FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose BERTHA over other charcoal ovens on the market?
There are 6 main reasons:
- The BERTHA is stronger and easier to maintain than its competitors.
- BERTHA has a unique side-opening door which makes service and opening easier.
- BERTHA’s cooking platform is the largest in the industry.
- The BERTHA takes up very little space in the kitchen. Its unique design means its footprint is only 60cm x 70cm.
- The cooking temperature can be set to anywhere from 100°C to 500°C allowing for every type of cooking, from baking to roasting to slow roasting to grilling.
- Unlike other charcoal ovens on the market the BERTHA can be fuelled with wood, instead of charcoal, for an extra smoky flavour.
What power do I need to run a BERTHA?
You do not need any power to run a BERTHA. The oven runs purely on charcoal or wood that is lit and burning hot.
Do I need extraction to use the BERTHA indoors?
Yes. Normally a professional kitchen extraction hood will do the job – but please check our specifications on extraction to be sure.
Can I use any charcoal in the BERTHA?
We recommend a quality smokeless charcoal though in theory it can be fired with any charcoal you like. Low quality charcoal tends to smoke more and burns far quicker adding a nasty aroma and taste to the food.
Can I use my BERTHA outdoors as well as indoors?
Yes, you can as the oven is made of cast iron and high grade stainless steel. We recommend covering it when not in use if being kept outdoors though.
Why is a closed charcoal oven better than other grills?
Closed charcoal oven cooking is an extremely efficient way of cooking as it keeps the heat in the oven, so greater temperatures can be reached.
Do I have to cook at 550° Celsius?
No. With BERTHA you have the option to control the temperature from 100°C to 500°C by using our unique air valve system. We recommend an optimal cooking temperature of about 220˚C (428˚F).
How long can I keep the BERTHA oven working?
A lit oven can last anywhere up to 8 hours and then you can slowly add additional charcoal and briquettes to keep it going for anything up to 15 hours if you wish.
Is the BERTHA easy to operate and clean?
With no moving parts the BERTHA is simple to operate and clean and there are no specialist chemicals or cleaning aids required.
Other ovens can be very expensive to maintain. Is BERTHA the same?
No. Which is why we offer a 3 year guarantee for normal heavy restaurant use. There are no springs, hinges, glass panels to replace and because it is made out of cast iron and high grade thick stainless steel there is nothing to break.
Can I only grill on the BERTHA?
As well as grilling perfectly you can bake, roast, slow cook, hot and cold smoke and there is no limit to what you can cook in the BERTHA from breads to desserts.
What types of people use BERTHA?
Our customers vary from restaurants, hotels, pubs, catering companies, delis and the BERTHA can be used for short order cooking or a cook chill system.
Can you buy BERTHA anywhere in the world?
Yes, we distribute the BERTHA worldwide. Currently we have ovens in Europe, the US, the UAE, the Middle East and South Africa, and our client list is growing daily.
Do you have any accessories that you sell with the oven?
Yes – see the Accessories section of the site. We are sourcing and developing this list all the time to give you even more cooking options and flexibility.
Where is the oven made?
BERTHA is hand-made in the UK with British cast iron and stainless steel to a very high specification.