The art of baking meets intelligent technology
The art of baking meets intelligent technology
How modern oven construction and intelligent technology save energy, ensure quality and simplify daily life in the bakery
Rising energy costs, increasing pressure for efficiency, and the demand for consistently high quality present bakeries with new challenges. The oven, in particular, is coming into focus: it is the heart of the bakery and, at the same time, the largest energy consumer in many businesses. Depending on the type of production and plant technology, around 25 to 65 percent of the total energy consumption is attributable to the baking process. Addressing this area can reduce costs and ensure the business is future-proof.
With the new EKM smart iQ, Leutenegger + Frei combines modern oven technology with digital intelligence, manufactured in Switzerland. The system combines energy-efficient construction, automated processes and smart control – with the aim of perceptibly improving baking quality, efficiency and ease of use.
Efficiency begins in the oven.
The foundation for an economical baking process is already laid in the design. Firebricks store heat exceptionally well and release it evenly to the baked goods. This ensures stable, reproducible results and reduces energy consumption. Compared to conventional ovens, savings of up to 25 percent are possible through energy-efficient design, depending on the usage profile.
As a heat-storage oven, the system uses the stored heat particularly efficiently. Less reheating and more stable temperature profiles increase process reliability in everyday use. The silver-mirrored double glazing also improves the energy balance: it reduces heat loss at the oven front and reflects heat back into the baking chamber. This simultaneously lowers heat radiation to the outside and improves working conditions in the bakery.
This is complemented by precise heat management, high-quality insulation, and, in addition to modular standard construction, custom-made solutions. This results in oven solutions that are convincing in terms of energy efficiency and operational performance.
When the oven thinks along
A modern oven system with intelligent control fully unfolds its potential. This is precisely where the EKM smart iQ comes in. The technology combines modern user interfaces with proven oven control in the background. Baking programmes can be automated, processes standardised, and data can be centrally evaluated.
For bakeries, this means specifically: lower energy consumption, automated processes, consistently high baking quality, and better predictability in daily operations. Guided operation reduces error sources, new employees can be integrated more quickly, and baking is controlled more on demand.
In combination with energy-efficient furnace technology, energy savings of up to 50 percent are possible, depending on the starting conditions and operating structure.
Practical and forward-looking
The EKM smart iQ was presented at this year's event held by Leineggers + Frei to numerous bakers from home and abroad. In direct exchange, it became clear how modern control can concretely simplify everyday life: through easier operation, fewer faulty batches, better predictability, and more transparency in energy usage.
Additionally, an investment in energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technology can become even more attractive under certain conditions through government support. In addition to savings in operation, this can also reduce investment costs. The new EKM smart iQ is already performing very well in its first bakeries with excellent results regarding energy efficiency and baking quality.
The Smart Bakery is no longer a distant dream, but a real step in the development of the bakery trade. Leutenegger + Frei accompanies bakeries on this journey – from the right oven configuration to intelligent control solutions.
The EKM smart iQ can be viewed at any time at L+F in Andwil. Individual consultation with us or in your bakery will show how energy efficiency, baking quality, and digital control can be optimally tailored to the requirements of your own operation.