A high-speed or rapid cook oven is an oven that uses two or more heat transfer methods, such as microwave and convection heating, to expedite the cooking process and reduce wait times. Speed ovens are popular for operations with limited footprints since they are designed for countertop use and can prepare various fresh, hot food on demand to help increase menu flexibility.
A speed oven goes beyond the capabilities of a microwave oven in that it combines microwave technology with other heating sources like convection and radiant heating to cook food faster and more consistently.
Rapid cook ovens are a great way to add versatility to menus at convenience stores, delis, cafes, and other small establishments. They combine several cooking methods like microwave, convection, radiant heat, and air impingement cooking to provide operators with numerous benefits.
Speed ovens use two or more heat transfer methods to reduce the cooking times of foods. Let's review the four heating combinations high-speed ovens can utilize for rapid cooking:
Utilizes impingement plates and fingers to force convection currents directly at the food within the oven cavity for accelerated, uniform cooking. This type of heating is best for dishes such as pizza, sandwiches, and roasted vegetables.
Utilizes convection heat and microwave technology to quickly cook and finish food within the oven cavity. This type of heating is best for dishes such as nachos, mozzarella sticks, par-baked chicken wings, and breakfast sandwiches.
Similar to microwave and convection heating, microwave and impinged convection heating utilizes microwave technology along with impingement plates and fingers to force convection currents directly at items placed in the oven cavity. This allows food to cook from the inside out via microwaves while the impinged convection currents crisp the outside. This type of heating is best for dishes such as nachos, mozzarella sticks, par-baked chicken wings, and breakfast sandwiches.
Utilizes microwave, impinged convection, and infrared radiant heat to enhance toasting and crisping. This heating method provides the most cooking versatility and can be used to cook numerous dishes, from pizza to fish to muffins.
The perfect high-speed oven for you depends on a lot of variables. What are you looking for in terms of wattage and capacity? Are you looking for units with multiple accessories to increase their versatility or a lot of power for greater output? Do you specialize in a specific cuisine or do you serve a wide range of menu items? When comparing models, each brand has entry-level, high-performance, and max-performance ovens with intuitive controls and features. The chart below provides wattage and cavity ranges between the different performance tiers and an estimated price range. Be sure to check out each unique model for insight into specific differences.
High-speed ovens have features that can help modernize your kitchen and improve meal preparation time and consistency. Programmability, a ventless design, and Wi-Fi connectivity are three useful features that can help streamline your operation.
Most rapid cook ovens allow you to program and store a variety of recipes so you can offer a diverse menu with guaranteed consistency. This will help simplify the training process when working with new employees and ensures consistent results across multiple units and restaurant locations.
A high-speed oven's ventless functionality allows users to operate their unit without a commercial hood. This is helpful for establishments with limited hood space and locations where a commercial hood installation isn't permitted.
Wi-Fi connectivity allows users to add and update programmed recipes to their high-speed oven via a wireless device. Wi-Fi connectivity is helpful for businesses with multiple locations, allowing them to update their menu remotely and save time and labor.
High-speed ovens reduce the time spent preparing foods, thus increasing your speed of service. The chart below outlines how quickly some foods can be cooked using a rapid cook oven.
Food Type | Cook Time | Food Type | Cook Time |
---|---|---|---|
Pizza |
Less than 3 minutes and 30 seconds |
Quesadilla |
1 minute |
French Fries |
Less than 2 minutes and 30 seconds |
Roasted Chicken Breast |
6 minutes and 30 seconds |
Panini |
Less than 30 seconds |
Popcorn Shrimp |
2 minutes and 30 seconds |
Toasted Subs |
20 seconds |
Chocolate Chip Cookies |
1 minute and 35 seconds |
We have a wide selection of commercial high-speed ovens from reliable brands to ensure you can find the best unit for your menu and price point. When comparing brands such as ACP vs. Merrychef vs. Turbochef ovens, each brand offers entry-level, high-performance, and max-performance ovens with a variety of accessories.
Featuring a full catalog of rapid cook ovens, the Merrychef eikon series is versatile and suitable for busy kitchens.
Certified as non-grease emitting appliances, Turbochef ventless rapid cook ovens are energy-efficient and user-friendly.
Xpress IQ technology in ACP speed ovens allows you to cook, toast, grill, or bake a wide range of foods.
Fast, flexible, and easily programmable, Panasonic speed ovens can be used by any member of your staff.
Related Resources
June 2024 WebstaurantStore Coupon Code
Summer is almost here, and to celebrate Webstaurantstore is offering a variety of amazing monthly deals! In June, you'll discover incredible prices on glassware, flavoring syrups, disposable packaging supplies and much more! Take a look at our selection of sale items below and don't forget to enter the code SUMMERSALE at checkout to enjoy savings of up to 25%! We're also excited to introduce the new Webstaurant Rewards® Visa Business Card ! Sign up for a new card today and start earning rewards on every WebstaurantStore purchase. Use Coupon Code: SUMMERSALE DaVinci Gourmet Classic Passion Fruit Flavoring / Fruit Syrup 750 mL reg. $6.89 Each $5.86 Shop Now Monin Hydration Boost Syrup 1 Liter reg. $12.49 Each $11.24 Shop Now Fanale Strawberry
What Is a Salamander Oven?
A salamander oven, or salamander broiler, is a versatile piece of cooking equipment that uses high heat for finishing foods. This guide will look at the benefits of using a commercial salamander broiler in your kitchen and what to consider before purchasing a unit. Shop All Salamander Ovens
Types of Pizza Ovens
If you're starting a pizzeria , the pizza oven is the most important investment you'll make. There are five types of commercial pizza ovens: brick, conveyor, deck, convention, and countertop. To help you make an informed purchase, we break down the benefits, average cost, and production volume of each pizza oven category. Shop All Commercial Pizza Ovens Click any of the sections below to learn about the different pizza oven types: Brick Pizza Oven Conveyor Pizza Oven Pizza Deck Oven Convection Pizza Oven Countertop Pizza Oven Pizza Oven Comparison Charts What Is the Best Commercial Pizza Oven? Many foodservice professionals agree brick ovens are the best commercial pizza oven model. While it's natural to want the best commercial pizza oven,