Catering Engineers & Combi Oven Repairs: The Complete Guide for Commercial Kitchens

Running a commercial kitchen means every piece of equipment plays a critical role. When a combi oven stops working, it can disrupt your entire service and impact your business reputation. Reliable catering engineers are essential to keeping your kitchen safe, efficient, and fully operational.

This guide explains what catering engineers do, how combi ovens work, the most common issues, and how regular maintenance can prevent costly breakdowns.

What Does a Catering Engineer Do?

A catering engineer is a trained professional who installs, services, and repairs commercial kitchen equipment such as ovens, fryers, dishwashers, fridges, and extraction systems.

Their responsibilities typically include:

• Installing new commercial catering equipment

• Carrying out planned preventative maintenance (PPM)

• Diagnosing and repairing faults and breakdowns

• Performing gas and electrical safety checks

• Replacing or upgrading worn and faulty parts

• Ensuring compliance with hygiene and safety standards

• Advising on energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions

In short, catering engineers keep your kitchen safe, compliant, and running smoothly — allowing you to focus on your customers.

How Combi Ovens Work and Why They Matter

A combi oven combines three cooking modes in one unit:

• Convection (dry heat) for roasting, baking, and browning

• Steam (moist heat) for vegetables, fish, and delicate dishes

• Combination mode for balanced texture and moisture

This versatility makes combi ovens the centrepiece of most commercial kitchens, especially in hotels, restaurants, and catering facilities.

Their benefits include:

• Replacing multiple appliances

• Ensuring consistent cooking results

• Reducing food waste and cooking times

• Saving kitchen space and improving energy efficiency

Because they operate using steam, heat, and often gas or electricity, combi ovens need regular servicing and professional care to stay reliable and safe.

Common Combi Oven Problems

Even high-quality brands such as Rational, Lincat, Electrolux, and Convotherm can develop faults over time. Some of the most common issues include:

• Steam not generating properly

• Oven failing to heat up or taking too long

• Uneven cooking or temperature fluctuations

• Door not sealing correctly or losing pressure

• Water or steam leaking during operation

• Repeated error codes or warning messages

• Tripping electrical circuits or blown fuses

• Unusual noises or burning smells

Most of these issues are caused by:

• Scale build-up within the steam system

• Worn or damaged door seals and gaskets

• Faulty sensors, fans, or heating elements

• Blocked water inlets or drains

• Software or electrical faults

Prompt attention from a qualified catering engineer can prevent minor problems from turning into expensive breakdowns.

When to Call a Professional Engineer

It can be tempting to try to fix minor issues yourself, but combi ovens are complex pieces of equipment that combine water, electricity, and high temperatures. Attempting DIY repairs can void warranties and cause safety hazards.

You should contact a professional catering engineer immediately if:

• Error codes or alarms appear repeatedly

• The oven takes much longer to reach temperature

• Steam or heat output is noticeably weak

• There are visible leaks or condensation around the unit

• The appliance trips electrical circuits

• You detect a gas smell or visible signs of a gas fault

Always use a Gas Safe registered and manufacturer-trained engineer for gas or electric repairs.

Preventative Maintenance and Service Contracts

Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent costly equipment failure. Planned servicing ensures all components are checked, cleaned, and tested before problems develop.

A typical service visit may include:

• Full inspection of electrical and mechanical parts

• Descaling and cleaning of the steam generator

• Checking thermostats, fans, seals, and sensors

• Testing safety systems and control panels

• Cleaning drainage lines and water inlets

• Replacing filters, seals, and small parts as required

The benefits of regular servicing include:

• Reduced risk of sudden breakdowns

• Improved cooking consistency and energy efficiency

• Extended equipment lifespan

• Lower long-term running costs

• Compliance with hygiene and safety legislation

• Minimised downtime during peak hours

Many kitchens opt for a Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) contract, with quarterly or bi-annual engineer visits. These scheduled inspections provide peace of mind and help keep equipment in top condition.

How to Choose the Right Catering Engineer

Selecting a qualified and experienced catering engineer makes a significant difference to the performance and reliability of your kitchen. When hiring an engineer or service provider, check that they:

• Are Gas Safe registered for gas appliances

• Hold relevant electrical and refrigeration (F-Gas) certifications

• Have experience with your specific oven brand or model

• Offer both emergency and routine servicing

• Provide clear and transparent pricing

• Can supply service records and certificates

• Offer flexible service contracts and quick response times

A good engineer will not only repair your equipment but will also help you put preventative measures in place to avoid future issues.

The Cost of Combi Oven Repairs

Repair and servicing costs vary depending on the fault, the brand of oven, and the urgency of the call-out. The following guide reflects current UK market prices:

• Minor faults (inspection or small repair): from £180–£250

• Moderate repairs (replacement parts or electrical adjustment): £250–£500

• Full overhauls or complex rebuilds: typically £500–£1,000+

Annual service contracts usually cost between £300–£700, depending on the size of your kitchen, the number of appliances covered, and how often maintenance visits are scheduled.

Investing in regular servicing provides several advantages:

• Reduces the likelihood of emergency call-outs (which can exceed £300 each)

• Keeps warranties valid and safety certificates up to date

• Ensures compliance with UK safety regulations

• Protects against downtime and expensive part replacements

Key Takeaways

• Always use qualified catering engineers for all gas and electrical equipment.

• Combi ovens are complex and require regular professional servicing.

• Preventative maintenance is more cost-effective than reactive repairs.

• Service contracts provide long-term reliability and peace of mind.

• Building a relationship with a trusted engineer ensures quick response times and dependable support.