Average Gas Consumption vs. Gas Utility Requirements
A common question our customers ask is regarding Utility Requirements so they can correctly size the gas line for the ovens. It’s important to note that those requirements are maximum requirements reflecting when the ovens burners are on full. They do not reflect average consumption. The oven will run at these higher numbers only during heat up. Once the oven reaches temperature the burners are turned down and the average consumption drops substantially. Please consider these examples when calculating daily costs:
RFG-IR ovens
During the first 2 hours of operation the oven will run at the full rated BTU input noted on the data plate and spec sheets. After the oven reaches operating temperature the radiant burner(s) (RFG) will be throttled back to a holding flame and the gas fired infra-red assist burner (IR) will cycle off. During daily operation the radiant flames will be raised and lowered and the IR will cycle on and off as needed. This usage will average out at roughly 40 percent of the total input rating for the remainder of the day.
Example for a WS-MH-5-RFG-IR on natural gas rated at 188,000 BTU (55 kW) running 12 hours per day, with a temperature range of 550F-600F (285C -315C):
188,000 BTU (55 kW) per hour for 2 hours = 376,000 BTU (110 kW)
75,200 BTU (22 kW) per hour for 10 hours= 752,000 BTU (220 kW)
For a total daily use of 1,128,000 BTU (330 kW)
RFG ovens
During the first 2 hours of operation the oven will run at the full rated BTU input noted on the data plate. After this heat up period, the oven will be throttled back to a holding flame unless product is being cooked, then turned up averaging 50-60 percent of the total input rating for the remainder of the day.
Example for a Bistro WS-BH-4343-RFG oven on natural gas at 80,500 BTU (23.5 kW) running 12 hours per day, with a temperature range of 550F-600F (285C -315C):
80,500 BTU (23.5 kW) per hour for 2 hours=161,000 BTU (47 kW)
40,250 BTU (11.75 kW) per hour for 10 hours =402,500 BTU (118 kW)
For a daily total of 563,500 BTU (165 kW)
These figures are averages based on typical use on an oven that is run every day. Shut down times of longer 12 hours or higher operating temperatures may affect these figures.
