Running an independent café often means juggling customer service, stock, staff, and equipment, all while trying to keep queues moving. Adding a hot food offer can be a game-changer, but only if it fits seamlessly into your operation. A Merrychef commercial oven in the Connex range can make this possible.
By combining microwave, convection, and impingement technologies, the Merrychef cooks food up to 10–15 times faster than a conventional oven. Learning how to program a Merrychef allows you to apply this speed consistently, producing reliable results at the press of a button and adding flexibility to your menu without slowing down service.
Understanding The Controls
The Merrychef Connex touchscreen is designed for simplicity. Large icons make it easy for staff to navigate, even if they’ve never used this type of equipment before. From the control panel, you can adjust four main settings: microwave power, convection temperature, fan speed, and cooking time.
These parameters can be saved as programmes, each with a name and icon. That way, staff don’t need to memorise settings; they can just tap the screen, and the oven does the rest.
Steps To Program Your Merrychef Connex
Programming a Merrychef is straightforward. Once you know the item you want to prepare:
- Access the programming menu from the touchscreen
- Enter your chosen settings (microwave, convection, fan, time)
- Run a test with the product to check the temperature and appearance
- Save the programme under a descriptive name, like “Breakfast Panini”
- Assign an icon so it’s easy to spot during service
- Adjust if necessary, then save the revised version
This process ensures every staff member can produce the same results quickly and consistently, no matter how busy the coffee shop gets.
Advanced Programming Techniques
For simple items, a single stage is often enough, but when you want to refine results, multi-stage programming comes into its own. For example, you might:
- Start with the convection feature to crisp the exterior
- Switch to the microwave for fast heating inside
- Finish with convection for browning and texture
Merrychef commercial ovens also include pre-set recipes that you can use immediately or adapt to your menu. For a café introducing hot food for the first time, these built-in options are a useful shortcut to get up and running quickly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If an error message appears on the screen, the Merrychef Connex usually provides an explanation. It’s worth checking for easy fixes before calling for support, such as:
- Making sure the door is properly closed
- Checking the air filter for obstructions
- Following the on-screen diagnostic guidance
Some error codes signal more serious internal issues. In those cases, it’s important to contact a Merrychef service partner. If your oven is still in warranty, contact us and we’ll arrange for an engineer to attend promptly. You can also opt for an extended warranty on purchase, which upgrades you to engineer attendance within 24 hours and 7 days a week.
Why Programming Matters For Coffee Shops
For café owners, the ability to programme a Merrychef Connex is about more than convenience. It means:
- Faster service without long staff training
- Consistent quality, even at peak times
- New menu options that increase revenue
In short, Merrychef programming unlocks the full potential of a high-speed oven, allowing you to expand your offer while keeping service efficient.
Next Steps
If you’d like to compare models, take a look at our full range of high-speed ovens.
Our team will help you choose the right solution for your business and keep it running smoothly. We also offer free training with every purchase of a Merrychef commercial oven. Contact us!
Image source: Canva
