Discover the Benefits of Using a Multi Cook Oven in Your Kitchen

An Introduction to Multi Cook Ovens

Multi cook ovens, also sometimes referred to as combination ovens or combi ovens, are revolutionizing professional and home kitchens alike. As their name implies, these state-of-the-art appliances combine multiple cooking functions into one convenient unit. Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of multi cook ovens and see why chefs, bakers, and home cooks everywhere are making the switch.

What Are Multi Cook Ovens?

Multi cook ovens integrate multiple cooking modes, such as convection baking and steaming, into one high-powered appliance. They are designed to be an all-in-one cooking solution rather than requiring the use of separate ovens, steamers, and so on. High-end models allow users to bake, roast, grill, steam, poach, and more.

These ovens usually consist of a cooking compartment, touchscreen controls, and specialized heating elements and fans that circulate air to ensure even cooking temperatures. They utilize advanced combinations of convection heat, steam injection, and microwave energy depending on the selected mode.

Benefits of Multi Cook Ovens

There are many excellent reasons both professional and home chefs are making the switch to multi cook ovens:

• Save kitchen space - By combining multiple appliances into one, multi cook ovens free up room for other equipment.
• Efficiency - Less time is wasted switching between different appliances to prepare a full meal.
• Consistent results - Smart sensors and settings mean every dish cooks exactly right every time.
• Food quality - Tender meats, crisp veggies, and moist baked goods are easily achieved.
• Lower costs - One unit uses less energy than running multiple appliances.
• Less monitoring - Set cooking programs and timers to achieve perfect doneness.

Types of Multi Cook Ovens

There are a few common types and classifications of multi cook ovens to be aware of:

• Combination oven - Utilizes both convection heat and steam to cook quickly and evenly.
• Convection oven - Features heating elements and powerful fans to distribute hot air.
• Microwave combination oven - Adds speedy microwave cooking to convection and steam.
• Full-size ovens - Large capacity ovens designed for restaurants and other food service operations.
• Countertop ovens - Smaller electric models sized for home kitchens.

Top Multi Cook Oven Brands & Models

With so many options on the market, it helps to look at best-selling brands and specific model recommendations from chefs. Top picks include:

• Alto-Shaam Combi Ovens - Award-winning brand beloved for evenness and low maintenance.
• Rational SelfCookingCenter - Intuitive controls and gorgeous browning.
• Hobart KitchenAid - Reliable brand perfect for home cooks.
• Wolf M Series Oven - Luxurious convection steam oven packed with features.
• Viking Professional Series - Rugged stainless steel built to last decades.

Using Your Multi Cook Oven

One of the biggest perks of multi cook ovens is how truly multi-functional they are. While it may take some experimentation to figure out which settings work best for different dishes, you'll soon be turning out incredible results across a diverse range of cooking applications.

Baking

The convection fans and steam injection settings of a multi cook oven make it perfect for all kinds of baking. Turn out trays of perfectly uniform cookies, moist and delicious cakes, aromatic loaves of bread, and more. The consistent heat distribution helps prevent hot and cold spots.

Roasting & Broiling

Get crispy, browned exteriors on roasts, chickens, chops, and anything else you'd typically broil or roast at high heat. The motors circulating air ensure meats cook evenly without drying out. Use handy pre-programmed settings to achieve your desired doneness with zero guesswork.

Steaming & Poaching

Gently cooking seafood, veggies, rice, eggs, and other delicate ingredients is a cinch with a multi cook oven's steaming functions. Simply add a bit of water to the cavity and use perforated pans to contain foods over the water bath. Set the desired steam temperature and timer.

Slow Cooking

While they definitely excel at fast cooking, multi cook ovens can also slow cook foods like pot roasts, beans, soups, and more. Use lower temperatures and the right pans to simmer ingredients low and slow all day until fork tender.

Cleaning & Maintenance Tips

To keep your multi cook oven in top working condition for years of reliable service, be diligent about regular cleaning and basic maintenance:

• Wipe up spills promptly to avoid baked-on grime.
• Use oven cleaner to fully degrease the interior regularly.
• Descale calcium deposits with white vinegar or lemon juice.
• Replace worn gaskets around doors to retain heat efficiency.
• Clean fan blades, filters, drains, and vents.
• Have a technician service per manufacturer guidelines.

Get Cooking with a Multi Cook Oven!

With their incredible versatility, consistent results, and space-saving design, it's no wonder multi cook ovens are becoming a fixture in home and professional kitchens everywhere. Take your cooking to the next level and cut down on appliance clutter with one of these multitaskers.

FAQs

What types of foods can you cook in a multi cook oven?

Almost anything! Multi cook ovens allow you to bake, roast, broil, steam, poach, slow cook, and more. Their versatility makes them perfect for meats, seafood, vegetables, breads, desserts, and anything else you'd typically prepare in a standard oven or stove.

Do multi cook ovens require any special maintenance?

Basic care and cleaning is required, such as regularly wiping up spills, degreasing the interior, descaling mineral deposits, and replacing worn gaskets. You should also clean fan blades, filters, drains and have a technician service the unit per manufacturer specifications.

What size multi cook oven is best for home use?

For most residential kitchens, an electric countertop model ranging between 5 and 10 cubic feet capacity should meet the majority of households' cooking needs while fitting comfortably on counters.

How much do commercial combination ovens cost?

Commercial full-size multi cook ovens designed for heavy restaurant use are a significant investment, typically ranging from $5,000 up to $15,000 depending on brand, features, and capacity. However, they offer serious versatility and durability.