Lincoln vs. Star
Lincoln and Star manufacture conveyor ovens for foodservice operations that need consistent cooking with less hands-on monitoring than deck ovens, convection ovens, or batch-style cooking equipment. Lincoln is a strong fit for high-volume pizza shops and institutional kitchens prioritizing throughput and consistency, while Star suits operators seeking smaller footprints and straightforward controls for sandwiches and appetizers.
Lincoln vs. Star: Comparison Snapshot
About Lincoln
Founded in 1982, Lincoln has been voted the best conveyor oven manufacturer by the foodservice and hospitality industry for a record 17 consecutive years. The brand’s impinger ovens are built for rapid heating, cooking, baking, and crisping, making them a strong fit for high-volume operations. Its Aperion® series is designed for uniform heating, with variable speed and precise temperature control from 250 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and easyTouch controls enable quick adjustment of belt direction, temperature, and cook time.
Key Features:
- easyTouch controls include up to 8 preset recipes and 20 programmable presets
- Energy-saving Eco Mode for efficient operation
- FastBake™ technology for faster finishing times without increasing noise levels
About Star
Founded in 1921, Star offers a broad range of countertop cooking equipment, including conveyor ovens, charbroilers, griddles, toasters, panini grills, and hot dog equipment. Its conveyor oven selection includes Holman quartz models with analog controls and quartz infrared heaters, as well as stackable Ultra-Max® impingement models with digital controls for heavy-duty use. Many models include powerful 40,000-BTU stainless steel burners and auxiliary fans that pull in outside air to cool the control box and protect internal components.
Key Features:
- 6,000-watt metal sheath elements
- LED display and 6 factory presets for products
- Powerful 40,000-BTU stainless steel burners
Key Differences Explained
Performance and Throughput
Lincoln conveyor ovens feature wide belts, large baking chambers, stackable configurations, and impingement airflow that supports repeated cooking cycles during peak demand. Lincoln’s 1400 Series includes a 32-inch conveyor belt and 40-inch baking chamber, while the 3240 Series is designed for high-volume applications and can be stacked up to three ovens high.
Star can still support high-volume production, particularly with its Ultra-Max impingement models. Select Ultra-Max electric countertop conveyor ovens include an 189/10-inch-wide belt with 33- or 50-inch belt lengths for high-volume production. Star’s standard conveyor oven lineup is compact and countertop oriented, making it a more practical choice for operations that need consistent cooking without the scale of a large conveyor oven platform.
Design and Controls
Lincoln ovens suit operations that want precise heating controls and fast cooking times. FastBake technology and easyTouch controls emphasize consistent cooking, speed, and simplified operation for repeatable results. Star’s Holman conveyor ovens use analog controls for operators who prefer simple, direct adjustments for speed and temperature. Ultra-Max models step up to digital controls and include LED displays and factory presets.
Durability and Maintenance
Lincoln models feature stainless steel construction that withstands heat exposure without warping. The brand’s oven cleaner kit includes noncaustic oven cleaner, and its online service page includes a global service network, service documents, parts, videos, warranty information, and support resources for its ovens.
Star’s countertop units include removable, serviceable components, with models such as the Ultra-Max UM1850A featuring a removable front panel for cleaning the baking chamber and changing nozzle plates.
Price and Value
Star’s compact Holman or Ultra-Max units can be a practical investment for cafes, bars, concession stands, and convenience stores that need consistent heating or finishing for a focused menu. Larger Lincoln models may require a higher upfront investment, more utility planning, and more space, though those costs can be justified when faster cook times, stacking capacity, and consistent throughput help fulfill operational goals.
Which Brand Is Right for You?
| Scenario | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Operations | Lincoln | Built for high-volume production and consistent bake quality |
| Pizzeria | Lincoln | Better airflow control and baking consistency |
| Convenience Store | Star | Well suited for reheating and grab-and-go foods at moderate traffic levels |
| Sandwich Shop | Star | Models are designed for sandwiches, paninis, and flatbreads |
Lincoln conveyor ovens generally perform better in high-volume operations where speed, consistency, and throughput matter most. Star conveyor ovens perform better when the operator needs a compact, flexible, and approachable conveyor oven for a smaller footprint.
Shop Lincoln & Star at KaTom
KaTom offers a wide selection of Lincoln and Star conveyor ovens. Check out KaTom's catalog to find reliable ovens at the right price for your operation.
