Electric Baking: Converting Industrial Ovens for Unparalleled Performance
As food consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability as a factor in their food choices, the commercial baking industry seeks innovative automation solutions to reduce the environmental impact of food production. Electric industrial ovens have emerged as a sustainable alternative to gas ovens, offering numerous benefits for industrial bakers. By harnessing the power of electricity, industrial bakers can achieve greater control, added energy efficiency, and consistency in their baking process. In this blog post, we will delve into what electric baking requires of industrial bakers and explore the steps involved in converting existing industrial ovens to electric. We’ll also highlight how AMF Bakery Systems and its industry leading thermal brands, AMF BakeTech, AMF Den Boer, and AMF Vesta, can assist bakers in achieving more energy efficient baking.
What is Electric Baking?
Electric baking involves utilizing electricity as the primary heat source for the baking process. Electric ovens rely on electric heating elements to generate heat and deliver precise temperature control, improved energy efficiency, and consistent baking results without the need for a gas connection. There are several elements within each enclosed electric oven module with several heating elements located both above and below the products being baked. These heating elements generate heat as electricity passes through them maintaining the desired temperature and even heat transfer to the product.
Electric baking has gained traction in the industry due to its numerous benefits and its ability to meet the evolving demands of modern consumers. By transitioning to electric ovens, industrial bakers can significantly reduce their carbon emissions and improve sustainability efforts.
Converting Existing Gas Industrial Ovens to Electric
Conversion Assessment
The first step in converting an industrial oven to electric is to assess its suitability for the conversion process. Factors such as the oven’s age, condition, and compatibility with electric components need to be considered. Bakers should also consider available space constraints and any local building or electrical codes.
AMF Bakery Systems is committed to helping industrial bakers safely transition to electric baking and adopt best practices for sustainable baking. Our experienced team offers comprehensive support throughout the process, from establishing feasibility to conversion planning, installation, training, maintenance, performance evaluations, and aftermarket care.
Electrical Upgrades
Once feasibility is established, converting an industrial oven to electric can require significant electrical upgrades. This typically involves installing electric heating elements, control systems, and temperature sensors. Upgrading the electrical infrastructure of the bakery to support the increased power demands of electric ovens is also crucial to ensure the electrical system can handle the increased electrical load.
Installation and Integration
The next step is the physical installation of the electric components or control panel, potential removal or adaptation of gas-related components and the integration of any new oven structures or modules into the existing production line. This can include modifications to accommodate new equipment to optimize the performance of the electric oven.
Testing and Calibration
After completing the conversion process, it is important to conduct testing and calibration of the oven to ensure optimal performance and adherence to desired baking specifications. This includes adjusting the oven’s controls and implementing necessary changes to enhance functionality. The Sustainable Oven Service (SOS) by AMF Bakery Systems utilizes advanced sensor technology and digital connections to provide real-time recommendations from industry experts, enabling optimization of commercial production ovens. This service not only helps mitigate energy costs and improve oven performance but also reduces your bakery’s environmental impact. Converting existing industrial ovens to electric ovens is a viable option for bakers looking to embrace sustainability.
Some Benefits of Electric Baking for Commercial Bakeries Include:
Reduced Environmental Impact
Electric baking helps industrial bakers minimize their carbon footprint. By utilizing electricity from renewable sources, bakers can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with their operations. This shift is crucial due to substantial gas consumption worldwide and the commercial baking industry’s opportunity to help reduce these environmental consequences.
Precise Temperature Control
Electric ovens provide precise temperature control and ensure consistent and uniform baking. Advanced control systems allow industrial bakers to program temperature profiles for different baking stages and allow for more versatile baking options, optimizing the quality and texture of their complete range of products. With precise temperature management, bakers can meet growing production demands consistently.
Energy Efficiency
Electric ovens are more energy-efficient than gas-powered ovens because they use electric heating elements to convert electricity directly into heat, which minimizes energy waste and optimizes heat transfer. The Multibake® E Tunnel Oven by AMF Den Boer is an electrically heated oven that creates heat directly in the baking tunnel. Each heating module has several elements, some above and some below the products being baked. Some of the features of the Multibake® E Tunnel Oven include:
- Compact and modular design
- Efficient heat transfer
- No annual gas safety inspections
- Excellent thermal control
- Lifetime extended heating elements
- Reduced thermal stress on mechanical parts
Electric production ovens, or tunnel ovens, are a sustainable solution for bakeries, especially when gas prices and availability are a concern and there is a priority to emit less CO2.
Enhanced Flexibility
Electric ovens can be designed with modular configurations, allowing for easy expansion and increased production capacity as business needs evolve. This scalability ensures that industrial bakers can adapt to changing market demands without significant disruptions.
Improved Safety
By eliminating the use of open flames from gas-fueled ovens, electric ovens reduce the risk of fire hazards within the bakery and improve operator safety.
AMF Bakery Systems is committed to helping industrial bakers transition to electric baking and adopt sustainable practices. Our experienced team offers comprehensive support throughout the conversion process, from initial evaluation to installation, and beyond. By partnering with AMF Bakery Systems, commercial bakeries can reduce their environmental impact while maintaining baking excellence.
Discover how AMF Denboer, BakeTech, and Vesta solutions can help bakers improve sustainability by converting their existing industrial ovens to electric ovens. Our latest infographic provides a comprehensive overview of electric baking, the conversion process, and the benefits that come with it.