Blodgett (Middleby) 981-961 Deck Ovens - 981-961
42" W x 32" D decks • three 7" high baking chambers • 87,000 BTU
Built for high–volume bakeries, pizzerias and commissaries, the Blodgett 981/961 gives you three independent 42" x 32" decks inside a rock-solid, two-section frame. From artisan breads to sheet-pan desserts, this oven delivers the legendary Blodgett bake with the durability today’s kitchens demand.
Features
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Tri-deck flexibility – bake different products simultaneously in three 7" chambers.
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Wide temperature range – mechanical thermostat accurately holds 200-500 °F (93-260 °C).
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Even heat distribution – free-floating duplex tube burners and thick steel decks assure consistent crusts every time.
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All-stainless exterior – front, sides, top & back resist corrosion and wipe clean fast.
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Counter-balanced doors – smooth operation with concealed hinges and heavy chrome handles.
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Angled iron frame & 7" adjustable legs – stand up to busy commercial floors and simplify leveling.
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Certified & safe – cETLus, NSF and CE listed for peace of mind and code compliance.
Built to work as hard as you do
- Full angle-iron skeleton for long-term structural integrity.
- Vitreous fiber insulation on all sides to retain heat and reduce energy loss.
- 12 ga. press-formed aluminized steel decks reinforced & flanged.
- Aluminized steel liners and combustion chambers resist high-temp oxidation.
- Burner doors swing open—no tools required—for quick ignition or cleaning.
Specifications
| Model |
981/961 Double Deck Gas Oven |
| Heat source |
Natural or LP gas, 3/4" NPT connection |
| Total input |
87,000 BTU/hr (50k BTU bottom section • 37k BTU top section) |
| Baking chambers |
3 decks – each 42" W x 32" D x 7" H |
| Temperature range |
200-500 °F (93-260 °C) mechanical thermostat |
| Exterior dimensions |
60" W x 40" D x 59-3/8" H (1524 x 1016 x 1508 mm) |
| Clearances |
6" sides & rear (combustible or non-combustible) |
What our Experts Think
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High-Output Combo – The 981 base paired with the 966 deck delivers expanded capacity for busy pizza kitchens.
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Authentic Stone Deck Baking – Provides excellent heat retention and ensures crisp, evenly baked crusts.
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Rugged Construction – Stainless steel exterior with aluminized steel interior built for heavy-duty, daily use.
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Independent Heat Control – Each deck features separate top and bottom dampers for precise baking adjustments.
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Flexible Configuration – A versatile oven setup trusted by operators needing both volume and consistency.
Q&A
Q: What is the Blodgett 981-966 Deck Oven designed for?
A: It’s built for high-volume pizzerias, bakeries, and restaurants that need dual-deck stone baking with large capacity.
Q: What type of fuel does this oven use?
A: The 981-966 operates on natural gas or liquid propane, providing flexible installation options.
Q: How much cooking capacity does it provide?
A: With two stone decks (981 and 966), it allows baking of multiple pizzas or baked items simultaneously for maximum output.
Q: What makes this oven durable for commercial kitchens?
A: Heavy-duty stainless steel construction, thick stone decks, and strong heat retention ensure long-lasting reliability.
Q: Does it deliver even and consistent baking results?
A: Yes, its advanced airflow system ensures balanced heat distribution across both decks.
Maintenance Tips
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Brush decks after each use to clear crumbs and residue.
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Wipe stainless steel exterior with mild detergent; avoid harsh abrasives.
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Calibrate thermostats regularly to maintain accurate baking temperatures.
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Inspect burners, vents, and flue for soot or blockages; clean as required.
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Keep door gaskets clean; replace when worn to prevent heat loss.
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Schedule routine professional servicing for gas and safety systems.
