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Catering SpecialistJarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535
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Buffalo
In Stock
Commercial Charcoal Oven | Oven with Stand | High Temperature Cooking | Buffalo SA838
£6,290.85
/ exc vat
£7,549.02/ inc vat
- High-Temperature Cooking
- High-Quality Internal Insulation
- Built-in Thermometer
- Included Stand with Storage
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Product Overview
Looking to bring that authentic, smoky barbecue flavour into your professional kitchen? This is the kit that gets it done. The Buffalo SA838 is a serious piece of equipment, a dedicated charcoal oven designed for chefs who refuse to compromise on taste. It combines the raw cooking power of charcoal with the precision and safety of an enclosed oven, giving you incredible results from searing steaks to slow-cooking ribs.
Built for the demanding environment of a commercial kitchen, this unit is perfect for steakhouses, gastropubs, and any restaurant wanting to make a statement with its menu. The freestanding design, complete with a handy storage shelf, means it can be positioned wherever you need it most, while the robust build quality ensures it can handle the pressure of a busy service, day in and day out. It’s a genuine workhorse for the flavour-focused chef.
With its high-temperature capability up to 500°C and excellent heat retention, this Buffalo charcoal oven with stand gives you unparalleled cooking control. It arrives with a full set of tools, including a poker, clamps, and shovel, so you can get grilling right away. If you're ready to elevate your dishes with that unmistakable charcoal-fired taste, this is your oven.
Key Features and Benefits
- High-Temperature Cooking: Achieves an incredible sear and locks in juicy flavour.
- High-Quality Internal Insulation: Saves you money by using less charcoal per service.
- Built-in Thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of cooking for consistent results.
- Included Stand with Storage: Keeps your tools organised and the oven at waist height.
- Independent Ash Drawer: Makes daily clean-up quick, simple, and mess-free.
- Grease Collection System: Reduces flare-ups and makes end-of-service cleaning much easier.
- Anti-Impact Door System: Built to withstand the inevitable knocks of a busy kitchen.
- Full Accessory Kit Included: Comes with everything you need to start cooking immediately.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Buffalo
- SKU: SA838
- Dimensions: 670(H) x 740(W) x 575(D) mm
- Cooking Area: 570 x 350 mm
- Temperature Range: Up to 500°C
- Features: Anti-impact door, pull disabling system, independent ash drawer, grease collection
- Includes: Oven, stand with storage, poker, clamp, ash shovel, brush
- Weight: 127kg
Expert Review and Insights
Buffalo has a knack for creating no-nonsense, robust gear, and this charcoal oven is a prime example. It bridges the gap between a traditional BBQ and a standard convection oven, delivering that sought-after smoky profile with far more control and efficiency. It’s a solid, dependable unit that feels like it was designed by someone who’s actually worked in a busy kitchen.
Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment Expert View Profile →
- Pro: The flavour infusion is exceptional; it truly transforms meat and veg.
- Con: It requires more hands-on management than a gas or electric equivalent.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Old Forge Pub in Hereford wanted to overhaul its garden menu to draw in more summer trade. They replaced their aging gas BBQ with the Buffalo charcoal grill oven to offer a more premium, smoky flavour profile that would set them apart from local competitors.
"The control we have is fantastic. We're searing steaks at a really high heat, then shutting the door to let them finish perfectly. The flavour is night and day compared to what we had before, and our customers have definitely noticed. It's the heart of our kitchen garden now."
Robert Green – Head Chef at The Old Forge Pub
Since installation, the pub’s food sales from their garden menu have increased by over 40% during peak season.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Ensure the oven is placed on a stable, level, and non-combustible surface.
- Position it under a suitable commercial extraction canopy to manage smoke and heat.
- Before first use, perform a 'burn-in' by lighting a small amount of charcoal to cure the interior.
- Assemble the stand first, then carefully lift the oven into position with assistance.
Keeping It Going
- Empty the ash collection drawer at the beginning of every day to ensure good airflow.
- Clean the grease trap after every service to prevent build-up and reduce fire risk.
- Use the included wire brush to clean the cooking grate while it's still warm.
- Periodically check the door seal for any signs of wear and tear to maintain efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this oven be used indoors?
A: Yes, it's designed for indoor commercial kitchen use, but it absolutely must be installed under a suitable extraction and ventilation system to comply with safety regulations.
Q: What kind of charcoal should I use?
A: For best results, we recommend using high-quality lumpwood charcoal. It lights faster, burns hotter, and produces less ash than briquettes.
Q: How do you control the temperature?
A: Temperature is controlled via two air vents. Opening the vents allows more oxygen in, increasing the heat, while closing them reduces the heat for slower cooking.
Q: How long does it take to get to cooking temperature?
A: This depends on the amount of charcoal used, but typically you can expect it to be ready for high-heat searing in around 30-40 minutes.
Q: What can I cook in it besides steak?
A: Anything that benefits from a smoky flavour! Try chicken wings, fish, vegetable skewers, corn on the cob, and even flatbreads or pizzas on a stone.
Q: Is the stand difficult to assemble?
A: The stand is straightforward to assemble with basic tools. We recommend two people for lifting the main oven unit onto the assembled stand.
Q: How hot does the outside of the oven get?
A: While the insulation is very effective, the exterior surfaces will still become very hot. Always use caution and heat-proof gloves when operating.
Q: How many burgers or steaks can it cook at once?
A: The 570x350mm grate can comfortably accommodate around 8-10 large steaks or 12-15 burger patties, depending on their size.
The Buffalo Promise: Built to Last, Designed to Perform
When you invest in Buffalo equipment, you're getting more than just a list of features; you're buying into a reputation for durability that's been earned in thousands of demanding UK kitchens. The SA838 Buffalo charcoal oven for commercial kitchen environments is the perfect embodiment of this philosophy. It’s built with a reassuring heft, from the solid door mechanism to the sturdy stand, designed to absorb the rigours of a relentless service without faltering. This focus on robust engineering translates into real-world business value: less downtime, fewer maintenance call-outs, and a consistent performance you can build your menu and reputation on. It’s a workhorse, not a show pony, providing the reliability chefs need to focus on what matters most—creating incredible food.
Explore more from BuffaloMore Flavour, Less Fuel: The Power of Great Insulation
Ever wondered why this oven is so efficient with charcoal? It comes down to its high-quality internal insulation. Think of it like a giant, heavy-duty thermos flask for heat. Instead of the heat escaping into your kitchen, the insulation traps it inside the oven chamber. This means more of the energy from your charcoal goes directly into cooking the food, not warming up the room. The result? Your charcoal burns slower and more consistently, saving you money on fuel and giving you precise temperature control for that perfect sear or slow cook, service after service.
Who Should Buy This?
- Steak Houses & Gastropubs: The perfect tool for creating signature steaks and gourmet burgers with an authentic flame-grilled finish.
- Tapas Restaurants: Ideal for cooking traditional Spanish 'a la brasa' dishes, from grilled prawns to smoky chorizo.
- Outdoor Catering & Pop-Ups: A fantastic centrepiece for event catering, delivering incredible flavour in a self-contained, professional unit.
- Hotels & Event Venues: Upgrade your function menu by offering premium, charcoal-cooked options that guests will remember.
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Ready to Order?
Ready to bring that unbeatable charcoal flavour to your customers? Order your Buffalo SA838 Commercial Charcoal Oven with Stand today for fast, reliable UK delivery.