Energy Efficiency Tips for Commercial Ovens

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June 27th, 2022

Most of the energy consumption in any kind of residential or institutional facility happens in the kitchen. Facilities like nursing homes, college campuses, schools, and prisons prepare meals for large groups of people and operate for extended periods each day. Foodservice equipment in commercial kitchens requires multiple utilities to functionâ€”water, natural gas, electricity, and sometimes even direct steam if the building is equipped for it. With all these resources concentrated in one area, operational managers are always looking for ways to boost energy efficiency, often starting with the kitchen team. Here's a straightforward list of tips you can share with your employees to enhance the energy efficiency of your commercial ovens. These strategies apply to all types of ovens, including convection ovens, conventional ovens, deck ovens, pizza ovens, and roll-in ovens.

The kitchen is where energy efficiency improvements can have a significant impact, and even minor adjustments can lead to noticeable savings over time. Since ovens are used daily in many foodservice operations, optimizing their performance can reduce utility costs significantly.

1. Minimize Preheating Time

Preheating is essential before cooking, but keeping the oven running without food inside wastes energy. Know how long it takes your specific oven to preheatâ€”some models can reach temperature in as little as 10 minutes, while others might take 20 to 30 minutes. If your oven takes longer than an hour to preheat, consider cleaning it thoroughly or scheduling maintenance. A well-functioning oven is key to energy efficiency.

2. Ensure Proper Sealing Around Oven Doors

If you notice hot air escaping from the oven doors, inspect the gasket to confirm itâ€™s in good shape. If the gasket checks out, look at the hinges and tighten them if needed. Over time, especially with frequent use, oven doors can become misaligned, allowing air leaks. Addressing these leaks promptly ensures better insulation and reduces wasted energy.

3. Use Glass Doors When Available

Glass doors on ovens offer a clear view of the interior, which means you donâ€™t have to open the door to check on your food. This prevents heat loss and maintains the ovenâ€™s temperature. If your oven has glass doors, avoid opening them unnecessarily. Instead, use a food thermometer to monitor internal temperatures without disturbing the cooking process.

4. Regularly Clean the Interior Light Bulb

A clean, bright light bulb makes it easier to see inside the oven, maximizing the benefits of having glass doors. Keeping the interior well-lit ensures better visibility, improving overall monitoring and reducing unnecessary door openings.

5. Test Timer and Thermostat Accuracy

Your ovenâ€™s timer and thermostat are crucial tools for managing cooking tasks remotely. Ensure theyâ€™re functioning correctly to prevent mishaps and maintain consistent results. A malfunctioning timer or thermostat can lead to burnt food or undercooked meals, both of which waste resources.

6. Promote Proper Air Circulation

To achieve even cooking, ensure adequate airflow around food. In convection ovens, the fans play a vital role in circulating air efficiently. Regularly check that the fans are working properly and unobstructed. Proper airflow not only improves cooking quality but also saves energy by shortening cook times.

7. Avoid Overfilling Pans

Overfilling pans blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking and wasted ingredients. While itâ€™s ideal to maximize oven capacity, overloading can result in food waste and health risks. Consider upgrading to a larger oven if your current setup canâ€™t meet your needs. Alternatively, adjust recipes to fit within your existing capacity.

8. Turn Off the Blower Before Opening Convection Oven Doors

Convection ovens rely on forced air circulation to expedite cooking. Opening the door while the blower is on pushes hot air out, forcing the oven to work harder to recover its temperature. Turning off the blower minimizes energy loss and creates a safer environment for users.

9. Level Your Oven

An improperly leveled oven can cause uneven cooking, similar to overfilling pans. To check your ovenâ€™s level, place a torpedo level on the interior racks and adjust the leveling feet as needed. Proper leveling ensures uniform cooking and optimal energy use.

10. Check Top Racks First in Conventional Ovens

Heat rises in conventional ovens, so always check the top racks first to avoid overcooking. In contrast, convection ovens distribute heat evenly thanks to their fans, minimizing the risk of uneven cooking. Adjust your monitoring strategy accordingly based on the type of oven youâ€™re using.

11. Set the Thermostat Appropriately

Setting the thermostat higher than necessary wonâ€™t speed up preheatingâ€”it simply wastes energy. Train all staff to adhere to the recommended temperatures for each recipe. Small adjustments in temperature settings can add up to substantial savings over time.

While some of these tips may seem obvious, itâ€™s still worth posting them and reviewing them with your team regularly. Energy efficiency is built on consistency, and small changes can yield significant results. By implementing these practices, youâ€™ll not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable operation. Energy Efficient Tips