing a few hundred dollars and others costing over $11,000. Determine a budget for your purchase before you start shopping so that you can narrow down your options and focus on models that fit within your price range.
One of the key determinants of the price of a countertop oven is its size and capacity. Larger models with larger interiors can hold more food and are typically more expensive.
Also, some ovens may have more advanced features such as a convection setting or specialized cooking modes which can make them more expensive. These features make them more valuable so it may be worth spending a bit more to get if they align with your needs.
Brand Reputation
The reputation of a brand can give you an idea of the quality of the oven and the level of customer service provided by the manufacturer. A well-established brand with a good reputation is more likely to provide a high-quality product.
One way to research a brand’s reputation is by reading customer reviews and ratings. This gives you an idea of the experiences other customers have had and will help you to identify common issues faced.
Look for reviews from a variety of sources like online retailers and consumer websites to get their opinions and perspectives. Pay attention to comments on the oven’s performance, ease of use, durability, and overall customer satisfaction. Take note of any recurring problems that customers have reported as this gives you an idea of what to expect when using the oven. If you see a pattern of complaints about the same issue, this is likely a problem inherent in the oven’s design or manufacturing.
Warranty
A warranty is a promise that the manufacturer will repair or replace the oven if it fails due to a defect within a certain period. Knowing the terms and conditions of the warranty can give you peace of mind and protection in case anything goes wrong.
The first thing to consider when looking at the warranty is the length of the coverage. Many countertop ovens come with a one-year limited warranty which covers repairs or replacement if the oven is found to be defective.
Also, consider if the warranty is valid only if the oven is used under certain conditions; some warranties may be void if the oven is not used or maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s essential to read the details carefully so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.
Maintenance
When buying a countertop oven, it’s crucial to consider its cleaning and maintenance requirements. A well-designed oven with easy-to-clean surfaces and removable parts will make it easier to keep the oven in good working condition and prolong its lifespan.
It’s crucial to consider the interior and exterior surfaces of the oven when buying one. Non-stick surfaces are ideal; they make cleaning simpler because they prevent food from sticking or burning.
Another important aspect to consider is the oven’s self-cleaning function if it’s available. This feature allows you to clean the oven with minimal effort and without using harsh chemicals; it’s a great time saver.
Types of Pizzas Best Baked in Countertop Ovens
Whether you prefer the classic New York style with its sturdy crust, the traditional Neapolitan with its soft and thin crust, or the convenience of heating a frozen pizza, a countertop pizza oven got you covered. Just be sure to adjust the temperature and cooking mode to fit the type of pizza you’re making and you’ll be serving up slices of heaven in no time!
Why Your Pizzeria Needs a Countertop Oven
This appliance may seem like a small addition to your pizzeria, but it can bring a big impact on your menu and operations. Here’s why it’s a must-have for any business.
Its Compact Size
Countertop pizza ovens are the perfect solution for small pizzerias that are short on space. Despite their compact nature, they pack a powerful punch with similar heating elements and cooking functions that can be found in full-size ovens. This can be incredibly useful for small businesses that want top-notch pizza-baking performance. Countertop is most logical and perfect for pizza stand and food trucks.
Lots of Cooking Modes
Some counter ovens have up to 12 cooking modes. From baking bread, pizza, and cake, to donuts, chicken, wings, and fish; the selection covers practically any type of food. Dehydrate settings are also available for certain recipes. Pre-programmed modes make it quite simple for even novice cooks to prepare a vast selection of meals conveniently.
Investing in a countertop oven with multiple cooking features is money well spent for your pizzeria. It quickly prepares meals, helping you to get more done in less time. Additionally, it opens up further possibilities for your menu which may be beneficial for boosting customer numbers and sales.
Quick Preheating
Quick preheating is a huge advantage, especially in busy food establishments where time is of the essence. With a countertop pizza oven, you can have it up to temperature and ready to go in a matter of minutes, hence, you can start baking pizzas and other dishes as soon as customers make an order. This increases your throughput and reduces wait times for customers.
Very Energy Efficient
They use less energy because of their smaller size and faster heating and cooling times. Countertop pizza ovens reach high temperatures quickly so they can be ready to bake in a matter of minutes.
As these ovens are smaller in size, they don’t require as much energy to heat up. This leads to significant savings on your energy bills in the long run. Additionally, as the ovens cool down quickly, the energy consumed for maintaining the temperature is also less.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
Cleaning countertop ovens is not a difficult task. Their removable racks and smooth surfaces make cleaning a breeze. Many ovens nowadays come with non-stick surfaces and a self-cleaning feature that makes them extremely easy to maintain. This has made cleaning ovens much easier and faster than before.
Clean your oven regularly to ensure that it continues to function properly and to prevent the buildup of food or grease that can cause unpleasant odors. With regular maintenance, you can ensure that your appliance lasts longer and make sure it continues to work perfectly.
To Round Things Up
Countertop ovens have become a necessity in the modern day for leading a comfortable life. They are incredibly fast and efficient; allowing you to get a meal ready in no time at all.
One of the greatest advantages of these ovens is their cost-effectiveness and compactness. Purchasing a countertop oven for commercial baking can be a great investment for your kitchen, as it can save you time and space. They are very popular these days because of their practical design and thoughtful features.