Save money by purchasing a countertop convection oven to handle smaller cooking jobs

If you run a breakfast-lunch operation or smaller scale food establishment, chances are that a countertop convection oven suits your needs.

I recommend: Jarco Industries and Central Restaurant Products sell a full service convection oven that sits on a counter and fits four full size sheet pans at once. These ovens circulate air around a five- to six-cubic foot cooking chamber using two high-speed fans. Both companies also sell half-size models containing only three shelves with roughly two cubic feet of cooking space.

Judge whether you need a full size convection oven with single or double decks

There's no doubt that a convection oven presents a considerable investment for any restaurant with significant price differences between the single and double deck varieties.

I recommend: Restaurant-Services.Com and AAA Commercial Products sell both, in either electric or gas varieties, with the single deck ovens standing on the floor, some with canisters for easy positioning. They contain between 10 and 12 different rack positions, allowing five racks to be used at a given time. Each rack holds up to 50 lbs of food. If you run a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation or serve thousands of meals each week, you'll need the double deck ovens which provide at least 24 rack positions and double the performance of the best single deck ovens. Both single and double deck ovens boast heavy duty stainless steel construction.

Weigh the advantages of special features available on commercial convection ovens

Get either a digital convection oven or a combi convection oven, which pairs a commercial quality broiler with a single or double deck convection range.

I recommend: Food Prep Innovations offers a combi oven that pairs a commercial quality broiler with a single or double deck convection range. Zesco Products Inc., offers convection ovens with 60 minute bake timers and automatic water injection steam.

Accessorize any restaurant convection oven to suit your particular needs

Let your menu guide which special convection oven accessories you'll need.

I recommend: Instawares Restaurant Supply Superstore lets you turn your oven into a rotisserie convection oven with a poultry rack so you can cook up to eight whole chickens at one shot. Or, get an oven proofer from For Your Convenience to proof your bakery's yeast-risen doughs.