Holiday Cookie Baking Tips When Using Commercial Ovens

As we prepare for the holidays, here are some tips for baking the best holiday cookies for our customers. Remember, each commercial oven has its unique features, so adapt these tips based on your specific equipment.

1. Preheat Thoroughly: Ensure your commercial oven is fully preheated before placing cookies inside for consistent and even baking.
2. Understand Oven Hot Spots: Know your oven’s hot spots and rotate trays if necessary to avoid uneven baking.
3. Invest in Quality Bakeware: Choose durable, light-colored baking sheets to prevent over-browning and ensure even heat distribution.
4. Use Convection Wisely: Leverage convection settings for even airflow, but be mindful of reduced baking times—adjust accordingly.
5. Monitor Temperature Accuracy: Regularly check the oven temperature with a reliable thermometer to guarantee accuracy.
6. Batch Sizing Matters: Avoid overcrowding trays to allow proper air circulation, promoting uniform baking.
7. Master Oven Timings: Keep a close eye on baking times, as commercial ovens may differ—adapt recipes as needed.
8. Explore Steam Functions (Combi Ovens): If using a combi oven, experiment with steam settings for enhanced moisture and texture in your cookies.
9. Cooling Strategy: Develop an efficient cooling system to maintain cookie texture and prevent carryover cooking.
10. Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance to ensure your commercial oven operates optimally for consistent results.

Here are different types of commercial ovens available:

1. Impingement Oven:
• Uses high-velocity hot air jets to rapidly heat and cook food.
• Ensures even baking through targeted air streams.
• Suitable for high-volume baking as it accelerates the cooking process.
• Example: Turbochef Bullet https://turbochef.com/product/bullet/
2. Convection Oven:
• Utilizes a fan to circulate hot air evenly around the oven chamber.
• Provides consistent baking results by eliminating hot spots.
• Well-suited for a variety of baked goods, including cookies, with reliable and uniform heat distribution.
• Example: Blodgett https://www.blodgett.com/convection/
3. Combi Oven:
• Combines convection and steam cooking in one appliance.
• Offers flexibility for baking, steaming, or a combination of both.
• Allows precise control over humidity levels, enhancing the texture of cookies while preventing drying.
• Example: Rational iCombi Pro https://www.rational-online.com/en_us/icombi-pro/ [Tip: if you already have one, call the RATIONAL ChefLine at 866-306-CHEF(2433). RATIONAL chefs are available 365 days a year to answer questions on preparation methods, settings and cooking paths for free]

Choosing the right oven depends on your specific baking needs, production volume, and desired features. For cookies, a convection oven is commonly used, but the choice may vary based on your preferences and the scale of your operation.

Contact us at sales@aldevra.com or 269-350-1337 for help choosing the best oven for your holiday baking needs!