Combi Ovens vs Convection Ovens: What’s best for your menu?
Perfect! Here's the final version of the article with Turbofan added to the list of trusted brands. I've updated the convection oven section to reflect this, while keeping everything else consistent and clean:
When it comes to equipping your commercial kitchen, choosing the right oven can make a massive difference to your workflow, food quality, and energy use. Two of the most popular options in New Zealand hospitality kitchens are combi ovens and convection ovens – but which one is right for your setup?
Let’s break down the differences and help you decide what’s best for your menu.
What is a convection oven?
A commercial convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air evenly around the food. This consistent airflow means faster, more even cooking – great for roasting, baking, or reheating. You’ll often find them in bakeries, cafés, and restaurants where reliable dry heat is essential.
Best for:
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Roasting vegetables and meats
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Baking pastries, pies, and bread
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Cooking trays of food evenly and quickly
Benefits:
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Affordable and easy to use
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Reliable for high-volume baking
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Smaller footprint than a combi oven
At Simply Hospitality, we support a range of commercial convection ovens from trusted global brands like Turbofan, known for their durability, performance, and smart design features that suit a wide range of commercial kitchens.
What is a combi oven?
A combi oven combines three cooking modes in one: convection (dry heat), steam (moist heat), and a combination of both. With programmable settings and precise control over humidity and temperature, combi ovens offer unmatched versatility and consistency.
Best for:
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Cooking proteins without drying them out
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Baking with moisture control (great for sourdough and artisan breads)
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Reheating food while maintaining texture
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Multi-stage cooking – ideal for large menus
Benefits:
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Cooks faster and with more precision
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Reduces shrinkage in meats (better yield)
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Replaces multiple pieces of equipment
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Energy-efficient in the long run
We proudly stock combi ovens from top-tier brands like Convotherm, Giorik, and Alto-Shaam – each offering unique features to suit different kitchens. Whether you need smart touchscreen controls, pre-programmed cooking cycles, or compact units for tight spaces, these brands deliver performance you can trust.
So, which one is best for your kitchen?
It comes down to your menu, your kitchen size, and your budget.
✅ If you’re running a high-volume kitchen with a varied menu and want one piece of equipment to do it all – a combi oven is worth the investment.
✅ If you mainly bake or roast, and need something more straightforward – a convection oven will do the job well and is easier on the wallet.
At Simply Hospitality, we supply both combi ovens and convection ovens from trusted commercial brands like Turbofan, Giorik, Convotherm, and Alto-Shaam – brands we know, trust, and are proud to stand behind. Every product is backed by solid warranties, reliable after-sales support, and expert advice from our local team.
Need help deciding? Get in touch – we’re here to help you find the right oven for your kitchen and your menu.