You may be wondering what a deck type pizza oven is, how it differs from the standard home oven in your kitchen, and what makes it such a crucial piece of equipment for pizzerias.
From the technology that makes them tick to the various benefits they offer, we’ve got all the information you need. We’ll also provide some tips for maintaining and caring for your oven to ensure it lasts for years to come.
What is a Commercial Deck Oven?
Commercial deck type ovens are built to meet the needs of a commercial setting like a bakery or pizzeria. These ovens are large with one or more baking chambers. Compared to regular ovens, they are designed to handle higher volumes of food. These ovens run on gas or electricity and have controls that let people in the baking industry adjust the temperature and humidity within the oven to get their desired results.
The Technology Behind Deck Ovens
Deck ovens are developed with a variety of essential technologies, some of which are:
Heating elements:Deck ovens usually run on gas or electricity to heat the chamber and bake whatever is placed inside. For example, a gas-powered oven utilizes a gas burner to heat the chamber while an electric oven uses heating elements like a baking coil for generating heat.
Baking deck: The deck ovens feature multiple baking chambers, allowing items to be cooked at the same time. These baking decks are usually made from materials that can withstand high temperatures and provide an even spread of heat for consistent results.
Steam injection systems: Deck ovens with steam injection systems are gaining widespread popularity among bakers. By introducing steam during baking, these ovens produce a moist environment that helps in the rising of the dough and gives pies a crispy texture.
Insulation: Deck ovens are typically heavily insulated to help maintain a consistent temperature inside the oven chamber and reduce energy loss. This often consists of materials within the walls, ceiling, and doors that provide optimal insulation.
Controls:They are equipped with controls that allow bakers to regulate the temperature and steam inside the oven. These controls may include dials or digital displays for setting the temperature or the intensity of the heating elements as well as mechanisms for regulating the flow of steam.
Types of Deck Ovens
There are several types of deck ovens either powered by gas or electricity. Some common types include:
Thermal oil pizza deck oven
A commercial deck oven that utilizes thermal oil to create heat in its chamber is known as a thermal oil oven. The thermal oil is heated and circulated through a series of heat exchangers within the oven. Compared to other types, this type of oven retains heat for a more extended period while using less energy.
Commercial cyclothermic deck oven
It is an energy-efficient way to bake food with the help of a gas burner and fans that aid in circulating hot air through every deck of the oven.
Countertop deck oven
If you don’t require a high volume of pizza, a commercial countertop deck oven is a great way to go. Not only is it more cost-efficient than other options, but it also takes up minimal space in the kitchen.
Commercial deck oven with steam
Commercial deck ovens with steam are equipped with a steam generation system and controls that allow bakers to regulate the amount and timing of the steam injection. Pizzerias often rely on them for their versatility in preparing a variety of pizza styles.
A steam-assisted pizza deck oven is a great choice for baking pizza. It utilizes steam to intensify the baking process, ensuring that you get delicious results each time. The steam is injected into the oven chamber during the early stages of baking to build a humid atmosphere. As a result, you’ll get a more appetizing and attractive end product.
Types of Pizzas Best Baked in Deck Ovens
Deck ovens are perfect for baking pizza of many styles due to their ability to produce consistently high-quality baked goods. However, the best pizza styles to bake in deck ovens are Chicago-style pizza, Neapolitan-style pizza, New York-style pizza, and Sicilian pizza.
Features of a Deck Oven
What exactly sets a deck oven apart from other types of ovens? Here are just a few of the standout features of deck ovens:
Heating method
In a pizza deck oven, the combination of conduction heat from the hot air and radiant heat from the heating element and walls create the desired texture and flavor in the finished product.
Dimensions
The dimensions of a deck oven can vary; they usually range from 100 to 180 cubic feet, which makes them suitable for average-sized food service establishments.
Multiple decks
Deck ovens are designed with multiple shelves or “decks,” enabling you to bake multiple items simultaneously. This feature ensures maximum efficiency and allows you to save time while providing a consistent quality of your baked goods.
They are available in different sizes and with varying numbers of decks. A single-deck oven will have a lower capacity than a four-deck oven, and they may also differ in cost. Regardless, the size of the oven and the number of decks will affect the cooking capacity and overall cost of the oven.
Food service establishments that need to produce a high volume of food in a small window of time can benefit greatly from multiple deck ovens. These ovens can accommodate multiple dishes and help you get the job done much faster and easier.
Efficiency
Electric ovens may be more efficient in terms of energy consumption because they provide more consistent heat patterns. They can achieve higher temperatures than gas-powered ovens which is beneficial for certain types of baking.
Price
On average, deck ovens can range in price from around $5,000 to $30,000 or more.
Operational cost
Whilst electric deck ovens generally have higher running costs, their energy efficiency and lower maintenance expenses can help to offset the additional expenditure. As a result, they may be more beneficial in the long run.
Etch
Etching can occur on any surface, but it is more common on surfaces that are made of steel, such as the deck of a deck oven.
When food sticks to the surface of the deck oven and is baked, the high heat of the oven can cause a chemical reaction between the food and the metal surface of the oven. This reaction can produce an etch. To prevent etching, properly clean the deck after each bake, and use non-abrasive cleaning solutions.
Benefits of Using a Deck Oven
Are you looking to increase your bakery’s production capacity? Consider investing in a deck oven. Deck ovens have long been the go-to choice for good reasons. Below are the top benefits of using a deck oven:
Separate heat controls
Commercial ovens are equipped with separate controls that can be used to set different temperatures for the top and bottom parts of the oven. This can be beneficial for a variety of baking applications, as it allows the user to customize the heat distribution.
For instance, when baking, you may want to set a higher temperature for the top heating element to create a crispy, crunchy crust, while keeping the bottom heating element at a lower temperature. Having separate top and bottom heat controls provides greater flexibility and precision in the baking process.
Energy efficiency
Did you know that using a deck oven can save up to 75% energy compared to other types of ovens? That’s a significant saving that can add up over time. But how is this possible?
The use of a vapor tube heating system in a deck oven can contribute to its energy efficiency. The vapor tube system is known for its maximum distribution of heat within the oven, which can help to improve the energy efficiency of the oven.
Easy to clean and long maintenance intervals
One of the benefits of a deck oven is that it is easy to clean. Many deck ovens have smooth surfaces that are easy to wipe down and simplify the cleaning process.
Additionally, deck ovens have long maintenance intervals. This means that you won’t have to spend as much time and money on regular maintenance such as maintaining or replacing parts.
Greater control over the baking process
Commercial deck ovens are getting more high-tech with digital controls that allows you to set the temperature and baking time accurately, resulting in consistently ideal outcomes every time – regardless of what’s being cooked. This level of precision is invaluable for producing perfect dishes.
Versatility
Are you looking for an oven that can handle a wide range of menu items? One of the benefits of a deck oven is its versatility.
These ovens can handle a wide range of baking and cooking tasks, from baking bread and pizzas to roasting meats. This means that you can use a single oven to prepare a variety of menu items, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. They are stacked in a layered way, allowing you to dedicate each baking deck to a different selection of dishes making your baking more organized.
So why limit yourself to a single-purpose oven? Upgrade to a commercial deck oven and experience the versatility and convenience of this powerful kitchen equipment. You’ll be amazed at the range of menu items you can prepare with a single oven.
Disadvantages of Using Deck Ovens
There are several disadvantages to using deck ovens in a commercial kitchen. One of the biggest drawbacks is their cost. Deck ovens are often expensive. This can be a significant financial burden for small businesses with limited budgets.
In addition to their cost, deck ovens are quite large and can take up a significant amount of space in the kitchen. Their gigantic nature is especially problematic for smaller kitchens where every inch of space is valuable.
One other disadvantage is their weight. Deck ovens are often very heavy, making them difficult to install and move around. This can be a problem if you need to make renovations to your kitchen or if you need to relocate the oven for any reason.
Also, building codes may require a vent to be installed in order to use the baking equipment. This could be an additional expense and may require alterations to your kitchen.
Carefully research the requirements in your area before purchasing a deck oven. This helps you avoid any unexpected costs or delays.
Maintenance and Care of Deck Ovens
As a professional baker or pizzeria owner, you know that your oven is the heart of your kitchen. To keep your deck oven running smoothly and produce top-quality baked goods, it’s important to follow a regular maintenance and care routine. Here are some tips to help you maintain your oven:
- To ensure optimal performance, deck ovens must be cleaned daily of any residue and debris. A full and detailed clean should be done at least once per week.
- Allow the oven to cool before wiping away any boil-overs with a damp cloth.
- Thoroughly scour any parts that have been discolored to give them their original appearance.
- When the dirt won’t budge, an industrial-strength cleaning solution can be used to effectively remove it.
- To clean up the outside of the oven, you can use a stainless steel cleaner to get rid of any dirt and grime.
- To maintain the natural shine of stainless steel, always clean in the direction of the grain. Going against it can damage the surface.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, commercial deck ovens are essential equipment for any pizzeria owner. These ovens offer several benefits including efficient heating, precise temperature control, versatility, and energy efficiency. But don’t just take our word for it – the proof is in the pudding (or pizza, as the case may be). Many professional bakers and pizzeria owners have made the switch to deck ovens and have seen significant improvements in their baking results. So if you’re looking to improve your baking performance and save time and money in the long run, consider investing in a commercial deck oven. The benefits of these powerful and efficient ovens are simply too good to pass up!