Buying the wrong oven can cost your business time, money, and even customers. Whether you’re launching a new food venture or upgrading an existing kitchen, choosing the right oven is critical. At CaterCombi, we know that not every kitchen has the same needs, but every kitchen needs equipment that’s reliable, flexible, and cost-effective. Here's your no-nonsense guide to getting it right.
Start With Your Business Type
Before diving into specs and price tags, ask:
What kind of business are you running?
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Café or coffee shop – Quick turnover, reheats, baked goods
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Restaurant or gastropub – Versatile cooking, consistent output
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Street food or dark kitchen – Compact size, multi-functionality
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Catering or events – Portability, speed, and reliability
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Start-up or test kitchen – Flexibility, low maintenance, and cost control
Each model we offer at CaterCombi is designed with specific user needs in mind.
Space: How Much Kitchen Real Estate Do You Really Have?
Kitchens are shrinking, especially in urban venues. Before you buy, measure your space and consider:
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Ventilation – Some models require extraction, others don’t
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Stackability – Need to scale later? Stackable units give you room to grow
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Footprint vs output – Don’t assume small means low capacity
Our CaterCombi Compact range is perfect for tight spaces without compromising on power.
Functionality: What Do You Really Need It to Do?
A good combi oven can handle:
- Steaming
- Baking
- Grilling
- Roasting
- Regenerating
- Proofing
But here’s the real question: How many functions will you actually use?
Start simple. Choose a model that does exactly what your menu demands, and has room to grow as your offering expands.
Ease of Use & Staffing Levels
If you're running a small team (or hiring junior staff), you need equipment that’s:
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Intuitive
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Pre-programmable
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Hard to mess up
CaterCombi have ovens that feature easy-to-use touchscreen controls with custom programmes. Consistency without complexity.
Energy Efficiency & Cost Control
Your oven will run daily, often for hours so energy usage adds up. The right oven should:
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Reduce utility bills with smart heating cycles
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Use less water (especially in steam mode)
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Cut down on food waste with precise cooking
Support, Servicing, and Longevity
Don’t overlook aftercare. The cheapest oven up front may cost you in repairs and lost service days. Ask:
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What’s the warranty?
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Is there UK-wide servicing?
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Can I get parts easily?
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Do I get training or onboarding help?
With CaterCombi, you get nationwide support, full installation guidance, and a dedicated customer care team.
Budget: Spend Smart, Not Small
We get it budgets are tight. But an oven isn’t just a purchase. It’s a profit-driving asset. Think in terms of:
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Return on investment (ROI)
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Reduced food waste
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Lower labour costs
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Menu expansion opportunities
We also offer finance plans to help spread the cost and protect your cashflow. We have a great partnership with iwocaPay, so you can spread the cost over 3 months, interest free.
Final Thought: The Right Oven = A Smarter Kitchen
The oven you choose today should support your growth tomorrow. At CaterCombi, we work with everyone from food trucks to 100-cover pubs to help them cook smarter, and save more.
Need help deciding?
We offer free consultations to match you with the best oven for your kitchen, team, and menu. Let’s find the one that fits.
Call now to find your perfect oven! Visit: https://catercombi.com/ to see our products.