Commercial Ovens for Consumers

Commercial convection ovens are the most widely used appliances in the foodservice industry. These are the workhorses of the commercial kitchen, with a wide variety of uses from baking and roasting to warming and reheating. In addition to traditional uses, convection ovens are used for nearly all types of food preparation, including foods typically prepared using other types of appliances (e.g., griddles, fryers, etc.). Commercial ovens that have earned the ENERGY STAR are about 20 percent more energy efficient than standard models.

Earning the ENERGY STAR

Electric — both full- and half-size, and gas convection ovens can earn the ENERGY STAR by meeting minimum cooking energy efficiency, as well as a maximum idle energy rates. Cooking energy efficiency represents the amount of energy absorbed by the food product compared to the total energy used by the oven during the cooking process. The idle energy rate represents the energy used by the oven while it is maintaining or holding at a stabilized operating condition or temperature.

Standard gas convection ovens have a 30 percent cooking energy efficiency and an idle energy rate of 18,000 Btu/h, whereas ENERGY STAR qualified gas convection ovens must meet the specification requirements of 44 percent cooking energy efficiency and idle energy rate of 13,000 Btu/h. Standard electric convection ovens have a 65 percent cooking energy efficiency and an idle energy rate of 2 kW; whereas ENERGY STAR qualified electric convection ovens must meet the specification requirements of 70 percent cooking energy efficiency and an idle energy rate of 1.6 kW.

Ovens designed for residential and laboratory applications are not eligible.

Where can I get one?

For a list of ENERGY STAR partners that sell ENERGY STAR qualified equipment, see Where to Buy.

What can ENERGY STAR qualified ovens save me?

Each ENERGY STAR qualified electric oven can save businesses 1,870 kWh annually, or an average of $190/year on utility bills. Each ENERGY STAR qualified gas oven can save 30 MBtu annually, or an average of $360/year on utility bills.