Top Commercial Ovens of 2025: What’s Hot and What’s Not

9 min read

Welcome to my kitchen, folks! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of commercial ovens. As someone who’s spent countless hours in both bustling restaurant kitchens and my cozy home setup, I know that the oven is the heart of any culinary operation. So, if you’re looking to upgrade or just starting out, buckle up as we explore the top commercial ovens of 2025.

I still remember my first encounter with a commercial oven—it was like stepping up from a tricycle to a Harley. The power, the precision, the sheer capacity; it was a game-changer. But not all ovens are created equal, and what works for one kitchen might not be the best fit for another. So, let’s break it down and find the perfect fit for you.

In this article, we’ll look at different types of commercial ovens, from convection to combi, and everything in between. We’ll weigh the pros and cons, and even throw in some personal anecdotes to keep things spicy. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which oven is the best match for your needs. So, let’s get cooking!

The Convection Convention: Speed and Efficiency

First up, we have convection ovens. These bad boys use fans to circulate hot air, ensuring even cooking and faster heat-up times. If you’re all about speed and consistency, this is where it’s at.

The Workhorse: Vulcan VC44GD

The Vulcan VC44GD is a classic for a reason. It’s durable, reliable, and gets the job done. With four racks and a temperature range up to 550°F, it’s versatile enough for most kitchens. Plus, it’s got that classic stainless-steel look that says, ‘I mean business.’

But here’s the thing: it’s loud. Like, really loud. If you’re working in an open kitchen, or just value your eardrums, this might not be the one for you. Also, while it’s great for basic tasks, it lacks some of the fancy features of newer models.

The Upgrade: Blodgett XB-60

Looking for something a bit more high-tech? Check out the Blodgett XB-60. This beast has six racks, a touchscreen control panel, and something called ‘IntelliVent™’ technology, which automatically adjusts the fan speed for optimal cooking. It’s like the oven equivalent of a self-driving car.

But all those bells and whistles come at a price. Literally. The Blodgett is significantly more expensive than the Vulcan. Plus, all that tech can be a bit overwhelming if you’re just looking for something simple and sturdy.

Combi Ovens: The Jack of All Trades

Combi ovens, short for combination ovens, offer the best of both worlds: convection heat and steam. This dynamic duo allows you to cook a wide range of dishes, from roasted meats to steamed veggies and even baked goods.

The Crowd Pleaser: Rational iCombi Pro

The Rational iCombi Pro is like the popular kid in high school—everyone wants to be its friend. It’s got a massive capacity (up to 20 full-size sheet pans), a self-cleaning mode, and even Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring. Plus, it can do it all: steam, convection cook, or combine both.

But, just like that popular kid, it’s also pretty high-maintenance. It requires a water supply and drain, which can complicate installation. And, of course, it’s not cheap. But if you’re looking for an oven that can do it all, this is a solid investment.

The Space Saver: Alto-Shaam CTP-7-10

Short on space but still want the combi experience? Meet the Alto-Shaam CTP-7-10. This compact model can fit up to seven half-size sheet pans, making it perfect for smaller kitchens. It’s also stackable, so you can double your capacity without taking up more floor space.

On the downside, it’s not as powerful as the Rational. Its smaller size means less cooking power, so it might not be the best choice for high-volume kitchens. But for smaller operations, it’s a fantastic space-saving solution.

Deck Ovens: Old-School Cool for Pizza and Bread

If you’re all about that old-school pizza and bread life, then deck ovens are your jam. These ovens use a stone or ceramic deck to distribute heat evenly, giving you that perfect crispy crust.

The Classic: Marsal MD-160

The Marsal MD-160 is a classic deck oven that’s been a staple in pizzerias for decades. It’s got a thick cordierite deck, a temp range up to 600°F, and it’s built like a tank. This thing is a workhorse.

But it’s also… well, basic. It doesn’t have any fancy digital controls or programmable settings. It’s just a straightforward, analog oven. But maybe that’s what you’re into. I mean, there’s something to be said for simplicity, right?

The Modern Twist: Bakers Pride Y-602

Want something a bit more modern? Check out the Bakers Pride Y-602. This baby has digital controls, a programmable timer, and even a USB port for software updates. It’s like a deck oven for the digital age.

But with all those electronics comes a higher risk of something going wrong. And when it does, repairs can be pricey. So, if you’re the type who likes to keep things simple (and cheap), this might not be the oven for you.

Conveyor Ovens: Fast and Furious Pizza Production

Speaking of pizza, if you’re looking to churn out pies at high speeds, you’ll want to consider a conveyor oven. These ovens use a conveyor belt to move pizzas through a heated chamber, ensuring consistent results and fast cook times.

The Speed Demon: Lincoln Impinger II 1632

The Lincoln Impinger II 1632 is all about speed. It can cook a pizza in as little as 4 minutes, making it perfect for high-volume pizzerias. Plus, it’s got a small footprint, so it won’t take up too much space.

But all that speed comes at a cost: versatility. This oven is pretty much a one-trick pony. It’s amazing at cooking pizzas quickly, but that’s about it. So, if you’re looking for something more versatile, this might not be the best choice.

The Versatile One: XLT Conveyor Oven

Looking for a conveyor oven that can do more than just pizza? Meet the XLT. This baby has a wider temp range and more control options, making it suitable for a variety of foods. Plus, it’s got a larger cooking chamber, so you can cook more than just pizzas.

But with great versatility comes great responsibility. The XLT has a lot of settings and options, which can make it a bit overwhelming to use. Plus, it’s more expensive than the Lincoln. But if you’re looking for a conveyor oven that can do it all, this is a solid choice.

Rotisserie Ovens: The Showstoppers

If you’re looking to put on a show (and cook some killer chicken), consider a rotisserie oven. These ovens use rotating spits to cook meat evenly and dramatically.

The Showboat: Alto-Shaam ROSH-66

The Alto-Shaam ROSH-66 is a classic rotisserie oven that can cook up to 36 chickens at once. It’s got a glass door for maximum visibility, and it’s built to last. This thing is a real showstopper.

But it’s also… big. Like, really big. So, if you’re short on space, this might not be the best choice. Plus, it’s not cheap. But if you’re looking to make a statement (and cook a lot of chicken), this is the oven for you.

The Space-Saver: Henny Penny RS-33

Want the rotisserie experience without the massive footprint? Check out the Henny Penny RS-33. This compact model can cook up to 18 chickens at once, making it perfect for smaller kitchens. Plus, it’s stackable, so you can double your capacity without taking up more floor space.

But with a smaller size comes less cooking power. This oven might not be the best choice for high-volume kitchens. But for smaller operations, it’s a fantastic space-saving solution.

Where to Buy Commercial Ovens in 2025

Alright, so you’ve decided on the perfect oven. Now, where do you buy it? There are a lot of options out there, but my go-to is Chef’s Deal. They’ve got a massive selection, competitive prices, and excellent customer service. Plus, they offer free shipping on most orders, which is a huge plus.

But don’t just take my word for it. Shop around, compare prices, and find the best deal for you. Just make sure to buy from a reputable dealer, so you know you’re getting a quality product.

Is Chef’s Deal the absolute best choice? Let’s consider the alternatives. Maybe you’ve got a local restaurant supply store that you love. Or maybe you prefer the convenience of a big-box retailer. Ultimately, it’s all about finding the best fit for your needs and budget.

My Personal Favorite Commercial Ovens of 2025

So, we’ve talked about a lot of ovens. But which ones are my personal favorites? Drumroll, please…

For convection ovens, I’m torn between the Vulcan and the Blodgett. The Vulcan is a classic for a reason, but the Blodgett’s fancy features are hard to resist. Maybe I should clarify that my preference depends on the specific needs of the kitchen in question.

For combi ovens, it’s a toss-up between the Rational and the Alto-Shaam. The Rational is a beast, but the Alto-Shaam’s compact size is a major selling point. I guess it ultimately depends on the size of your kitchen and your specific cooking needs.

And for specialty ovens, I’m a sucker for the Marsal deck oven. There’s just something about that classic, old-school design that gets me every time. But that’s just me—your mileage may vary.

FAQ

Q: What’s the best type of commercial oven for a small kitchen?
A: For small kitchens, you’ll want to prioritize space-saving features. Consider compact convection ovens or stackable combi ovens, like the Alto-Shaam CTP-7-10.

Q: How much should I expect to spend on a commercial oven?
A: The price of a commercial oven can vary widely depending on the type, size, and features. You can find basic convection ovens for a few thousand dollars, while high-end combi ovens can cost upwards of $20,000.

Q: What’s the difference between a convection oven and a combi oven?
A: A convection oven uses fans to circulate hot air, while a combi oven combines convection heat with steam. This allows combi ovens to cook a wider range of dishes.

Q: How do I clean my commercial oven?
A: Cleaning methods vary depending on the type of oven. Some ovens have self-cleaning modes, while others require manual cleaning. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning guidelines.

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@article{top-commercial-ovens-of-2025-whats-hot-and-whats-not,
    title   = {Top Commercial Ovens of 2025: What’s Hot and What’s Not},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/top-commercial-ovens-2025/}
}

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