4.1 Electric Supply
Most electric combi ovens in Australia operate on 400 V, three-phase, 50 Hz power and typically draw between 10–50 kW depending on the oven size.
- 3–5 pan ovens: approximately 10–18 kW
- 6–10 pan ovens: approximately 18–30 kW
- 10–20 pan ovens: approximately 30–50 kW
It is recommended to get a licensed electrician to confirm your switchboard capacity and cabling before installation. In many cases, electrical upgrades can become the largest single installation cost, so checking your infrastructure early helps avoid unexpected expenses.
4.2 Gas Supply
Gas or gas/electric combi ovens are also widely used in commercial kitchens and typically operate using natural gas.
- Gas input usually ranges between 60–120 MJ/h depending on the oven model and size.
- A correctly sized gas line and isolation valve are required for safe operation.
- Most units still require a 230–240 V single-phase electrical connection to power the control systems and internal fans.
Gas combi ovens can be a practical choice when energy tariffs favour gas or when kitchens frequently perform heavy roasting that benefits from faster heat recovery.
4.3 Water, Reverse Osmosis, and Drainage
Every combi oven needs a cold water connection (often 3/8″ or 1/2″) at the manufacturer’s specified pressure,
plus a drain for condensate and wash water. Water quality is critical; consider:
- Filtration for particles and chlorine (protects valves, jets, and sensors).
- Softening or anti-scale treatment (prevents limescale that damages elements and boilers).
- Control of total dissolved solids (TDS), which affects steam quality and long-term reliability.
In many parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland,
town water can be relatively hard or high in TDS. In these states, manufacturers and
local combi specialists often recommend not just softening but also reverse osmosis (RO)
sized properly for combi ovens:
- RO strips out much of the TDS and scale-forming minerals, protecting boilers, steam generators, and probes.
- Some brands offer matched RO units and publish specific guidance for WA, SA, NT, and QLD sites.
- Include RO cartridges, pre-filters, and servicing in your running costs.
Skipping proper treatment (including RO where recommended) is one of the quickest ways
to shorten a combi oven’s life and run into warranty issues.
4.4 Ventilation and Compliance
You’ll almost always need a compliant canopy with at least 300–400 mm overhang on the
front and sides, plus ducting and extraction sized to local regulations. Talk to your
exhaust contractor early so you don’t design around a spot that the council or the
landlord won’t approve.