Combi Ovens

A combi oven is a commercial cooking appliance that operates in three modes: convection, steam and a combination of the two. Switching between modes lets a single cabinet handle tasks that would otherwise require a separate steamer, convection oven and holding unit. Most commercial kitchens regard them as the most versatile cooking appliance on the floor.

You'll find electric and gas models, benchtop units suited to smaller kitchens and cafes, full floor-standing cabinets for high-volume service, and stacked configurations where two ovens share one stand. Brands including Giorik, UNOX, Rational, MKN, Turbofan and Fagor Professional cover a range of tray capacities from compact 6-tray benchtop models up to large 20-tray floor units.

Benchtop combi ovens suit cafes, smaller restaurants and venues where bench space is available but floor space is tight. Floor-standing models are built for higher-volume output and typically accept more trays per cook cycle. A stacked arrangement — such as a 6-tray unit sitting above a 10-tray unit — gives your team two independent ovens running different programs at the same time without doubling the floor footprint.

Think about your busiest service and how many covers your kitchen turns in a single cook cycle, then work backwards to the number of gastronorm trays you need running at once. Most operators find it useful to allow some headroom above their typical load so the oven is not pushed to its limit every service. If you are unsure, our team can help you match a model to your menu and covers.

Yes. Steam generation requires a direct water supply, and most models also need a drain connection for condensate. Some units in the Giorik Steambox range offer a reverse osmosis option to manage water quality, which can reduce scale build-up in hard-water areas. Check your site's water pressure and supply specifications against the model's requirements before ordering, and factor in the drain position when planning the installation location.

A reverse osmosis system filters minerals from the incoming water supply before it reaches the steam generator. In areas with hard water, mineral scale accumulates inside the boiler and on steam injection components, which affects performance over time and increases maintenance costs. Fitting a reverse osmosis unit — available as a factory option on several Giorik Steambox models — reduces that build-up and can extend the service intervals between descaling cycles.

Many manufacturers design their ovens to stack, and Chefs Depot stocks purpose-built stacking kits and stands to suit models from Giorik and Fagor Professional, among others. Stacked configurations are popular where floor space is limited and output demands are high. Always use the manufacturer's approved stand or stacking hardware — improvised stacking arrangements can compromise stability and void the unit's warranty.

Most current combi ovens include an automatic cleaning program that runs with a dedicated tablet or liquid chemical. Chefs Depot stocks Combi Care cleaning solution designed for this purpose. Beyond the auto-clean cycle, door gaskets, drain screens and the oven cavity should be wiped down regularly to prevent grease build-up. Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning schedule — skipping cycles shortens the life of the steam generator and heating elements.

Installation requires a qualified electrician for the power connection and a licensed plumber for the water supply and drain. Gas models additionally need a licensed gasfitter. Ventilation is also a consideration — many kitchens connect the oven to an exhaust canopy, and some models are available with an integrated hood. Factor installation costs and trades into your budget when you are planning the purchase.

Chefs Depot members save off RRP on combi ovens and across the rest of the range. Membership is aimed at trade buyers — chefs, cafe operators and restaurant teams purchasing for their venue. If you buy regularly, the savings across a full fit-out or ongoing consumables order add up quickly. Create an account or log in to see member pricing applied at checkout.