The Bakers Pride pizza ovens are some of the most popular on the market and for good reason. They’re durable, reliable and pizzerias across the country swear by them. Getting a large commercial pizza oven is a big investment, but it can really benefit your pizza production process and pay off in the long run. We took a closer look at the features and cooking performance of the Bakers Pride pizza ovens to see if the hype is deserved.
What is Bakers Pride?
Founded in the 1940s, Bakers Pride is a leading manufacturer of commercial baking equipment. The company offers a wide range of products, including pizza ovens, which are designed to meet the needs of any foodservice operation. Bakers Pride pizza ovens are available in gas and electric models, as well as countertop and floor-standing versions.
Bakers Pride Deck Pizza Oven Review
Bakers Pride pizza ovens are available in gas and electric models. Gas models are great for businesses that want to be able to control the temperature of their oven more precisely. Electric models are a bit more expensive to operate, but they don’t require any special ventilation and can be plugged into a standard outlet.
Features Overview
Bakers Pride Y600
- Size: 78″ x 55.12″ x 43″
- No of decks: 1
- Deck height: 8″
- Temp range: 300–700°F
- Power type: Natural/LP gas
- Max Power: 120,000 BTU
- NSF listed: Yes
Bakers Pride GP61
- Size: 41.62″ x 25.12″ x 31.25″
- No of decks: 2
- Deck height: 6″
- Temp range: 300–650°F
- Power type: Natural/LP gas
- Max Power: 45,000 BTU
- NSF listed: Yes
EP-2-2828
- Size: 42″ x 29″ x 33.25″
- No of decks: 2
- Deck height: 5.25″
- Temp range: 200–700°F
- Power type: Electric
- Max Power: 9,500W
- NSF listed: Yes
Size
Bakers Pride ovens come in various sizes to suit the needs of any business. The Y600 model is 78 inches wide, 43 inches deep, 55 inches in height, and can accommodate up to six 16″ pizzas. The GP61 is a floor-standing model whose dimensions are 41.62″ W x 25.12″ H x 31.25″ D and can fit up to four 16″ pizzas. The EP-2-2828 is a countertop model measuring 28″ W x 28″ H x 31″ D and can accommodate up to two 16″ pizzas.
Design and Build
Bakers Pride pizza ovens are known for their high-quality construction. They feature thick insulation to maintain consistent temperatures, as well as heavy-duty doors and hinges that can withstand years of use. The company’s pizza ovens are also equipped with natural draft or forced air circulation systems, which help to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots. Many models can be stacked on top of each other and customized to accommodate the configuration of your kitchen.
Ease of Installation
Most Bakers Pride pizza ovens are designed for easy installation and use. Some, like the Y600 model, come pre-assembled, while others require some assembly. The company’s pizza ovens can be used with either natural gas or propane and are equipped with standard outlet plugs. Many models also come with an automatic ignition system, which makes it easy to get the oven up and running.
When it comes to commercial kitchen appliances most dealers offer the installation service, and we fully recommend that you use it. Not properly installing a commercial oven can lead to accidents, void the warranty, and in some cases invalidate your insurance.
Safety Features
All Bakers Pride pizza ovens are equipped with safety features that help to prevent accidents and injuries. The company’s gas-fired ovens have an automatic shut-off system that kicks in when the oven door is opened, while the electric models have a thermal overload switch that cuts power to the oven if it starts to overheat.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Bakers Pride pizza ovens are easy to clean and maintain. The company’s website offers detailed instructions on how to properly care for your oven, as well as a list of recommended cleaning products. Most of the oven’s components can be removed and washed in a dishwasher, and the interior surfaces can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth.
The ovens are designed to be as trouble-free as possible. Keeping the oven clean is all that is normally required. All servicing should be performed by a factory authorized technician only.
Code Compliance
All Bakers Pride pizza ovens are ETL listed and meet NSF International standards for safety and sanitation. The company’s products are also UL and CSA certified.
Warranty
Bakers Pride pizza ovens come with a one-year limited warranty. The company’s gas models also come with a five-year warranty on the baking chamber, while the electric models have a two-year warranty on the heating elements.
Price
Commercial pizza ovens are expensive, but Bakers Pride offers a wide range of products to suit any budget. The Y600 model is the largest and the most expensive, but it is also the most versatile and can be used for a variety of menu items. The GP61 is a floor-standing model that is less expensive but still offers plenty of cooking space. The EP-2-2828 is the most affordable option of the three and is perfect for smaller businesses or those on a tighter budget.
Bakers Pride GP61 Pizza Baking Performance
The Bakers Pride GP61 is a high-quality, durable pizza oven that is built to last. This model is perfect for busy restaurants that need to be able to cook multiple pizzas at once. The GP61 can accommodate up to four 16″ pizzas and features a natural draft circulation system that helps to evenly distribute heat and prevent hot spots. This model also has an automatic shut-off system that kicks in when the door is opened, making it a safe choice for busy kitchens.
Note that if you get a brand new oven, it is important to break it in before baking in it, to dry out the deck and the insulation. This is done by allowing the oven to warm to 300°F for 5 hours or at least till all the smoke and fumes have disappeared. The smoke and fumes are from the moisture in the deck and insulation and a light coat of oil.
Temperature range
The Bakers Pride GP61 pizza oven has a temperature range of up to 700F, making it perfect for cooking a variety of menu items. It is designed for baking pizza, pretzels, flatbreads, or other bakery items. The upper deck runs a little cooler, but it offers precision for slower baking. The lower deck is perfect for rapid cooking.
Pizza can be baked on the deck, on a screen, or in a pan. Thin crust pizzas are usually baked on deck, which requires a temperature of at least 550°F. Screen baking refers to baking pizza on a screen that lifts it off the deck. The screen may be removed near the end of the cooking time to give the bottom a crispier crust and a darker color. Bake temperatures range from 500°F to 550°F. Pan baking refers to baking pizzas in pans. Pan pizzas’ crusts can be thick or thin and toppings range from light to heavy. Bake temperatures for pan baking range from 450°F to 500°F.
Feel free to experiment with baking until you get the feel of the oven and the speed of the bake. When you determine the combination of method, ingredients, and temperature that gives the right bake for your crust, sauce, and cheese combination and your customer’s taste, mark and keep it.
Consistency and taste
The delicious taste and consistency are not a question when it comes to Bakers Pride ovens. are essential to any good product, and the Bakers Pride pizza oven will help you deliver that. Once you master the art of pizza making in this oven, you will be able to consistently produce over 30 pizzas in an hour, without any drop in quality.
Bakes Pride vs Blodgett oven for pizza
The two most popular pizza ovens on the market are the Blodgett Pizza Oven and the Bakers Pride Pizza Oven. How do they compare?
Blodgett pizza ovens have been around for a long time, and they are a trusted name in the industry. Bakers Pride is a newer company, but they have quickly become a leader in pizza oven manufacturing.
Both ovens are gas-powered and can reach high temperatures, making them perfect for pizza baking. The Blodgett oven has a slightly higher temperature range, reaching up to 750F. The Bakers Pride oven maxes out at 700F.
The Blodgett 1000 pizza oven is legendary, but it might be hard to find a refurbished one with original stones. New Blodgett pizza ovens are a bit more expensive, but the design of the equipment hasn’t changed much through the years. Both the Bakers Pride EP-2-2828 and the GP61 are a great alternative and are more affordable.
Bakers Pride GP61 vs Y600
Bakers Pride Y600 is one of the most popular pizza ovens in the world. It is a true best-seller with thousands of units sold and used in restaurants across the globe. But how does a slightly smaller, but also powerful GP61 stack up to it?
Both these two models are gas-operated deck ovens, but they are different. The Y-600 oven is larger, with a higher deck. The GP61 has a smaller footprint, but it can still handle the demands of a busy restaurant. The GP61 has a temperature range of up to 650F, while the Y-600 can reach up to 750F. The Y-600 has six burners, while the GP61 has four. The Y-600 also features independently controlled top and bottom heat dampers.
With up to 120 000 BTU per hour, the Y600 is more powerful and quicker, and a true workhorse of an oven, thanks to its all stainless steel construction. However, the new Y600 is priced at around $20K, which may be too much if you do not need the amount of power and capacity that this pizza oven has to offer. The GP61 is more affordable, and it can still handle the demands of a busy pizzeria.
What can you cook in the GP61 besides pizza?
Bakers Pride GP Series Gas Ovens are designed and engineered as an all-purpose general oven for all types of baking, roasting, and of course, pizza. Have in mind that only pizza and bread products can be put directly on decks. All other food products must be placed in a pan or containers to avoid direct contact with Fibrament decks.
Final Verdict
What we liked about Bakers Pride Deck Ovens
There are a lot of great things about Bakers Pride ovens: the stainless steel build, versatility, and consistent quality, to name a few.
The Bakers Pride GP61 is a great oven for any pizzeria or restaurant that wants to serve delicious pizza without breaking the bank. It is affordably priced and has enough power to handle the demands of a busy pizzeria.
What we didn't like about Bakers Pride
With such a versatile line, it is hard to find something that we didn't like. The only thing that would be better is if the smaller ovens were priced lower, as they are often far more expensive than similar units by different brands.
Should you buy a Bakers Pride Pizza Oven for your business?
Yes, we do believe that anyone in the market for a new pizza oven should consider getting a Bakers Pride pizza oven, whether it's for a pizzeria, a restaurant, or a food truck. Bakers Pride ovens are engineered for fast pre-heat, quick temperature recovery and short bake times, providing exceptionally high volume production in the busiest of kitchens.
