What is a Combination Oven?
The technology behind a combi oven or combination oven is relatively new to the restaurant industry. It was first introduced about 15 years ago as a combination steam and convection oven and immediately gained popularity in hotel and high-volume restaurants, both large and small.
Many of today’s top chefs are still discovering what a combi oven does, how to use it and what it can do for their operations. During a recent survey we learned that many chefs do not own a combi oven yet but 98% of chefs were interested in using one. Below you will find simple facts about the technology, why it’s important, and how to choose the right combi oven for your kitchen.
What does a Combi Oven do?
A combi oven is an oven with three functions: convection, steam and combination cooking. In the convection mode, the oven circulates dry heat - ideal for pastries and breads. The steam mode injects water into the oven to poach fish, rice and vegetables. The true genius behind the combi oven is the combination mode which uses both dry heat and steam to maintain exact humidity levels, thus giving you more control of the moisture levels in food.
These levels are adjustable from 0% to 100% of possible maximum relative humidity, a term used to describe the quantity of water vapor that exists in a gaseous mixture of air and water. Our understanding of humidity in a combi may be simple if we relate this example when it is 90°F outside with high humidity, humans feel hotter than the actual air temperature. The extra humidity transfers heat faster and we noticeably can feel the difference than if it was just 90°F outside with zero humidity (dry heat). This same effect can be controlled inside a combi oven, enabling chefs to cook food with higher heat and moisture control capabilities. At 100% relative humidity, you will be able to cook with high heat without burning or excessively drying out food products.
The true benefit of a combi oven is it controls the humidity inside its chamber, maintaining exactly the desired atmosphere, reducing shrinkage and weight loss while also improving cook times and results.
Other useful links
How to pick the right combination oven
