If baking is your business, you’re already well aware of just how crucial a commercial deck oven is for achieving consistent quality baked goods. Whether you’re running a neighborhood bakery, a cozy café, or a high-volume pizzeria, it’s important to understand the key factors to consider when investing in a commercial deck oven. Not all deck ovens are created equal and it is a considerable investment for any business. That’s why choosing the right one should involve careful consideration and research.

You’ve spent time perfecting your recipes and sourcing your ingredients, now make sure you choose a deck oven that brings out the full potential of your menu. To simplify the process, let’s break down the specs you’ll want to examine during the shopping process. 

1. Type of Product You’ll Be Baking

Before anything else, consider what you’re baking most often. Deck ovens are ideal for artisan breads, pastries, tarts, and pizzas. Essentially any product that demands a crisp, developed crust will benefit from the conduction heat of a deck oven. If your operation focuses on crusty artisanal loaves or pizza, a stone-hearth deck oven is a must for creating just the right texture and consistency. 

Bongard deck ovens, for example, excel here thanks to natural convection and precise steam control, allowing bakers to dial in the exact environment each product needs. From soft rolls to rustic sourdough to wood-fired-style pizza, Bongard’s design supports a wide range of bakery items with artisan quality. 

Looking for greater versatility? Numerous Bongard electric deck oven models provide independent temperature control. This means that each deck can be set to a different temperature to bake multiple products all at one time. 

2. Number of Decks and Baking Surface Area

Your output needs should directly influence how many decks and how much baking surface you require. More decks of course will mean a higher capacity, increasing your ability to bake multiple batches simultaneously. Since a deck oven is a long-term investment, it’s important to not only consider your current production numbers as well as those in your future. You want to choose an oven which can meet steady demand and accommodate menu expansion. It’s also worth considering some of the more customizable Bongard deck oven models, which allow additional decks to be added to an existing unit. 

3. Heating Method: Electric vs Gas

The fuel source for your deck oven is often dictated by your current kitchen setup, but energy costs and your baking goals should also factor into your decision-making. Electric deck ovens are often preferred for their clean operation, easier installation, and precise temperature control, especially in urban or indoor settings where gas lines may be limited. Gas ovens, on the other hand, are popular in high-volume bakeries thanks to their lower operating costs over time.

If you’re set on a Bongard deck oven because of the brand’s reputation for durability and quality, the good news is that the brand offers both electric and gas/oil powered models. Bongard’s electric deck ovens are engineered for continuous commercial baking, offering powerful radiant and conduction heat with the added bonus of being compact and able to fit into smaller spaces.

4. Deck Material and Thermal Mass

The material of the oven deck directly affects how heat is transferred to your product. High thermal mass materials, like stone or ceramic, retain and radiate heat evenly, producing consistent browning and that sought-after crisp crust.

Bongard deck ovens feature stone hearths that provide steady, even conduction heat across every bake. This eliminates hot spots, prevents underbaked centers, and gives breads, tarts, and pizzas the artisan texture customers crave. If you’re aiming for high-quality, repeatable results, thermal mass is a non-negotiable spec worth paying extra attention to.

5. Temperature Range and Controls

Look for a versatile deck oven with a wide temperature range and intuitive controls to accommodate everything from low-temp proofing to high-heat pizza baking. Precision is key when it comes to temperature, that’s especially true when you’re needing to switch operations between such items as delicate pastries and heartier sourdoughs.

Bongard ovens are known for their user-friendly touchscreen panels and finely tuned control systems. Whether you’re baking at 300°F or pushing slightly above 520°F for pizza, Bongard delivers responsive, even heat across all decks. That means fewer adjustments and less guesswork, which translates to more consistent results.

6. Steam Injection Capability

Every baker knows that steam plays a critical part in creating those shiny crusts, delicate flakes, and optimal oven spring that epitomize high-quality baked goods. A commercial deck oven with integrated steam injection will give you control over the baking environment from the moment dough hits the deck.

Bongard deck ovens are renowned for their steam functionality thanks to precision steam injection capabilities customizable for each deck. This means you can easily fine-tune steam levels based on the product you’re baking. Effortlessly boost crust development for breads, lock in moisture for pastries, or enhance texture across your menu. It’s a game-changer for quality control and product variety.

7. Footprint and Installation Requirements

Commercial deck ovens are built for performance, but they still need to fit your space and infrastructure. Before investing, it’s a good idea to measure your kitchen layout, check ceiling clearance, and assess access to utilities like electricity, ventilation, and water (for steam injection).

Bongard offers flexible configurations that work for a variety of setups, from compact bakery kitchens to full-scale production lines. Look for optional integrated proofers, stands, and prep tables to add to your baking set-up. These will allow you to streamline your workspace for maximum efficiency without sacrificing performance.

8. Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

A commercial oven is a long-term investment, not just in price, but in daily energy use. That’s why you’ll want to look for an oven designed with energy saving features, such as thermal insulation, smart heat retention, and efficient controls. Combined, these specs minimize wasted energy and reduce monthly bills, which can quickly erode profits.

Bongard deck ovens are prized for their energy efficient engineering with features such as well-insulated chambers and advanced heating elements that maintain stable temperatures without constant power surges. The brand’s electric models eliminate the need for gas infrastructure while delivering the sustained power bakers need, making them ideal for cost-conscious operations which don’t have the means to run a gas line.

9. Build Quality and Brand Reputation

High-demand commercial kitchens require durability. A poorly constructed oven can lead to inconsistent bakes and frequent breakdowns, which inevitably results in lost revenue. Investing in a trusted brand ensures long-term reliability and access to service and support.

When it comes to deck ovens, Bongard has earned global respect for its craftsmanship, innovation, and longevity. With over a century of experience, Bongard ovens are built from heavy-duty materials like stainless steel and reinforced stone decks. From cool-touch handles to touchscreen controls, every detail reflects their commitment to setting the standard in baking industry design.

10. Budget and ROI

While upfront cost is important, keep in mind that the true value of a deck oven lies in its return on investment. A quality oven will make a positive impact on your business in a number of ways:

• Improves product consistency
• Reduces waste
• Increases output
• Saves on energy and maintenance over time.

Bongard ovens may require a larger initial investment than lower-tier brands, but the payoff is clear. Bongard buyers can expect fewer breakdowns along with superior baking results and long-term reliability. When your oven consistently works and delivers the products just the way customers like them, it’s not an expense, it’s a smart business decision that supports your overall success.

Ready to Bring Your Baking Business to the Next Level?

Choosing the right deck oven isn’t just about specs. Together, those individual features help you to unlock the full potential of your baking business. Whether you’re focused on artisan bread, high-volume pizza, or delicate pastries, a Bongard deck oven gives you the consistency, control, and performance needed to scale with confidence. With European engineering, unmatched steam control, and thoughtful design, Bongard helps bakers craft the perfect products that keep customers coming back.

If you’re ready to level-up your business, contact FBM Baking Machines. We’re the exclusive U.S. importer of Bongard ovens and experts in the brand’s models and configurations. We help guide baking businesses everyday to choose the right equipment for their business. We’ll be happy to walk you through all of the models and select the oven that’s right for your space and future success.