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Chef Louella Villa
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10.16.24

Exploring Vulcan Combi Ovens: A Guide for Commercial Kitchens

Vulcan Combi Ovens stand out as some of the most reliable and innovative models on the market, offering a range of features designed to meet the demands of commercial kitchens. Choosing the right combi oven for your commercial kitchen can be a game-changer, especially if you’re purchasing one for the first time. A combi oven’s ability to provide convection, steam, and a combination of both makes it an incredibly powerful and versatile piece of equipment that saves space and increases cooking efficiency and productivity.

What is a Combi Oven?

A combi oven offers three cooking modes: convection (hot dry heat), steam (moist heat), and combi cooking. Combi cooking combines both convection and steam mode allowing chefs to prepare a wide range of dishes from baked goods to delicate proteins, all within the same unit. Not all combi ovens are built the same, and their capacities, power sources, and control options may vary, but not to fret – Vulcan has a combi for every kitchen! 

1. Choosing your model: TCM, Minijet, and ABC Series

Vulcan offers three combi oven series: TCM, Minijet, and ABC. Each has unique features tailored to different kitchen needs:

TCM (Touch Control Multi): These models feature advanced touch-screen programmability, allowing you to store up to 100 cooking programs. The TCM series is perfect for kitchens that need precision and consistency across a wide variety of dishes. Features like automatic humidity control and built-in cleaning programs make these ovens ideal for high-end or high-volume operations.

Minijet™: Vulcan’s Minijet™ offers compact solutions without sacrificing performance. These ovens deliver the same powerful capabilities as the TCM series, but in a smaller footprint. Despite their size, Minijet™ combis provide excellent steam, convection, and combi cooking, making them a perfect choice for kitchens with limited space and they can even be stacked. If you’re running a smaller operation but still need the full versatility of a combi oven, the Minijet is an ideal fit, delivering the same high-quality results you’d expect from a larger unit.

ABC: Vulcan’s ABC series simplifies the combi oven experience by removing complex features and focuses on user-friendly core cooking capabilities. ABC models are easy to operate, making them perfect for kitchens with a smaller staff or less technical training. The boilerless steam system reduces maintenance costs while still providing the steam power needed for efficient cooking.
 

2. Understanding Vulcan Model Numbers:

When shopping for Vulcan combi ovens, you’ll notice model numbers like 101 and 102. These numbers refer to the pan capacity of the oven. These numbers indicate how many full-size GN (Gastronorm) pans the oven can accommodate. GN pans are standard in commercial kitchens and measure about 20.8 x 12.8 inches (530 x 325 mm).

101 Models: These combi ovens can hold up to 10 full-size GN pans, ideal for medium to large kitchens. For example, Vulcan’s TCM101 models fit 10 GN or 10 half size sheet tray, offering a great balance between cooking capacity and kitchen footprint.

102 Models: These ovens, like the TCM102, accommodate 20 full-size GN pans, or 10 full sheet trays, making them perfect for high-volume operations. This larger capacity configuration allows you to cook more food at once without taking up too much space.

When choosing a model, keep in mind the type of pans you’ll be using. If you’re working with deeper pans (4-inch or 6-inch deep), the overall capacity may reduce slightly, so it’s important to match the oven’s capacity with your specific kitchen needs.

By understanding how the model number correlates to pan capacity and pan size, you can choose the perfect Vulcan combi oven that meets your kitchen's volume and workflow demands.

3. Configuration: 6-Pan, 10-Pan, or More?

Understanding the configuration of your Vulcan Combi Oven is key to maximizing your kitchen’s efficiency. Vulcan offers combi ovens with various pan capacities allowing you to choose the right fit for your kitchen’s volume and space.

For kitchens with limited space but high production needs, Vulcan’s ABC and Minijet ™ offers the flexibility to stack units, effectively doubling your cooking capacity without expanding your kitchen’s footprint. ABC7 can be stacked enabling you to prepare different types of dishes at varying temperatures and humidity levels, all at the same time. This configuration enhances your kitchen’s versatility, allowing you to handle more complex menus and increase productivity without compromising on space.

4. Boiler vs. Boilerless Steam Generation

When choosing between combi oven models, you’ll also want to understand the differences between boiler and boilerless steam systems:

Boiler Models: These units generate steam using a built-in boiler, providing a continuous supply of steam. Perfect for high-volume kitchens, bakeries, or restaurants with heavy steaming needs, boiler models deliver powerful and consistent steam, ensuring even cooking results for larger batches. They’re robust, reliable, and ideal when steam is a priority.

Boilerless Models: These combi ovens use water from the kitchen supply line, heating it over elements to generate steam. These models, like ABC and TCM Series, are easy to maintain and energy-efficient, perfect for kitchens that need the benefits of steam cooking without the upkeep of a boiler.

5. Power Source: Gas vs. Electric

Vulcan offers both gas and electric combi ovens, so the choice depends on your kitchen’s infrastructure:

Gas Models: Gas combi ovens heat up fast and are ideal for large-scale operations. Vulcan’s gas models are designed for high-performance cooking, offering fast temperature recovery, which is essential during peak hours.

Electric Models: Vulcan’s electric combi ovens are more energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. Electric models are a great choice for smaller kitchens or those looking to reduce their energy footprint.

Choosing the right combi oven for your restaurant depends on your kitchen’s needs, volume, and the features you prioritize. By understanding model differences, like the pan capacity, control type, and steam generation method, you can make an informed decision that will streamline your cooking processes and enhance your kitchen’s efficiency.

Vulcan’s lineup offers a variety of combi oven models designed to meet the needs of any kitchen, from small bistros to large-scale restaurants. Whether you need the programmability of a TCM model or the reliability and stack ability of our ABC, Vulcan has you covered. Explore Vulcan’s Combi Oven range and see how their precision and durability can transform your commercial kitchen.

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