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Buffalo
Out of Stock
Commercial Convection Oven | Electric Oven with Humidity | 4x GN 1/1 Capacity | Buffalo HZ488
£1,873.86
/ exc vat
£2,248.63/ inc vat
Out of Stock, but not for long
Notify Me
- Bi-Directional Fan
- 4x GN 1/1 Capacity
- Push-Button Humidity Function
- User-Friendly Manual Dials
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Product Overview
Here’s a real workhorse for any kitchen that means business. The Buffalo HZ488 is a powerful and impressively reliable commercial convection oven, designed to handle the daily pressures of a professional catering environment. With a generous capacity for four full-sized (1/1) gastronorm trays, it’s built to churn out consistently brilliant results, from perfectly roasted joints to batches of golden-brown pastries.
This fantastic bit of kit is aimed squarely at bustling cafés, demanding restaurants, local bakeries, and busy pub kitchens. If you need an oven that just gets on with the job, delivering even cooking without any fuss, this is for you. The simple, no-nonsense manual controls mean any member of your team can use it confidently, while the clever humidity function helps lock in moisture, keeping food succulent and delicious.
Featuring a smart bi-directional fan for flawlessly even heat distribution and a robust stainless steel build, this Buffalo convection oven with humidity is more than just an appliance; it's a dependable partner for your kitchen. It’s ready to help you boost quality, reduce waste, and serve up perfection, plate after plate.
Key Features and Benefits
- Bi-Directional Fan: Guarantees perfectly even cooking and browning across every tray.
- 4x GN 1/1 Capacity: Cook large batches easily, boosting your kitchen's output.
- Push-Button Humidity Function: Keeps meats juicy and pastries light, preventing drying out.
- User-Friendly Manual Dials: Simple and incredibly reliable, no complex programming is needed.
- Versatile 0-60 Minute Timer: Offers precise cooking control or a non-stop 'always on' mode.
- Wide Temperature Range (50-250°C): Perfect for everything from gentle warming to high-heat roasting.
- Robust Stainless Steel Build: Built to withstand the daily knocks of a busy kitchen.
- Easy-Access Lateral Door: Allows for safe and convenient loading and unloading of trays.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Buffalo
- SKU: HZ488
- Dimensions: 550(H) x 700(W) x 790(D)mm
- Capacity: 4 x 1/1 GN
- Power: 4.6kW, 400V (Three Phase - Hardwired)
- Temperature Range: 50°C to 250°C
- Controls: Manual Dials
- Timer: 0-60 minutes & Continuous Mode
- Special Feature: Push-button humidity (requires mains water connection)
- Fan Type: Bi-directional
Expert Review and Insights
The Buffalo HZ488 really impresses with its back-to-basics, performance-first approach. It’s not bogged down with overly complex digital screens; instead, its tactile dials feel sturdy and responsive. The bi-directional fan is the star here, delivering on its promise of even baking, and the optional humidity function is a genuinely useful feature for improving food quality, especially with roasts and delicate bakes.
Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment View Profile →
- Top Marks for Consistency: The fan system eliminates hotspots, so no more rotating trays mid-cook.
- Installation Planning: It needs a three-phase supply, so check your kitchen's wiring first.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Salty Siren Bistro in Penzance, Cornwall, needed to upgrade its main oven. Their old unit was causing real headaches with inconsistent temperatures, leading to uneven bakes on their popular sausage rolls and wasted batches of scones.
"We were having to guess cooking times and constantly check everything. With the Buffalo oven, everything just comes out looking and tasting fantastic. The humidity function is brilliant for our Sunday roasts; the feedback on how juicy the chicken is has been amazing."
David Thompson – Head Chef
Since installing the oven, the bistro has reduced its morning bake waste by nearly 100% and reports much faster, more reliable service times during peak hours.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Ensure the oven is placed on a stable, level, and heat-resistant surface with good ventilation.
- This unit must be hardwired to a suitable three-phase electricity supply by a qualified electrician.
- If using the humidity function, connect a mains water supply. A water filter is recommended in hard water areas.
- Always leave adequate space around the unit for air circulation as specified in the user manual.
Keeping It Going
- Wipe the interior cavity daily with a damp cloth and a mild, food-safe cleaning solution.
- Remove and clean the shelf runners and supports regularly to prevent stubborn grease build-up.
- Check the rubber door seal for any cracks or damage to ensure heat isn't escaping.
- After cleaning, briefly heat the oven to fully dry the interior and prevent corrosion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does GN 1/1 capacity mean?
A: It means the oven is designed to hold standard Gastronorm pans measuring 530x325mm, which is a universal size used across the professional catering industry.
Q: Do I need a water connection to use this oven?
A: No, the oven operates perfectly as a standard convection oven without a water connection. The connection is only required if you want to use the push-button humidity function.
Q: What is a bi-directional fan?
A: The fan automatically changes the direction it spins during the cooking cycle. This circulates hot air more evenly throughout the oven to prevent hotspots and ensure consistent browning.
Q: What kind of power supply does this oven need?
A: This is a powerful 4.6kW unit that requires a 400V, three-phase commercial electricity supply. It must be installed by a qualified electrician and cannot be plugged into a standard socket.
Q: How do the manual controls work?
A: They are very straightforward. There's one dial to set the temperature (50-250°C), another to set the timer (up to 60 mins or on continuous mode), and a simple push-button for the humidity.
Q: Can I bake bread in this oven?
A: It is excellent for general baking like pastries, cakes, and scones. While the humidity function helps create a moist environment, specialist artisan bread ovens typically use more powerful steam injection systems for crust formation.
Q: Is it easy to clean?
A: Yes, the stainless steel construction and removable internal shelf runners make daily cleaning simple and quick.
Q: Can I stack this model on top of another oven?
A: This particular model is designed as a countertop unit and is not suitable for stacking. Please browse our range for dedicated stackable convection ovens if required.
The Buffalo Promise: Reliability for the Real World
When you choose Buffalo, you're investing in more than just a piece of equipment; you're investing in peace of mind. For years, Buffalo has been a trusted name in UK kitchens, known for creating robust, no-nonsense gear that stands up to the rigours of daily service. This Buffalo 4x GN 1/1 convection oven is a perfect example of that philosophy. The focus is on core performance and durability, not unnecessary frills. Its reliance on sturdy manual controls over complex digital interfaces means fewer potential points of failure, which is critical during a hectic Saturday night. This commitment to simple, effective engineering translates into lower maintenance costs and a longer operational life, providing exceptional long-term value for your business.
Explore more from BuffaloMore Than Hot Air: How a Bi-Directional Fan Guarantees Perfect Bakes
Ever wondered why some ovens have 'hotspots' that burn one side of your bake while leaving the other pale? It's usually down to the fan blowing hot air in just one direction. This Buffalo oven solves that with a clever bi-directional fan, a feature that makes a huge difference to your final product.
Think of it like stirring a big pot of soup. If you only stir clockwise, the ingredients in the centre might not mix properly. But if you stir both clockwise and anti-clockwise, everything gets blended perfectly. The bi-directional fan does the same with heat, periodically reversing its spin to ensure hot air reaches every single corner of the oven, top to bottom. This means no more rotating trays halfway through cooking; just beautifully even, golden-brown results every time.
Who Should Buy This?
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Restaurants & Pubs
Bustling eateries that need a reliable oven for consistently roasting meats, vegetables, and baking sides during busy services.
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Cafés & Delis
Busy cafés looking to expand their hot food menu with perfectly baked pastries, pies, and jacket potatoes.
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Bakeries & Farm Shops
Artisan bakeries and farm shops needing a dependable gastronorm convection oven with steam-like humidity for fantastic results.
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Event Caterers
Mobile and event caterers requiring a powerful, high-capacity oven for preparing diverse menus efficiently on location.
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