How to choose the best commercial oven for baking bread?

With its crispy crust and soft crumb, bread has always been the undisputed star of Italian tables.

However, to achieve a perfect result, it’s not always enough to use the best flour on the market or choose a more or less natural leavening method. A crucial element, often underestimated, is the oven. In fact, not all ovens are the same, and the right choice can make a significant difference in the final result.

But how do you choose the right oven? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best oven for your bakery in 2024.

Why does a good oven make a difference?

Baking bread is a delicate process that requires control and precision. A good oven ensures an even distribution of heat, preventing some parts of the bread from cooking more than others. The temperature remains constant throughout the process, without fluctuations that could compromise the leavening or make the crust too hard.

In addition to improving the quality of the product, a good oven also helps reduce operating costs. Modern ovens with advanced technology optimize energy consumption and reduce the baking time, allowing you to bake more bread in less time, without waste. Furthermore, a quality oven guarantees consistent results over time: the bread will always be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a balanced flavor and perfect texture.

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What features should a good professional oven have?

Even Heat Distribution
Uniform baking is essential to avoid differences in texture and color. A good oven ensures that heat is evenly distributed across all levels.
Precise Temperature Control
Every type of dough requires a different level of heat. The ability to maintain a constant temperature is essential for baking various bakery products.
Energy Efficiency
A good oven must combine high performance with low consumption, ensuring energy savings that translate into lower operating costs.
Load Capacity
The oven size should match your production needs. A spacious oven allows you to bake large quantities of bread without compromising quality.
Ease of Cleaning
The materials and design of the oven should facilitate daily cleaning, minimizing maintenance time and increasing the machine’s lifespan.
Advanced Technologies
The latest generation ovens are equipped with digital control panels that allow you to program baking cycles, save recipes, and monitor performance in real-time.
Durability
Professional ovens must be built with sturdy materials, such as stainless steel, to withstand the intense use of a bakery and guarantee a long lifespan.
Versatility
A good oven allows you to vary baking methods, from traditional to convection baking, and even add steam for specific products like rustic bread or pastries.
Safety
Don’t overlook safety systems, such as protected door closures and automatic shut-offs, to ensure a safe working environment and prevent accidents.

What is the best oven for a bakery?

There’s no universal answer to this question, as every bakery has different needs. Before investing in a new oven, think about your specific requirements: do you need an oven for small-batch artisan bread, or are you managing large-scale production? Do you need an oven that allows you to diversify your production, or do you prefer a simple model for your traditional recipe? The right oven choice is a combination of personal preferences, budget, and production volumes. If you need support in choosing the most suitable one for your bakery, don’t hesitate to contact us: we can help you define your needs and find the perfect oven for you! In the meantime, here are some of the best Ilem Bakery ovens for bakeries: