Commercial convection ovens circulate heated air with a fan to bake and roast more evenly and faster than a static oven. They are the workhorse for bakeries, bistros, hotels, schools and aged-care kitchens. Hospitality Connect stocks gas and electric convection ovens from Blue Seal, Apuro, Unox, Anvil and Goldstein, from compact 4-tray countertop units to 10-tray full-size production ovens.
Types of convection ovens
- Countertop convection (4–6 tray): Apuro and Unox 460x340mm tray-format ovens; perfect for cafes, prep kitchens and pre-bake stations.
- Full-size electric convection (10-tray GN 1/1): Blue Seal Turbofan E32 and similar — the workhorse production oven; 600x400mm or GN 1/1 trays.
- Gas convection: Anvil and Blue Seal LPG and natural gas units; useful where electricity capacity is limited.
- Half-size convection: 460mm-wide ovens for cafes with limited bench space; 4–5 tray capacity.
- Convection-with-steam (combi-style): Adds humidity injection for crusty breads and roasted meats — bridge to a full combi oven.
Sizing for your venue
A 4-tray countertop convection oven covers a small cafe (50–80 covers) for muffins, sandwiches and reheats. 6-tray and 10-tray full-size ovens take a venue from 100 covers up to banquet scale. Bakeries running fresh bread or pastry production need at least one 10-tray with steam injection. Plan oven space alongside proving — a hot oven without proved dough is wasted energy. Tray formats matter: 460x340mm trays are a global standard; 600x400mm and GN 1/1 are AU/EU production formats.
Installation and ventilation
- Power: 4-tray electric runs 15A 240V; 6–10 tray jumps to 32A three-phase. Confirm board capacity early.
- Gas: 22mm/3/4-inch supply for full-size; certified gas fitter only. Verify regulator and flue clearance.
- Canopy: Most full-size convection ovens require a Type II commercial canopy with grease filtration and council certification.
- Clearances: 50mm sides for ventilation; 600mm front for full door swing and tray loading.
- Stacking: Half-size ovens can stack two-high on a stand; saves bench space in smaller kitchens.
Common specification mistakes when buying a convection oven: undersizing on tray count (a 4-tray for a venue that produces 60+ baked items per service), over-specifying without considering electrical capacity (10-tray full-size needs 32A three-phase that older buildings often can't supply), and ignoring the canopy requirement. Confirm tray format (460x340mm vs 600x400mm vs GN 1/1) before purchasing — trays from one format won't fit another. Stock at least 50% extra trays for the daily wash-and-rotate cycle. Verify the steam injection function works on combi-style models; failed steam generators are the most common warranty claim.
Pair with
Round out a hot line with salamander open toaster, electric cooking equipment, anti-jam pans stainless steel gastornorm pan and high speed ovens and grill.