Skip to main content
All Posts By

XLT Ovens

Dec 03

From Tradition to Innovation: Bordenaro’s Pizza Moves to XLT Conveyor Ovens

By Make The Switch, XLT Customer Spotlight

With decades of pizza-making experience, the Bordenaro’s has always focused on delivering high-quality pizzas.

For over 45 years, Bordenaro’s Pizza has been a staple in its community of Des Moines, IA, serving generations of families with its signature pies.  Founded by Chris Bordenaro’s father in 1977, the pizzeria began its journey using traditional deck ovens.  However, as the business has evolved, so has its approach to pizza-making.  Now, under Chris’s leadership, Bordenaro’s is embracing the efficiency and consistency of XLT conveyor ovens, marking a new chapter in their rich history.

A Legacy Built on Pizza

Bordenaro’s Pizza has been family-owned and operated since its inception.  After running the pizzeria for 20 years, Chris’s father passed the torch to him, convincing him to take over the business shortly after graduating from college.  Since then, Chris has carried on the family tradition, making Bordenaro’s a beloved name in the area.

With decades of experience using deck ovens, the pizzeria has always focused on delivering high-quality pizzas.  However, as Chris notes, “Technology has changed so much over the years,” and adapting to these changes has become essential for keeping up with modern demands.

Why XLT Conveyor Ovens Are the Future for Bordenaro’s

After years of using traditional Blodgett deck ovens, Chris has decided to transition to XLT conveyor pizza ovens.  Here’s why:

  • Ease of Use: Unlike deck ovens, which require constant attention and skilled handling, XLT conveyorized impingement ovens automate much of the cooking process. This streamlines operations, making it easier for staff to consistently produce high-quality pizzas.
  • Improved Efficiency: As the pizzeria continues to grow, managing high order volumes becomes increasingly challenging. Conveyor ovens from XLT allow Bordenaro’s to handle more orders without sacrificing quality, ensuring faster service for customers.
  • Consistent Results: The impingement ovens from XLT deliver even heat distribution, ensuring that every pizza is cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—without the need for constant supervision.
  • Adaptability for the Future: Moving to conveyor pizza ovens reflects Chris’s forward-thinking approach, ensuring Bordenaro’s can meet evolving customer expectations while preserving the quality and flavor that have defined the pizzeria for decades.

Preserving Tradition While Embracing Innovation

While the tools and techniques at Bordenaro’s Pizza may be evolving, the heart of the business remains the same: serving great pizza to the Des Moines community.  The decision to transition to XLT ovens represents a perfect balance of honoring tradition while embracing modern innovation. By investing in XLT conveyor ovens, Bordenaro’s is poised to continue its legacy for future generations.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Take a deep dive with a few of our customers that shared their unique stories with us, here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Dec 02

Automated Grilling with XLT Radiant Grill: A Game-Changer for Your Kitchen

By XLT Radiant Grill

Chuck answers the question: What is the Difference Between Radiant Grilling and Traditional Grilling?

Traditional grilling has long been a staple in professional kitchens, but XLT is revolutionizing the process with its XLT Radiant Grill. This conveyorized grilling system provides the same great results as a traditional charbroiler while automating the process for efficiency and consistency.

The Difference Between Radiant Grilling and Traditional Grilling

Traditional charbroilers rely on radiant heat, where flames heat a metal tent or “radiant” surface, which in turn cooks the food. While effective, this process requires constant monitoring, manual flipping, and careful attention to achieve consistent results.

With the XLT Radiant Grill, you get the same radiant heat benefits but with the added advantage of automation.  The XLT Radiant Grill, a conveyorized grilling system, eliminates the need for manual handling.  Food moves through the grill on a conveyor, ensuring even exposure to radiant heat and delivering perfectly cooked items every time.

Key Advantages of the XLT Radiant Grill

  • Automation for Efficiency: The conveyorized XLT Radiant Grill streamlines your kitchen operations by eliminating the need for manual flipping or constant supervision. Simply place the food on the conveyor, and it comes out cooked to perfection.
  • Consistent Results: Unlike traditional methods where results can vary based on operator skill, the XLT Grill ensures uniform cooking. Each item—whether it’s burgers, steaks, or chicken—is grilled to the same high standard.
  • Energy Efficiency: The radiant heat technology is not only effective but also energy-efficient, saving you money while maintaining top-tier performance.
  • Versatility: The XLT Radiant Grill is designed to handle a variety of menu items, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen looking to expand its offerings without increasing complexity.

Revolutionize Your Grilling Game with XLT

For restaurants looking to improve efficiency and maintain consistent quality, the XLT Radiant Grill offers an ideal solution. With its conveyorized grilling system, you can achieve the same charbroiled flavor and texture your customers love while streamlining your kitchen operations.

Upgrade your grilling process with the XLT automated grilling system, The Radiant Grill and experience the perfect balance of tradition and innovation.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

For more What’s Up, Chuck? series of videos, watch them here.

Can’t wait?  To binge watch the entire series, here is a secret link to all the What’s Up, Chuck? series.

Check out more videos on our YouTube channel here.

Nov 29

There is a Better Way to Install the Bottom XLT Oven

By XLT Serivce, XLTip

XLT Installation Kit includes Lifting Stand that makes installation work easier.

Installing the bottom XLT conveyor oven can be physically demanding. Stress on your knees. Stress on your back.

Can it be done easier, faster, and safer?

Yes!

Using a sinch strap, strap the bottom XLT impingement oven AND the base together.

You need to complete installation of the base assembly while it is strapped to the XLT oven before lifting and turning into place.

Remove the original straps from the oven cart.

Lift and rotate the XLT conveyor pizza oven and base assembly together.

Set the XLT oven down on its casters.

As needed, stack any additional XLT conveyor impingement ovens on top of the bottom XLT oven.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

For more XLTip videos, watch them from our web site here.

Check out more videos on our YouTube channel here.

Nov 28

Prohibition Pizza: A Love Story Baked Into Every Slice

By XLT Customer Spotlight

The Prohibition Pizza team, aka the Potter family.

For Kelly Porter, owner of Prohibition Pizza, the journey to creating a community-loved pizzeria is as unique as the pizzas themselves. Surprisingly, Kelly wasn’t always a fan of pizza—her passion for it came from her husband, whose love language was pizza.  What started as a personal experiment has turned into a thriving business, offering handcrafted pies that stand out for their quality and creativity.

A Passion Born from 300 Recipes

Kelly’s husband embarked on a mission to make her fall in love with pizza. His dedication saw the family sampling pizzas from across the city, state, and even different parts of the country. Still, nothing resonated with Kelly—until he started crafting pizzas at home during the pandemic. After over 300+ iterations, he created a recipe that won her over. Now, Kelly eats that pizza daily and shares that passion with her community through Prohibition Pizza.

Prohibition Pizza: Where Freshness Meets Creativity

Prohibition Pizza doesn’t just make pizza; they elevate it. Their menu features unique options like the “Old World” and “Sammy the Bull,” combining fresh ingredients with innovative recipes. The team’s dedication to quality is evident in every bite, and their commitment to serving the best pizza in town (and the state and the country) has quickly turned Prohibition Pizza into a must-visit destination.

Powered by Precision: The Role of XLT Ovens

Behind the scenes, Prohibition Pizza relies on XLT conveyor pizza ovens to keep up with demand while ensuring consistency.  The conveyorized impingement ovens provide even baking, making sure every pizza—from crust to toppings—comes out perfectly. This technology supports Prohibition Pizza’s mission to serve exceptional food, one slice at a time.

From a Family Passion to a Community Staple

Prohibition Pizza is more than just a restaurant—it’s a labor of love that brings people together. With a menu born out of dedication and a kitchen powered by reliable conveyor ovens, Prohibition Pizza embodies the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.  Stop by to experience the flavors that turned one person’s indifference to pizza into a passion shared with an entire community.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Nov 27

Prohibition Pizza: A Community-Focused Pizzeria Powered by XLT Ovens

By XLT Customer Spotlight

This is what a Prohibition Pizza looks like, made with fresh ingredients and hand shredded cheese, after being bake in an XLT oven.

Prohibition Pizza, located in the heart of High Springs, FL, is redefining what it means to be a community-centered pizzeria.  Owned and operated by Kelly Porter and her family, the pizzeria is built on a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and a passion for clean eating.  Paired with the power and reliability of XLT conveyor ovens, Prohibition Pizza serves up delicious, handcrafted pizzas that are as healthy as they are flavorful.

From Scratch: A Commitment to Freshness

At Prohibition Pizza, every pizza starts with a family recipe and fresh ingredients.  The dough undergoes a four-day rise for maximum flavor, while the sauce is hand-milled using Stanislaus plump tomatoes. Kelly and her team hand-slice meats, shred cheese, and prepare vegetables fresh daily—nothing prepackaged, nothing frozen.

This attention to detail extends to their toppings and desserts. With over 750 pounds of flour and 16 pounds of fresh basil used weekly, it’s no wonder the tiny pizzeria serves up to 300 pizzas on a busy Friday or Saturday. The result is a menu that’s wholesome, clean, and completely free of additives, providing a healthier option for the local community.

Why Prohibition Pizza Chooses XLT Conveyor Pizza Ovens

To keep up with demand and deliver consistent quality, Prohibition Pizza relies on XLT conveyor pizza ovens. Here’s why Kelly Porter has made XLT a cornerstone of her kitchen:

  • Consistent Baking Quality: With XLT’s conveyorized impingement oven technology, every pizza is baked evenly, ensuring a perfect crust and toppings every time.
  • Efficiency for High Volume: During peak hours, Prohibition Pizza handles hundreds of orders. The speed and reliability of XLT Ovens help the team meet demand without compromising on quality.
  • A Partner for Growth: XLT’s reputation for durability and performance makes it the ideal choice for pizzerias looking to scale their operations. Kelly’s vision for Prohibition Pizza includes future growth, and XLT conveyor ovens are a key part of that plan.

A Pizzeria with Heart

Prohibition Pizza isn’t just a business—it’s a passion project rooted in community values.  Located just seven minutes from her home, Kelly Porter created a space where locals can enjoy fresh, healthy food made with premium ingredients.  With no sugar in the dough or sauce and a focus on clean eating, the pizzeria offers a refreshing alternative in an area where healthier options are hard to find.

As Kelly says, “It’s not about putting more money in my pocket—it’s about providing the right product for people.” From Corto Olive Oil to hand-shredded cheese, every detail reflects her commitment to quality and to her community.

Powered by XLT, Inspired by Community

Prohibition Pizza’s success is a testament to the power of passion, premium ingredients, and reliable technology. With XLT conveyor impingement ovens, Kelly Porter and her team can serve the community they love with pizzas that are as healthy as they are delicious.

If you’re near High Springs, Florida, stop by Prohibition Pizza to taste the difference for yourself—where quality meets care, and XLT Ovens is a part of what makes it all possible.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Nov 26

Prohibition Pizza: Crafting Flavor and Style with XLT Ovens

By XLT Customer Spotlight

Prohibition Pizza uses XLT’s customized color options to keep their oven within the aesthetic of the Prohibition-era themed restaurant.

Prohibition Pizza has quickly become a must-visit pizzeria, combining unique menu options and a Prohibition-era theme with state-of-the-art kitchen technology. At the heart of their kitchen are XLT conveyor ovens, which not only ensure consistent bake quality but also align with the restaurant’s aesthetic thanks to custom coloring. With plans to expand to a food truck in the future, Prohibition Pizza is doubling down on its trust in XLT Ovens to power its success.

Why Prohibition Pizza Chooses XLT Ovens

From the start, Prohibition Pizza has relied on XLT conveyor ovens to deliver perfectly baked pizzas to their growing customer base. Here’s what makes XLT Ovens the ideal choice for their kitchen:

  • Consistent Quality: The conveyorized impingement ovens provide even heat distribution, ensuring every pizza—whether it’s the “Old World” or the “Sammy the Bull“—comes out perfectly baked.
  • Reliable Maintenance Support: Prohibition Pizza appreciates the hands-on maintenance support provided by XLT’s technical support team. The unexpected service visit left a lasting impression, showcasing XLT’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
  • Customizable Aesthetic: Prohibition Pizza’s XLT equipment features a unique brown custom color, perfectly matching their Prohibition-era theme. This attention to detail ties the kitchen equipment into the overall decor, creating a cohesive and visually appealing space.
  • Scalability for Future Growth: As Prohibition Pizza plans to launch a food truck, they’re looking to add a smaller XLT conveyor pizza oven to maintain their high standards of quality while adapting to mobile service needs.

Elevating the Dining Experience with XLT Ovens

With its Prohibition-themed decor and thoughtfully named pizzas, Prohibition Pizza has created an environment that’s as memorable as its menu. The XLT conveyor ovens are a key part of their success, allowing the team to focus on delivering great-tasting pizza efficiently.

Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a slice from their future food truck, Prohibition Pizza’s commitment to quality and style shines through, thanks in part to the reliability and performance of their XLT conveyor ovens.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Nov 25

How the XLT Radiant Grill Delivers Perfectly Charred, Juicy Results Every Time

By XLT Radiant Grill

With the XLT Radiant Grill, you get a nice char on the outside and doneness and juiciness on the inside of the product

For restaurants looking to elevate their grilling game, the XLT Radiant Grill is a game-changer. Part of the XLT automated grilling system, this innovative equipment uses a combination of short-wave and long-wave infrared technology to create perfectly cooked meals with a balance of flavor and texture.  The conveyorized grilling system ensures consistent results, making it a reliable choice for busy kitchens.

The Science Behind the XLT Radiant Grill

The XLT Radiant Grill utilizes advanced infrared grilling technology that activates directly on the surface of the food.  This unique approach achieves two key outcomes:

  • A Perfect Char: The infrared technology creates a beautiful char on the outside of the product, enhancing flavor and providing that satisfying texture customers crave.
  • Juicy Interiors: While the exterior crisps up, the interior of the food retains its moisture. Steaming inside the product ensures that proteins remain juicy and tender, delivering a consistently delicious bite.

This balance of charred exterior and juicy interior makes the XLT Grill an ideal solution for cooking everything from steaks to chicken breasts, all with minimal effort.

Why the XLT Automated Grilling System is a Must-Have

In addition to its radiant grilling capabilities, the XLT automated grilling system streamlines kitchen operations with its conveyorized grilling system.  This automation ensures even cooking without requiring constant supervision, freeing up kitchen staff to focus on other tasks.  With consistent results and faster cook times, the XLT Grill enhances both efficiency and quality.

Benefits of the XLT Radiant Grill for Restaurants

  • Consistent Quality: Every item is cooked evenly, ensuring no overcooked or undercooked meals.
  • Time-Saving Automation: The conveyorized grilling system reduces the need for manual intervention, speeding up the cooking process.

Transform Your Menu with XLT

Whether you’re serving char-grilled burgers, steaks, or chicken, the XLT Radiant Grill ensures your dishes are cooked to perfection. With its innovative infrared technology and reliable automation, the XLT automated grilling system is a powerful addition to any restaurant’s kitchen. Elevate your menu and delight your customers with food that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—all thanks to XLT.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn more about XLT’s automated grilling system, the XLT Radiant Grill here.  See more videos here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Nov 22

Slidders Pizza: Bringing Unique Flavor and Craftsmanship to Orlando with XLT Ovens

By XLT Customer Spotlight

Slidders Pizza was founded on the idea of building a pizza company unlike any other.

At XLT Ovens, we are proud to feature the incredible story of our customer, Slidders Pizza, a local pizzeria in Orlando, Florida, where tradition meets innovation, and every slice tells a story.

A Vision for Pizza Perfection

More than 20 years into his engineering career, Richard Gonzalez embarked on a new journey to create a pizzeria like no other. Moving from Massachusetts to Florida in 2004, he surveyed local pizza lovers to uncover what makes the perfect pizza. His findings revealed a fascinating divide: 33% valued the sauce most, 33% chose the crust, and 33% picked the cheese as the defining element. What all agreed on, however, was the lack of a pizza place that excelled in all three areas while remaining affordable.

Determined to meet this challenge, Gonzalez threw away the rule book. With the support of his family and a passion for culinary excellence, he aimed to craft the ultimate pizza experience.

Crafting the Perfect Slice

Slidders Pizza isn’t your average pizzeria. Every element is thoughtfully crafted:

  • The Cheese: Gonzalez developed a unique cheese blend, unlike anything commonly found in the pizza world, to provide a rich, balanced flavor.
  • The Sauce: Starting from scratch, Slidders’ pizza sauce includes a mix of 16 spices, creating a distinct flavor that has become a hallmark of their pizzas.
  • The Crust: Crisp on the outside, yet fluffy on the inside, the crust is perfected with careful dough preparation techniques, giving it a golden, satisfying texture.

A Legacy of Quality and Community

Now, more than a decade in operation, Slidders Pizza is thriving in Orlando’s vibrant food scene. Richard Gonzalez’s journey from engineer to pizzeria owner is a testament to what’s possible with passion, perseverance, and the right tools. At XLT Ovens, we’re thrilled to support Slidders Pizza’s mission to provide great pizza for everyone, treating each customer as a part of the family.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Nov 21

How XLT Ovens and Hood Systems Keep Buttercrust Pizza’s Kitchen Cool and Efficient

By XLT Customer Spotlight

For Brianna Feldman, owner of Buttercrust Pizza, it is important to keep it cool and comfortable for her staff.

For Brianna Feldman, owner of Buttercrust Pizza, expanding to a second location in Florida meant finding solutions to address the high demands of her busy kitchen while keeping it comfortable for her staff. With her first location just outside of Orlando, Brianna knew that reliable, efficient equipment was essential. For both locations, she chose XLT conveyor ovens with conveyorized impingement oven technology, but at her second location, she upgraded to a double-stack setup with a specialized hood system from XLT.  This setup has proven invaluable, ensuring that her team can work in a cooler, quieter, and more efficient kitchen environment.

Why XLT’s Hood System is a Game-Changer for Florida Kitchens

Running a pizzeria in Florida comes with the challenge of maintaining a comfortable temperature for both customers and staff. Brianna’s new XLT hood system not only keeps the kitchen cooler by capturing and containing heat but also reduces noise, making it an ideal choice for busy, high-traffic locations. Here’s how the XLT Ovens and Hood system make a difference at Buttercrust Pizza:

  • Efficient Air Management: The XLT hood system is designed to capture heat efficiently, reducing the amount of hot air pumped into the kitchen. This feature helps keep the kitchen cool, even during peak hours, which is especially valuable in Florida’s warm climate.
  • Reduced Noise for a Better Work Environment: Brianna notes that the hood system offers noise-canceling benefits, making the kitchen quieter and more pleasant for her team. This quieter environment allows staff to communicate more effectively, enhancing overall efficiency.
  • Energy Savings: With the XLT hood, less air conditioning is required to maintain a comfortable kitchen temperature, saving on energy costs. The system captures and contains heat, which minimizes the amount of makeup air needed, making the operation more energy-efficient.
  • Reliable, Consistent Bake Quality: At both Buttercrust locations, XLT’s conveyor pizza ovens deliver the consistent, high-quality bake that customers expect. The conveyorized impingement oven technology ensures that every pizza is cooked evenly, whether it’s a classic or one of Brianna’s unique creations.

Why XLT Ovens are Ideal for Busy Pizzerias

Brianna chose XLT from the start for its reliable equipment and impressive warranty, which allows her to focus on running her business without worrying about maintenance issues. For any pizzeria owner looking to improve kitchen comfort and efficiency, XLT’s conveyor ovens and advanced hood systems provide an excellent solution.

Buttercrust Pizza’s success story demonstrates how XLT Ovens and Hood systems can optimize a kitchen for quality, comfort, and energy efficiency, helping businesses thrive, even in hot climates like Florida.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Nov 20

How XLT’s Warranty and Reliability Won Over Brianna Feldman of Buttercrust Pizza

By XLT Customer Spotlight

Brianna Feldman, Buttercrust Pizza owner, ultimately chose XLT Ovens and XLT Hood due to the strength of XLT’s warranty.

For small business owners, investing in reliable equipment is essential to their success. When starting out, Brianna Feldman was initially exploring options like Middleby Marshall for conveyor ovens but ultimately chose XLT Ovens due to the strength of XLT’s warranty. As a first-time business owner, Feldman knew that the “heart of the kitchen” was backed by an industry-leading warranty provided invaluable peace of mind.

Why XLT Ovens Stood Out in the Search for Conveyor Pizza Ovens

While researching options, Brianna discovered XLT through a Google search on conveyor ovens and immediately noticed XLT’s comprehensive warranty. Here’s how XLT’s warranty and reliability made a lasting impression:

  • Comprehensive Warranty for Confidence: Starting a first business is challenging, and equipment downtime can disrupt operations significantly. XLT’s warranty offered a safety net, making it easier to focus on daily operations without the worry of unexpected repairs. This assurance, particularly for a small business owner, like Feldman, was a game-changer for her, helping to eliminate concerns over the oven’s reliability.
  • Trustworthy Performance with Impingement Technology: XLT’s conveyorized impingement ovens provide consistent, even baking results, ensuring that pizzas are cooked perfectly every time. The dependability of XLT Ovens has been essential for this business, allowing the owner to focus on growing the restaurant instead of worrying about equipment issues.
  • An Essential Asset for Small Businesses: For independent business owners, like Feldman, the choice of equipment can impact not only day-to-day operations but also long-term success. XLT understands this and offers reliable customer support and swift service, ensuring owners always feel supported in their journey.

XLT’s Conveyor Pizza Oven: A Perfect Fit for Independent Pizzerias

In the competitive world of pizzerias, XLT conveyor ovens have become a top choice for business owners who prioritize quality and peace of mind. The combination of XLT’s impingement ovens technology and exceptional warranty coverage empowers small business owners to operate with confidence, knowing their kitchens are equipped with reliable, industry-leading ovens.

For any pizzeria owner looking to invest in dependable equipment, XLT Ovens provides the reliability, support, and warranty needed to keep operations running smoothly and customers satisfied.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Close Menu