The Ultimate Guide To Boat Oven's Formal Name

The galley is the formal name for a boat oven. It is also known as the boat's kitchen, and may be inside the boat or outside on the deck. When it comes to choosing an oven for your boat, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you need to decide whether you want a separate oven and grill, or a combination of the two. Separate ovens usually allow you to use both simultaneously but mean a smaller oven size. Combination ovens provide more space but are less efficient as the heat escapes through a hole in the hob or back. You should also consider the fuel type for your oven; gas ovens are ideal for baking and roasting, whereas electric ovens provide more consistent heat and are better for pastries.

Combination vs. separate oven and grill

The galley is the kitchen of a ship. When it comes to choosing a cooker for your boat, there are several factors to consider, including budget and space. One of the key decisions is whether to opt for a combination or separate oven and grill.

Combination Oven and Grill

A combination oven and grill will give you a larger oven capacity. However, it is less efficient as heat escapes through a hole in the hob or at the back, which is designed to vent the heat from the grill. This type of cooker is also likely to be more expensive.

Separate Oven and Grill

If you choose a separate oven and grill, you will usually be able to use both simultaneously. However, the oven capacity will be smaller, and there will be a hole in the hob to vent the grill heat. This type of setup is more susceptible to hob spillages. Separate oven and grill combinations are generally more affordable and easier to replace if something goes wrong.

Other Considerations

If you are considering a boat oven, it's important to think about how often you will use it and what type of cooking you plan to do. If you rarely use an oven on land, you probably won't miss having one on your boat. On the other hand, if you frequently roast large items or bake in large quantities, you may prefer the larger capacity of a combination oven and grill. Additionally, think about the space and budget constraints of your boat to help guide your decision.

Oven and grill venting

Boat ovens, also known as marine cookers, are an essential part of a boat's galley. Proper ventilation is crucial for the safe and efficient functioning of these ovens. Here are some key considerations and guidelines regarding oven and grill venting on boats:

Internal Ventilation

Built-in oven manufacturers have developed internal ventilation systems due to the challenges of installing external range hoods or over-the-range microwaves above wall-mounted ovens. This involves connecting the oven's internal fan and ventilation system to ducting within the wall, allowing for the safe release of heat, cooking fumes, and air pollutants.

External Ventilation

Even with an internal ventilation system, it is advisable to have a separate ventilation system for the entire kitchen area. This external ventilation system helps cool and clean the air, especially when the oven door is opened. Additionally, it relieves the internal ventilation system, allowing the oven to function more effectively. While a range hood can be installed, simply opening a window opposite the kitchen is a more cost-effective solution.

Ventilation for Different Oven Types

The type of oven you choose for your boat may impact ventilation requirements. For example, a separate oven and grill allow simultaneous use but result in a smaller oven and a hole in the hob for grill heat venting. On the other hand, a combination oven and grill provide a larger oven space but are less efficient due to heat escaping through a vent hole, and the grill hampers convection.

Boat Blower Vent Grills

Boat blower vent grills are crucial components of a boat's ventilation system. They are typically located near the blower or ventilation system and serve to circulate fresh air throughout the boat's interior. These grills come in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel or plastic, and are designed specifically for the marine environment.

Stovetop Baking Options

If space and ventilation are concerns, stovetop baking options like the Omnia Stove Top Oven can be considered. This method keeps heat out of the boat, especially when used with a gas grill. However, it has limitations in terms of batch sizes and browning capabilities.

In conclusion, proper ventilation is essential for the safe and efficient use of boat ovens and grills. By understanding the internal and external ventilation requirements, as well as the impact of different oven types and stovetop alternatives, you can make informed decisions to ensure a comfortable and safe cooking experience on your boat.

Oven and grill sizing

When it comes to choosing the right oven or grill for your boat, size is an important consideration. The size of your oven or grill will impact your cooking capabilities, storage space, and overall boating experience. Here are some factors to keep in mind when deciding on the sizing of your boat oven and grill:

Boat Oven Sizing:

• Usage and Needs: Consider how often you bake and the types of dishes you plan to make. If you rarely use an oven ashore, you might not need one on your boat. On the other hand, if you enjoy baking or cooking large dishes like roasts, an oven with sufficient capacity and dimensions is essential.
• Boat Size and Storage: The size of your boat and galley will dictate the available space for an oven. If you have limited storage and counter space, a smaller, compact oven might be a better option. Conversely, if you have a larger boat with ample galley space, you may opt for a full-sized oven.
• Oven Capacity and Dimensions: Standard single wall oven sizes typically offer interior capacities ranging from 2 to 5 cubic feet. The width of single wall ovens is usually 24, 27, or 30 inches, while the depth ranges from 22 to 24 inches to fit standard cabinet measurements. When choosing an oven, ensure you have adequate space in your galley and that the oven can accommodate the pans and dishes you plan to use.
• Combination Options: If you want the functionality of both an oven and a grill, consider a combination oven-grill unit. These units offer grilling capabilities in addition to baking and roasting. However, they might have smaller oven capacities and may not be suitable for baking large items.

Boat Grill Sizing:

• Grill Size and Cooking Area: Standard grill sizes typically offer 400 to 500 square inches of cooking space, accommodating the cooking needs of four to five people. If you regularly grill for more people, consider a larger grill with a cooking surface of 500 to 650 square inches or more.
• Number of Burners: The number of burners on a grill impacts your grilling capabilities. Most grill models have between two and six burners, with larger grills offering up to eight burners. If you want to cook multiple items simultaneously or utilize indirect heat, opt for a grill with at least three burners.
• Grill Dimensions: When measuring for grill size, consider not only the cooking surface area but also the total grill dimensions. Ensure you have adequate space to place and store the grill on your boat, allowing for proper clearance and safety distances from surrounding objects.
• Budget: Your budget will also influence the size of the grill you can purchase. Larger grills with more burners and advanced features tend to be more expensive. However, there are a variety of options available, and you can find reasonably sized grills within different price ranges.

Whether you're choosing a boat oven or grill, it's important to consider your specific needs, space constraints, and cooking preferences. By taking these factors into account, you can select the right sizing to enhance your boating and culinary experiences.

Oven and grill materials

When it comes to choosing an oven or grill for your boat, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, let's differentiate between the two main types of boat cookers: separate and combination. Separate cookers allow you to use the oven and grill simultaneously, but they usually have a smaller oven capacity. They also feature a hole in the hob to vent the grill heat, which can be useful for heating food but may lead to spillages. On the other hand, combination cookers offer a larger oven space, but they are less efficient due to heat escaping through a vent, and the grill itself can hamper convection.

Now, let's discuss some specific materials and features you should consider:

Materials

• Stainless Steel: This material is commonly used for pan supports, burners, and oven racks. It is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion.
• Cast Iron: Known for its excellent heat retention, cast iron is often used for grill pans, skillets, and Dutch ovens. It can be heavy but provides even heating.
• Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight and a good conductor of heat, making it suitable for baking sheets, pans, and pots. However, it may not be as durable as other materials.
• Non-stick Coatings: Many grill pans and baking trays feature non-stick coatings, such as Teflon, to prevent food from sticking and make cleaning easier.
• Porcelain-coated Steel: This material combines the strength of steel with a porcelain coating, creating a non-stick and durable surface. It is often used for broiler pans and grill sets.
• Carbon Steel: Carbon steel is strong and has good heat distribution. It is commonly used for baking pans, roasting racks, and cooking sheets.

Other Features

• Gimbals and Harbour Locks: These features are important for boat ovens to keep them stable and secure while sailing.
• Electric Ignition: Some boat ovens and grills use electric ignition, which may be powered by batteries.
• Insulation: Look for ovens with good insulation to retain heat efficiently and cook food evenly.
• Burner Wells: Burner wells help prevent spillages from entering the grill vent and causing a mess.
• Fiddles: Fiddles are the low barriers around the hob that allow frying pan handles to rest on them. They can be found all around the hob or just at the front.
• Pan Clamps and Supports: Ensure that the cooker has secure and adjustable pan clamps to hold your pots and pans in place. Removable pan supports are also useful for easy cleaning.
• Oven Settings and Temperature Control: Look for ovens with clear temperature settings and knobs that allow separate control of the oven and grill.
• Size and Space: Consider the available space in your boat's galley and choose an oven or grill that fits comfortably. Also, think about the size of the oven cavity and whether it can accommodate the pans and dishes you plan to use.

Oven and grill heat sources

There are several heat sources for ovens and grills, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common ones:

Gas

Gas is a popular heat source for cooking, including in boat ovens and grills. It is flexible and works with all types of pans. Gas stoves are also relatively inexpensive. However, one disadvantage is that the bottom surface of lower-quality pans can become crooked over time.

Electric

Electric ovens are standard for a wide range of applications. They use electricity to heat resistive elements and are known for their quick heat-up times, temperature precision, robustness, and low cost of purchase. They are ideal when dealing with combustible products or metals like aluminium that are prone to gas fire discolouration. However, electric stoves have slower heat-up times than gas stoves and can be more challenging to clean.

Induction

Induction cooktops generate heat through a magnetic field in the bottom of a pan. This means that the pan's material must be suitable for induction cooking, usually indicated by a magnet sticking to the bottom. Induction cooking is relatively safe since the heat is generated in the pan, and there is only indirect heat.

Halogen

Halogen cooktops use a halogen lamp under a glass plate to transfer heat. Almost all pans can be used on this heat source, but the bottom must be flat for proper heat transfer. Halogen heat-up times are slower than gas as the glass plate takes longer to reach the desired temperature.

Steam

Steam is an excellent heat source for dealing with easily combustible materials that need to be heated to high levels. It is clean, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient. However, steam-heated ovens have slow heat-up times and bulky temperature control capabilities. They are also not suitable for objects made of metals susceptible to corrosion and rust.

Direct and Indirect Gas Ovens

Direct gas ovens fire the gas flame directly onto the object being heated, while indirect gas ovens heat a stainless heat exchanger, and a fan blows the heated air into the chamber. Indirect gas ovens are more complex and expensive but combine the economy of gas with the versatility of electric ovens.

Frequently asked questions