If you're running an independent coffee shop or café, chances are you're doing a bit of everything: serving customers, prepping food, managing stock, and trying to grow the business all at once. When it comes to choosing equipment, you need something reliable, compact, easy to use, and good value.
Enter the Merrychef Connex range, high-speed ovens that combine convection, impingement, and microwave technologies to deliver consistently hot food in seconds, not minutes. Whether you're introducing hot food for the first time or looking to replace an old kit that’s struggling to keep up, a Merrychef oven could be the upgrade that keeps service flowing and customers happy.
But which model is right for you: the Connex 12 or 16?
Why Choose A High-Speed Oven?
High-speed ovens are perfect for independent cafés that want to serve hot food without a full kitchen setup. Both the Connex 12 and Connex 16 are:
- Ventless, meaning you don’t need costly ventilation or planning permission
- Easy to use, with touchscreens and programmable menus
- Fast and efficient, so you can serve food while a customer’s coffee is brewing
They're also WiFi-enabled, meaning updates and new menu items are easy to roll out, even if you're planning to open a second site.
Merrychef Connex 12: Smart Choice For Small Spaces
The Connex 12 has a 12" x 12" cavity and a small footprint, making it ideal for compact cafés or counters where every inch matters. Despite its size, it packs a punch, delivering toasted sandwiches, breakfast rolls, pastries, or pizza slices in under a minute.
Best for:
- Coffee shops with limited counter space
- First-time hot food setups
- Businesses focused on speed and simplicity
It’s the best value option if you're trying to improve your food offering without overextending your budget or reworking your electrics.
Merrychef Connex 16: Built For Bigger Menus
The Connex 16 features a 16" x 16" cavity, making it better suited to cafés that are planning to scale. It gives you more flexibility to cook multiple items at once or to offer a broader menu across breakfast, lunch, and late afternoon.
Best for:
- Busier cafés serving more customers per hour
- Sites with two or more team members handling food prep
- Locations with larger or more varied food offerings
- Owners planning to expand or franchise
If your current oven can’t keep up or you’re constantly running out of capacity, the Connex 16 might be the answer.
Connex 12 Vs Connex 16
| Feature | Connex 12 | Connex 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Cavity Size | 12” x 12” | 16” x 16” |
| Power Supply | 13 amp | May require higher amp |
| Space Required | Compact | Larger footprint |
| Menu Volume | Moderate | High |
| Ease of Use | Very easy | Equally simple |
| Ideal For | Small, single-site cafés | Growing, higher-volume cafés |
| Budget | Entry level | Mid-to-premium |
The Right Call For Your Café
If your goal is to boost margins with a fast, low-effort hot food offering, especially during peak hours, the Connex 12 from Merrychef is a smart, budget-friendly entry point. It fits the pace and space constraints of most independent cafés and won’t require major electrical work.
On the other hand, if you’re constantly rushed, struggling to keep up with demand, or planning to add more menu variety, the Connex 16 gives you the firepower and flexibility to grow.
Both models help you offer more value to customers without needing extra staff, kitchen space, or ventilation.
Need To Talk It Through?
Not sure what your setup can handle? We understand the realities of independent cafés. We're here to make things simple, with honest advice and clear guidance.
Contact us today to talk through your options, or browse our full range of high-speed ovens to compare specs.
Image source: Canva
