Commercial ovens are at the heart of every busy kitchen, powering everything from breakfast rushes to dinner services. But with great power comes great responsibility! From handling high temperatures to choosing the right spot for installation, safety should be a top priority.

Let’s explore how to handle everything from placement and stacking to cleaning and operation with confidence.

Location, Location, Location

Proper oven placement isn’t just about convenience—it’s critical for safety. Be sure to maintain adequate clearance around your oven on all sides to allow for proper airflow and heat dissipation. For vented ovens, it’s essential to incorporate a hood system that is appropriately sized and positioned directly above the oven to effectively manage heat, smoke, and cooking fumes, and to comply with local health and building codes. Regular maintenance of the hood and ductwork is needed to prevent grease buildup and ensure the system’s efficiency.

Even ventless ovens require adequate clearance—often ranging from one to two inches depending on the manufacturer and model—to prevent overheating, maintain optimal performance, and comply with safety regulations. Opting for ventless models lowers oven-related risks by reducing fire hazards with effective emission management, improved air quality, and the elimination of external ductwork that could crowd your workspace. Their compact design supports flexible placement and easy integration into challenging kitchen layouts where space or ventilation options may be limited, all while contributing to a safe, uncluttered, and efficient kitchen.

Stacked in Your Favor

Running low on floor space? Stack kits let you confidently double up on oven power without the danger of an unsteady tower. These kits are engineered for safety, ensuring stability and preventing wobbling of equipment, which minimizes the risk of accidents in your busy kitchen.

Additionally, consider utilizing carts with locking wheels when mobility is needed. These carts add flexibility to kitchen arrangements, allowing for easy movement and secure positioning of ovens where adaptability is key.
Pro Tip: Always use manufacturer-approved kits and carts to avoid unsteady configurations or damage to your units. Double-check weight limits and compatibility to ensure a safe setup.

High Temps, Low Stress

Traditional ovens can become extremely hot on the exterior, posing safety risks during busy service times. To mitigate these risks, implement precautionary measures such as maintaining a clear area around the oven to prevent accidental contact with the hot surfaces and using heat-resistant barriers where possible.

For an innovative solution, consider impingement ovens, such as those featuring Precision Impingement® from Ovention. This technology revolutionizes cooking by delivering fast, even heating through the precise targeting of hot air, minimizing heat transfer to the oven’s exterior, reducing the risk of burns, and allowing you to focus on your culinary creations without worrying about sizzling surfaces.

Safety First: Regardless of the oven type, it’s important to use heat-resistant gloves or mitts when removing food from the oven, even if the outside is cool. Tools like pizza peels or tongs can also help keep your hands safe from the hot interior.

All Shine (No Grime)

A clean oven is a safe oven. Accumulated grease and food particles can pose serious fire hazards and impact cooking performance by obstructing proper airflow and heat distribution.
Look for oven models designed to make cleaning hassle-free, with smooth interior surfaces and user-friendly disassembly. Opting for a ventless design can also reduce the number of external components that need cleaning compared to traditional ovens.

Quick Oven Cleaning Schedule

Maintaining a regular cleaning routine helps keep a safe, hygienic workspace and extends the life of your equipment.

• Daily: Empty crumb trays to prevent buildup that could affect airflow or cooking efficiency.
• Weekly: Perform a deeper clean by removing and washing interior components, like racks and trays, with warm soapy water.
• Monthly: Inspect and clean any air filters to maintain proper airflow and prevent overheating.
• Always: Use non-abrasive, manufacturer-approved cleaning agents to protect surfaces and preserve the oven’s finish.

Ovention: Safety’s Baked In

From space-saving stack kits and ventless technology to simplified cleaning and cool-to-the-touch designs, Ovention ovens are built with safety in mind. By following best practices for placement, operation, and maintenance, you can keep your kitchen running smoothly while avoiding unnecessary risks. Remember, the best kitchens aren’t just productive—they’re safe too!

To upgrade to a safer, smarter kitchen, explore Ovention’s innovative ovens and accessories.