The heart of any bakery is its oven. Despite having great ingredients, great recipes and even a great mixer, if you cannot get the perfect artisan bake you aim to achieve, then nothing else matters. Selecting the right artisan deck oven is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the quality, efficiency, and success of your business. We have been around the industry long enough to know that choosing the right deck oven can be stressful. That is why we put together this comprehensive guide that will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing an artisan deck oven for your bakery, helping you make an informed decision that sets your bakery up for success.

Understanding Your Needs:

The first big step in choosing the right oven is understanding your bakery’s needs and requirements. Factors such as bakery size, the volume of baked goods you produce, menu offerings, and budget. Are all important decision makers. Understanding these factors will help you narrow down your options and choose a deck oven that aligns with your bakery's goals and operations.

Types of Deck Ovens:

Deck ovens come in variety of fuel options and configurations. The main types of deck ovens to consider include:

Gas Deck Ovens: These ovens feature stone hearth baking decks that provide an even and consistent heat distribution, as well as being efficient in heat retention as well. Gas artisan deck ovens like the Minitube Stone Hearth Deck Oven or the LFKR Stone Hearth Deck Oven feature steam tube technology that requires less fuel consumption while providing a quality artisan bake.

Electric Deck Ovens: Electric deck ovens are extremely similar to traditional deck ovens but offer all of the benefits that electric equipment provides. Don’t let the electric part fool you. These ovens are just as effective as traditional ovens and offer precise temperature control and faster preheating times compared to traditional models. They are suitable for bakeries with limited space as they can be installed at near zero clearance and do not require the venting a gas oven requires.

Modular Deck Ovens: Modular deck ovens offer a level of customization that other ovens cannot offer. The modular ovens allow bakeries to bake multiple types of products by controlling the temperature of each deck individually.

Key Features to Consider:

When evaluating deck ovens, there are several key features to keep in mind to ensure you choose the right one for your bakery:

Deck Size and Capacity: The amount of total decks and the surface area of each deck should be heavily considered when choosing an oven. Make sure the deck space is efficient for your output.

Temperature Control: Look for ovens with precise temperature control capabilities to ensure consistent baking results across all decks.

Construction and Durability: Your oven is a major investment and you want to make sure you get what you pay for! Choosing an oven with a reliable, rugged and durable construction will ensure longevity with you oven.

Steam Capability: You can’t have artisan bread if you don’t have efficient steam. Make sure you find an oven that has an efficient steam system. Empire artisan deck ovens offer individual steam generators on each deck.

Ease of Maintenance: Ovens that are easy to clean and maintain are crucial factors if you want your oven to run efficiently. Choosing an oven from a company like Empire gives you 24/7 service and support with a large inventory of replacement parts.

Choosing the perfect deck oven for your bakery is a critical decision that requires careful consideration of your bakery's needs, budget, and future growth plans. Understanding the types of artisan deck ovens available to you and evaluating some key features will help you confidently select a deck oven that enhances efficiency, productivity, and quality in your bakery operations.