Commercial convection ovens can be either gas-powered or electric-powered. A convection oven can be either gas or electric: “convection” refers to how the oven cooks, not what powers it.
The convection system of an oven can be paired with electric heating elements or gas burners, which is why both types exist. But the “name convection oven” does not give any indication as to whether an oven is gas or electric: there are gas convection ovens as well as electric convection ovens.
What does Convection Mean?
To understand whether commercial convection ovens are gas or electric, one must first understand what the word “convection” means in the context of kitchen equipment. The word “convection” does not describe the fuel source of an oven: instead, it describes how the oven cooks. A convection oven, therefore, is any oven (gas or electric) that uses:
- A fan (and often an exhaust system)
- To circulate hot air evenly around food
By ensuring a more even airflow, a convection oven improves cooking consistency, reduces hot spots, and often shortens cook times.
So, rather than asking whether commercial convection ovens are gas or electric, a more important and relevant question is: what is the difference between gas convection ovens and electric convection ovens?
Commercial Electric Convection Ovens: Best Uses and What to Expect
An electric convection oven uses electric heating elements to generate heat, while a fan (convection system) circulates that heat evenly throughout the oven cavity.
The main advantage of commercial electric convection ovens, therefore, is that they feature electric heating components, a built-in convection fan, accurate thermostats, and are often quite easy to install.
The Double Deck Electric Commercial Convection Oven from Wilprep, for example, has a total capacity of 14 cu.ft and delivers 10 kW of power from a 208V 3-phase outlet, reaching temperatures from 150 to 500°F for baking diverse foods. It also operates with an automatic thermostat for reliable precision, and is currently on sale at a discount.
Advantages of Electric Convection Ovens
- Precise temperature control: Electric ovens are known for maintaining steady, accurate temperatures, which is especially valuable for baking and roasting.
- Even cooking results: Electric heat combined with forced air circulation produces consistent browning and predictable cook times.
- Easier installation: If your kitchen already has sufficient electrical capacity, installing an electric convection oven is often simpler than running new gas lines.
- Cleaner operation: Electric ovens don’t produce combustion byproducts, which can simplify ventilation requirements in some kitchens.
Electric convection ovens are extremely common in bakeries, cafés, commercial kitchens with limited gas access, and operations requiring precise temperature control
Commercial Gas Convection Ovens: What Are They Best For?
A gas convection oven uses a gas burner (natural gas or propane) to generate heat, with a fan circulating that heat evenly inside the oven. They often feature a gas burner heating system and a convection system for even heat circulation, and they are built for rapid preheating and intense use.
The Double Deck Gas Convection Oven delivers 54,000 total BTU for each chamber of its 7 cu.ft chambers, and precisely reaches temperatures from 150 to 500°F for baking diverse foods. As long as you have natural gas and a 120V electrical connection, it is ready to go.
Gas convection ovens are best suited for cooking environments where fast heat-up times are important, the oven door is opened frequently, and the volume of items baked is huge.
Gas convection ovens are popular in:
- High-volume restaurants
- Pizzerias
- Commercial kitchens that already use gas extensively
What Gas Convection Ovens Are Best For
The key advantage of gas convection ovens is that they recover temperature quickly after heat loss, making them well-suited for busy kitchens. Gas ovens excel in environments where:
- Fast heat-up times are important
- The oven door is opened frequently
- High-volume production is the norm
Gas vs Electric Convection Ovens: Key Differences
| Feature | Electric Convection Oven | Gas Convection Oven |
| Power source | Electricity | Natural gas or propane |
| Heat control | Very precise | Slightly less precise |
| Heat-up time | Moderate | Fast |
| Temperature recovery | Moderate | Fast |
| Installation | Requires an adequate electrical supply | Requires a gas line and ventilation |
| Best for | Baking, cafés, bakeries | High-volume kitchens, restaurants |
| Operating costs | Depends on electricity rates | Often lower where gas is affordable |
How to Choose Between Gas and Electric Convection Ovens
When deciding which type of convection oven is right for your business, consider these key factors.
1. Available Power Source
Start with what your building can support:
- No gas line? Electric may be the only practical option.
- Limited electrical capacity? Gas may be more efficient.
Retrofitting utilities can significantly impact your budget.
2. Your Menu and Cooking Style
- Precision baking, pastries, and delicate items often benefit from electric ovens.
- High-volume roasting, cooking, and frequent door openings favor gas ovens.
Your menu should drive your equipment choice.
3. Volume and Speed Requirements
If your kitchen operates at high volume with constant loading and unloading, gas ovens’ faster recovery can improve workflow.
Lower-volume operations may not need that advantage.
4. Installation and Ventilation Constraints
Gas ovens usually require:
- Gas hookups
- Proper ventilation
Electric ovens may offer more flexibility in compact or non-traditional kitchen spaces.
5. Long-Term Operating Costs
Compare:
- Local gas vs electricity prices
- Expected daily usage
- Maintenance considerations
What’s cheaper upfront isn’t always cheaper long-term.
Explore both gas and electric commercial ovens from Wilprep, and discover models of all sizes and capacities, all at a special discount.
Final Thoughts on Gas and Electric Convection Ovens
Convection ovens aren’t defined by whether they’re gas or electric-they’re defined by fan-assisted cooking. Both gas and electric convection ovens offer clear advantages, and both are widely used in commercial kitchens.
For business owners, the right choice comes down to power availability, kitchen setup, menu demands, and operating style. When those factors align with the oven you choose, a convection oven becomes a powerful, reliable tool that supports consistent food quality and efficient kitchen operations.
You may also be interested in the 6 top uses of a convection oven, whether gas or electric.
