Blodgett (Middleby) 981 BASE Deck Ovens - 981 BASE
42" × 32" steel deck | (2) 7" bake chambers | 50,000 BTU
Bring stone-deck consistency to breads, pizzas, pastries and more with the Blodgett 981 single gas deck oven. Its rugged all-steel deck and free-floating burner deliver the blistering, even heat professional kitchens demand, while a stainless exterior and counter-balanced doors stand up to years of daily use.
Features
- 50,000 BTU duplex-tube burner for fast recovery and even chamber heat.
- Mechanical liquid-pressure thermostat with 200–500 °F (93–288 °C) range.
- (2) independent 7" high baking compartments on a 42" × 32" steel deck.
- Full angle-iron frame, 12-gauge reinforced deck and vitreous-fiber insulation on all sides.
- Counter-balanced doors with concealed hinges & heavy chrome handles—no springs to wear out.
- Stainless steel front, top, sides and back; aluminized-steel liner for corrosion resistance.
- Front-access burner door for ignition, cleaning and adjustment without tools.
- Certified safe & sanitary: cETLus, NSF & CE listed.
Specifications
| Exterior (W × D × H) |
60" × 40" × 57-3/4" (1524 × 1016 × 1468 mm) |
| Deck size |
42" × 32" (1067 × 813 mm) |
| Bake chambers |
2, each 7" (178 mm) high |
| Heat input |
50,000 BTU/hr |
| Temperature range |
200–500 °F (93–288 °C) |
| Gas connection |
3/4" NPT rear manifold |
| Manifold pressure |
Natural Gas 5" W.C. / LP 10" W.C. |
| Minimum inlet pressure |
Natural Gas 7" W.C. min. – 10.5" max.
LP 11" W.C. min. – 13" max. |
| Clearance |
6" (152 mm) sides & rear from combustibles |
| Shipping weight |
715 lb (324 kg) |
| Certifications |
cETLus, NSF, CE |
Capacities
- Holds 24 × 10" pies or 4 × 18" × 26" bun pans per load.
- 9.34 ft² baking surface per compartment (18.68 ft² total).
- Field convertible for Natural Gas or LP via removable orifices.
What's Included
- Steel deck in both bake chambers
- Fahrenheit dial (200 °F–500 °F)
- 2-year parts / 1-year labor warranty
- 5-year limited door warranty
Accessories
- Flexible gas hose with quick-disconnect (36" or 48") & restraining device
- Black legs with casters
- Stainless steel crown-angle trim
- Vent kit or draft diverter
- QHT Rokite 1-1/2" thick pizza stone deck
- Steam jet kit for artisan bread
- FDTH thermostat upgrade (300–650 °F)
- Double-stack connector kit
What our Experts Think
-
Foundation Model – The 981 BASE serves as a reliable starting deck, ideal for custom stacking or expanding capacity.
-
Stone Deck Baking – Retains heat effectively for crisp, evenly baked crusts and consistent pizza quality.
-
Commercial Durability – Built with a stainless steel exterior and aluminized steel interior for long service life.
-
Heat Precision – Independent top and bottom dampers provide accurate temperature control.
-
Scalable Solution – Perfect for operators planning to build multi-deck configurations to match growing demand.
Q&A
Q: What is the Blodgett 981 BASE Deck Oven best suited for?
A: It’s designed for pizzerias, bakeries, and restaurants that need dependable stone-deck baking in a base oven setup.
Q: What type of fuel does this oven use?
A: The 981 BASE operates on natural gas or liquid propane, offering flexibility for commercial kitchens.
Q: How much cooking capacity does it provide?
A: With a large stone deck, it can bake multiple pizzas or baked goods at once, ideal for medium to high-volume output.
Q: What makes this oven durable for professional use?
A: Its rugged stainless steel construction, thick stone deck, and efficient heat retention ensure long-lasting reliability.
Q: Does it deliver consistent baking results?
A: Yes, the oven’s advanced airflow system distributes heat evenly for uniform, high-quality baking.
Maintenance Tips
-
Brush oven deck daily to remove crumbs and burnt residue.
-
Clean stainless steel surfaces with mild soap; avoid abrasive cleaners.
-
Inspect and calibrate thermostat regularly for consistent heat control.
-
Check burners, vents, and flue for blockages; clean to maintain airflow.
-
Keep oven door gaskets clean; replace if worn or cracked.
-
Schedule routine professional servicing for gas lines and safety checks.
