If you’ve worked in a professional kitchen, chances are you’ve heard the term combi oven. But what exactly is it, and why has it become such a must-have in commercial kitchens around the world?
At CaterCombi, we specialise in refurbished combi ovens that deliver top-tier performance without the new-equipment price tag. Whether you’re a chef just starting out, upgrading your setup, or simply curious, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about combi cooking.
What Is a Combi Oven?
A combi oven (short for combination oven) is a versatile piece of commercial kitchen equipment that combines convection heat, steam, or a combination of both in one unit.
This gives you three primary cooking modes:
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Convection (Dry Heat): Perfect for roasting, baking, and grilling.
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Steam (Moist Heat): Ideal for vegetables, fish, rice, and delicate dishes.
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Combination Mode: Uses both heat and steam to maintain moisture while browning or crisping food—great for meats, casseroles, and baked goods.
Why Combi Ovens Matter in Modern Kitchens
Combi ovens have become essential in professional kitchens for five key reasons:
1. Versatility in One Appliance
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Steam, roast, bake, grill, poach, and reheat—all in a single machine.
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Perfect for kitchens with limited space or staff.
2. Consistent Cooking Results
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Built-in sensors and automated controls ensure every tray is cooked evenly.
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No more overcooked edges or raw centres.
3. Faster Cooking Times
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Combination mode accelerates cook times by retaining heat and moisture.
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Helps you serve more covers in less time.
4. Healthier Meals
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Steam mode retains vitamins and reduces the need for added fats.
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Ideal for schools, care homes, and health-conscious menus.
5. Cost and Energy Efficiency
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Multi-tray cooking reduces the need for multiple appliances.
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Smart water and energy usage can lower utility bills.
Who Uses Combi Ovens?
Combi ovens are now the backbone of kitchens across all sectors:
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Restaurants and bistros
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Hotels and catering companies
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Schools and universities
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Care homes and hospitals
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Event and mobile caterers
Whether you’re cooking 30 meals or 300, a combi oven helps streamline prep and maintain quality.
How to Choose the Right Combi Oven
Here are a few things to consider when picking a combi oven for your kitchen:
| Feature | What to Consider |
| Size | How many trays do you need? 6, 10, or 20-grid? |
| Power | Electric or gas? Depends on your kitchen setup. |
| Controls | Manual dials vs. digital touchscreens, what suite your team? |
| Water Type | Do you need built-in water filters or automatic cleaning? |
| Brand | Rational, Lainox, Convotherm, Electrolux, Bonnet or Lincat? |
Tip: Refurbished combi ovens from CaterCombi give you access to premium brands without the high price tag.
Why Go Refurbished?
Buying a brand-new combi oven can be a major investment. At CaterCombi, we offer fully refurbished units that are:
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Expertly restored and tested
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Descaled, cleaned, and serviced
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Fitted with new parts where needed
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Backed by warranty for peace of mind
This means you get top-level performance without compromising your budget.
Ready to Upgrade Your Kitchen?
Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, a combi oven can transform the way you cook. And with CaterCombi’s range of refurbished, professional-grade ovens, that transformation is more accessible than ever.
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👉 Talk to our team for honest, expert advice - Sales: 01227 913040 (Option 1) or Email: office@catercombi.com
CaterCombi – The Combi Oven Specialists