7 Common Conveyor Pizza Oven Problems And Their Solutions
If you own a commercial business, you would want your commercial equipment to be in perfect working condition to ensure the best service. Conveyor pizza ovens are specifically made to prepare multiple batches of pizzas to reduce the serving time. But, like other commercial equipment, conveyor pizza ovens tend to become faulty as well. Instead of panicking, you should know how to fix the issues to prevent a disruption in your services. Here are some common conveyer pizza oven problems along with their solutions for you to know what to do when such problems unexpectedly pop up. However, it’s best to call in a commercial gas oven repair professional.
Conveyor Oven Problems And Their Solutions
Pilot Ignition Problems
Pilot ignition problems are common in conveyor pizza ovens. The pilot ignition plays a key role in starting up the oven. If it is experiencing a problem, it will be difficult or impossible for the oven to work. Two common reasons behind a pilot ignition problem are either a faulty thermocouple or a safety valve.
Plus, it could also be the gas supply. But to troubleshoot the problem, you will first need to check the safety valve and thermocouple. If possible, access the pilot orifice and make sure the thermocouple is directly in the flame. At the same time, check the safety valve as well.
If the thermocouple is faulty, you will need to replace it. Unfortunately, there is no warning sign when these components are about to give up. But if you are able to identify the signs, you can directly come to the problem instead of wasting your time and energy checking out different components.
So, if your conveyor pizza oven does not ignite or startup, it means there is most likely a problem with the pilot ignition.
Inconsistent Temperature Control
Inconsistent temperature control is another problem that is common in conveyor pizza ovens. The problem mostly arises due to a defective thermostat, a faulty heating element, or poor calibration. Then again, it is quite difficult to estimate when these components will give up.
But when they do, they simply stop working without showing any signs. A defective thermostat will either not communicate or confuse the conveyor. This could either burn or leave the pizza dough unprepared. If you notice that the pizzas are coming out half prepared, it means there is a thermostat problem.
A faulty heating element will simply fail to produce heat, which is a sign it has gone faulty as well. Finally, poor calibration can be due to negligence while maintaining the oven. Most experts tend to forget to calibrate the oven. But it plays a vital role in ensuring accurate and consistent temperatures.
Power Issues
Conveyor pizza ovens also use electricity to function. If you notice that the oven is not responding at all, it could be due to a power supply issue. Then again, it could be a bit tricky to find out if there is something else causing the issue, but you can check the voltage to ensure the oven is receiving sufficient power.
Power issues can arise due to voltage fluctuation, a burnt fuse, or tangled wires. You will have to go through each problem and observe closely for signs of wear and tear, etc. If something is found faulty, you will need to replace it.
And, if you are not able to find the issue, you should contact a commercial appliances repair Alexandria expert.
Uneven Cooking
Uneven cooking is another frustrating problem in conveyor pizza ovens. If you observe inconsistent pizza quality, it can quickly become a problem for your customers as well. Uneven cooking does not only happen due to a faulty thermostat but also due to misaligned conveyor belts.
It could also be due to misaligned heating elements or issues with air distribution. One thing you should know from all these issues is that conveyor pizza ovens are precise and accurate machines. Even a slight misalignment or calibration can result in big losses.
This is why one should never take these things for granted. Aligning the conveyor belts is not something you see on a daily basis. But commercial businesses that are serious about their business focus on such minor factors as well to prevent future problems.
Airflow Management
Sometimes, the problem is not with the conveyor oven itself but with the placement and management of the machine. Commercial kitchens tend to be busy places and consist of multiple appliances installed next to each other. Most of these appliances produce heat that can affect the performance of the other equipment in the surrounding area.
So, if you have a conveyor oven installed right next to another heat producing source, it can be difficult for air to get through and heat to disperse. As a result, the thermostat might show abnormal readings. This is why you should consider even the minor details to avoid spending on unnecessary repairs and replacements.
Ignoring Maintenance
Commercial appliances are made to work round the clock and are more reliable and sturdy than regular residential appliances. But that does not mean they do not require maintenance. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the appliances perform without any complications.
Although you can train your employees to clean the oven at the end of each working day, when it comes to observing minor faults and symptoms, you will need to contact a professional. Professional maintenance also helps prevent disruptions by thoroughly cleaning and inspecting the machine inside out.
Using special tools and skills, they are able to go deep inside the machine and look for potential problems and fix them beforehand. In other words, you are simply paying to avoid future problems. As a result, it should be considered an investment rather than an expense.
Depending on the usage frequency and manufacturer’s recommendations, the oven should be professionally maintained at least twice a year.
Old Age
Although commercial conveyor pizza ovens will last a decade or so if maintained properly, but it does not come with an unlimited life. This means, one day or the other, you will need to replace it. But the problem is that most commercial owners ignore old age signs and continue spending on expensive repairs and replacements.
If there comes a time when the oven is experiencing problems on a daily basis, it means it has completed its lifespan and needs a replacement. You might think you are saving money by spending on repairs and replacements, but eventually the overall costs will overtake the actual price or value of the unit itself.
So, instead of wasting your money, you should save it to buy a new oven. Apart from the spending, it is the quality and consistency that you should be concerned about. If they are being compromised, you will lose years of hard work and customer loyalty.
Conclusion
Commercial conveyor ovens can pose a whole lot of problems. But the key is to be familiar with common troubleshooting tips. And hire a commercial oven repair Northern VA expert if required for regular maintenance, inspections, and repairs.