Commercial convection ovens are one of the most popular commercial appliances employed in commercial settings. Mostly found at restaurants, these machines are designed to prepare multiple food items at the same time. As rigid and long-lasting as they are, commercial convection ovens tend to run into problems that require immediate diagnosis. This is why calling in a commercial kitchen appliance repair expert is the right option. Here are some of the common commercial convection oven problems and how to both fix and prevent them in the future.

Commercial Convection Oven Fixes

Oven Fails To Heat Up

If your commercial convection oven fails to heat up, it could be due to several reasons. From a faulty heating element to a faulty thermostat, anything could go wrong. But the key lies in finding the exact issue within the shortest amount of time.

Electronic items are different from mechanical ones in the sense that they do not produce or give away any particular signs or symptoms if something is about to or has gone wrong. That said, you will need to begin the diagnostic process from the basics and eventually end up at the root cause.

The first thing you will want to check is the heating elements. Depending on the model of the commercial convection oven, there might be multiple heating elements. These elements heat up and glow to reach the desired temperature.

If you turn on the oven and the heating elements fail to glow or produce heat, it means the elements have gone wrong. You can try replacing the elements to see if it fixes the issue. If not, you can also check the thermostat control or temperature sensor.

These components work together and signal to the heating elements when it is time to prepare food. If the temperature sensor is not able to track the temperature, it won’t communicate with the oven properly. As a result, the heating elements might not turn on.

At the same time, if the thermostat control has malfunctioned, the oven itself will stall. But this might need a professional to diagnose and fix it.

Temperature Control Issues

A common problem in commercial kitchens is placing ovens and other heat-producing equipment close to each other. As the heat accumulates, the temperature increases and tricks the oven and other appliances into thinking the temperature is actually high.

Meanwhile, the temperature sensors track the temperature and send signals to the oven accordingly. So, if your convection oven is installed close to other heat sources, it might not be able to maintain the temperature. The only way to fix and prevent this issue is by ensuring the oven is placed at a distance from other heat-producing sources.

Temperature control problems are not limited to ovens, as other appliances like fryers, steamers, and refrigeration systems like fridges and freezers can also get affected by it. So, maintain your commercial appliances to avoid temperature issues.

Uneven Heating

Uneven heating is another common issue in commercial convection ovens. If you observe unevenly cooked food items, it means the heat distribution inside the oven is not equal or proper. Then again, you might want to check the heating elements and temperature sensors.

If the oven was recently serviced, it might be that the elements were not installed properly. You should make sure they are not loose. The same goes for the temperature sensors. You might think these components do not make much difference, but they do.

Plus, if the oven happens to be old, it could be the worn-out seals or gaskets that are causing the heat to escape. You will need to inspect both the seals and gaskets to determine if they need replacement. This issue is common in gas ovens as well, so consult a commercial gas oven repair Arlington expert for an inspection.

Unusual Noises

Although it is quite rare for new ovens to make any unusual or strange noises but if the oven happens to be a bit old, you can expect some unexpected sounds. This does not mean the oven is about to explode or anything like that, but it can be serious in some cases as well if left ignored.

Some convection ovens come with motors or bearings that wear out with time. So, if you hear grinding or squeaking sounds, it means something is wrong. You should turn off the appliance and consult an expert to fix the noisy convection oven.

Timer Or Display Issues

Timer or display issues are again amongst those that are hardly seen in new units. With time and due to neglect and ignorance, oil, grease, dirt and dust accumulation can make it difficult for the display panel to work properly.

If the oven happens to be new, you can claim the warranty. But if the unit happens to be old, you will need to contact the manufacturer for a replacement. Timer or display issues can also take place due to a blown fuse or a damaged wire.

If you have not worked on an oven before, it will be wise to contact an expert. Do not play around with the oven to try to fix the issue. You might end up injuring yourself and damaging the oven.

Lack Of Maintenance

Sometimes, the problem does not lie with the oven itself but the lack of maintenance. It is a common misconception that convection ovens do not require much maintenance considering they do not use oil. But, with time, food particles, dust, moisture, and other external factors can impede the performance.

This is why it is important to thoroughly clean the oven at the end of each working day or at least once a week. On top of that, you should also invest in professional maintenance to prevent potential issues from arising.

Can I Perform Maintenance Myself?

Commercial convection ovens are fairly simple machines to work with, but can also be complicated when certain issues arise. In addition to that, you can perform routine maintenance yourself or train your employees to do it.

But, when it comes to thorough inspections and maintenance, you should only rely on a professional. The reason is that modern commercial ovens come with advanced features that could easily be affected if your maintenance technique is not appropriate.

The best way in such cases is to consult the user manual and use the right tools and techniques. Furthermore, you should entrust an expert to perform thorough maintenance of the oven.

How To Find The Right Expert?

Finding the right expert is crucial to your oven’s smooth performance. The best way to find a trustable and experienced expert is by searching for referrals. You might want to ask other business owners in the vicinity for advice or suggestions.

If that is not possible, you can look on the internet. Try to gather as many options as possible and interview them or pay them a personal visit. This will give you a better idea of their skills and expertise. Make sure the expert carries insurance and a license.

Such services can be a bit expensive but offer guarantees in terms of performance and longevity.

Conclusion

There could be many other reasons your convection oven might run into a problem. But the reality lies in becoming familiar with the troubleshooting tips and following a maintenance schedule to ensure no-fuss performance. And for any repairs or replacements, always consult an experienced commercial oven repair Clifton professional.