Skip to main content

And the Winner is…

By XLT Ovens

In 2024, XLT hosted a promotion titled, “Wanted! Ideas 2024”.  We would like to extend our gratitude to all participants for their innovative contributions, which truly impressed us.

Although the terms and conditions indicated a single winner, the exceptional quality of submissions made it challenging to choose just one…  Consequently, we are pleased to announce three winners for the 2024 contest.  Congratulations to the winners!

  • John Kingston
  • Samuel Atkinson
  • Tom Lauhon

We appreciate all our customers for their involvement in this contest; your support is fundamental to our existence.

For updates on our innovations, please follow XLT on social media!

Team XLT

How Lyman High School Keeps Cool and Serves 700 Students in 15 Minutes with XLT Ovens

By XLT Customer Spotlight, XLT Hood

For Lyman High, the addition of XLT conveyor ovens and an XLT hood has revolutionized their kitchen operations.

At Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida, feeding 1,400 hungry students every day is no small task. But thanks to the innovative technology of XLT 3255 ovens and the XLT Hood, lunchtime is now efficient, stress-free, and even enjoyable. Partnering with Red Apple Dining, the high school serves hot, fresh pizzas and nutritious meals in record time, all while keeping the kitchen as cool as a cucumber.

High Efficiency Meets High Volume

With over 75 years of experience, Red Apple Dining is committed to delivering high-quality, USDA-compliant meals to Seminole County students. At Lyman High, this means serving 700 students in just 15 minutes—twice a day! Such a feat might sound impossible, but the XLT 3255 conveyor ovens make it look easy.

Here’s how they do it:

  • Rapid Bake Times: The XLT conveyor pizza oven ensures that every pizza is perfectly baked in minutes, allowing the team to meet the fast-paced demands of high school lunch periods.
  • Consistent Results: The conveyorized impingement oven technology delivers even heat, ensuring every slice of pizza meets the same high-quality standard, no matter how busy the kitchen gets.
  • Cool and Comfortable Kitchens: With the addition of the XLT Hood and its capture and contain ventilation system, Lyman High’s kitchen stays cool under pressure. Gone are the days of kitchens turning into saunas during peak hours.

Nutritious and Delicious: A Winning Combination

Beyond speed and efficiency, Red Apple Dining ensures every meal is as nutritious as it is delicious. Their menu features:

  • More whole grains
  • Reduced sodium and sugar
  • Healthier milk options

This commitment to nutrition helps meet USDA standards while making healthy eating appealing to even the pickiest teenagers.

Transform Your School’s Kitchen with XLT

For Lyman High, the addition of XLT conveyor ovens and hoods has revolutionized their kitchen operations. The team no longer worries about long prep times, overheating, or inconsistent results. Instead, they can focus on what truly matters: serving meals that bring smiles to students’ faces.

If you’re ready to make lunchtime at your school stress-free and efficient, it’s time to bring XLT ovens and ventilation systems into your kitchen. From perfectly baked pizzas to a cooler, more comfortable workspace, XLT offers the solutions you need to succeed.

Contact XLT Today

Want to learn more about how the XLT 3255 conveyor impingement ovens and capture and contain ventilation systems that can transform your school’s kitchen?  Call us today to get started learning more about how the XLT 3255 conveyor pizza oven can bring efficiency, consistency, and happiness to your kitchen.  Contact: sales@xltovens.com or (316) 943-2751

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.

Tips on Maximizing Automation with the XLT Radiant Grill

By XLT Radiant Grill

The XLT Radiant Grill excels in delivering uniform results

The XLT Radiant Grill is a cutting-edge solution designed to bring consistency and efficiency to high-volume kitchens.  To fully harness the power of this XLT Automated Grilling System, proper processes and preparation are key.  In a recent video, Chuck ‘Chef’ Freer, XLT’s resident expert, shares valuable tips on maximizing automation with the XLT Grill.

Consistency Is Key

Chef Freer emphasizes that the foundation of automation success lies in the consistency of the product being fed into the system.  The XLT Radiant Grill excels in delivering uniform results, but ensuring that the input remains consistent guarantees the best output every time.

Whether you’re grilling burgers, chicken, or other proteins, maintaining consistent portion sizes, shapes, and preparation methods will streamline the grilling process and enhance product quality.

Mastering Pan Management

One unique feature of the XLT Radiant Grill is it can use various smallware pans, like diamond plate, to get the results you need and simplifies the cleaning process.  Instead of scraping a charbroiler, pan management becomes an essential aspect of the workflow.

Chef Freer recommends implementing a three-set system for pans:

  1. Clean Pans: Always have a clean set of pans ready for use.
  2. In-Process Pans: These are the pans currently in use on the conveyorized grilling system.
  3. Dirty Pans: A separate set for used pans waiting to be cleaned.

The type, number, and size of pans you’ll need depend on your kitchen’s volume and specific menu offerings.  Adopting this system ensures a seamless workflow and maximizes the efficiency of the XLT Radiant Grill.

Maximizing Throughput with the XLT Automated Grilling System

The XLT Grill’s automation capabilities shine when properly integrated into kitchen operations.  Here’s how you can make the most of this system:

  • Plan for Volume: Anticipate your busiest times and prepare your pans accordingly.
  • Train Your Staff: Ensure your team understands how to manage pans and maintain consistency in the product going into the grill.
  • Integrate Efficiently: Use the XLT Radiant Grill alongside an XLT Impingement Oven(s) for a complete, high-efficiency kitchen solution.

Benefits of the XLT Radiant Grill

The XLT Radiant Grill not only simplifies grilling but also enhances consistency and reduces manual labor.

Key advantages include:

  • Time Savings: Automation reduces the need for constant monitoring and manual intervention.
  • Easy Maintenance: With your choice of smallware pans, cleaning becomes more straightforward, allowing your staff to focus on other tasks.
  • Superior Output: Consistent grilling ensures every dish meets customer expectations.

For restaurant owners and operators looking to streamline their operations, the XLT Radiant Grill and XLT Impingement Ovens provide the ultimate solution.  Explore the full range of grilling/cooking systems to revolutionize your kitchen’s efficiency and output.  Ready to elevate your grilling game?  Call XLT TODAY!(316) 943-2751!

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.

Wishing You a Merry Christmas from the XLT Family!

By XLT Ovens

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

As the holiday season wraps us in its warmth and cheer, we at XLT want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone that makes our journey so special—our incredible team members, valued customers, and trusted vendors.

To our team, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the passion you bring to everything.  To our customers, thank you for choosing XLT and allowing us to be part of your success story. And to our vendors, thank you for your partnership and support throughout the year.

This holiday season, we celebrate the connections we’ve built and the achievements we’ve shared.  May your holiday be filled with joy, laughter, and quality time with loved ones (and maybe a slice of pizza or two)!

From all of us at XLT, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  Here’s to another year of success, growth, and working together.

Warm wishes,

Team XLT

How XLT Ovens Transformed Pizza Day at Lawton Elementary School

By XLT Customer Spotlight

The success of Pizza Day at Lawton Elementary is a testament to the importance of innovative kitchen technology.

For Lawton Elementary School in Seminole County, Florida, pizza day has gone from a kitchen nightmare to a breeze of efficiency and fun, thanks to the incredible power of the XLT 3240 conveyor oven.  Partnering with Red Apple Dining, the school is now serving perfectly baked pizzas in record time—making both students and staff happier than ever.

From Stressful to Stress-Free Pizza Days

Before introducing the XLT conveyor pizza oven, baking pizzas at Lawton Elementary was a painstaking process.  Kitchen staff had to hover over traditional ovens, constantly rotating pizzas to ensure even cooking and safe temperatures.  This time-intensive process took up to 9 minutes per pizza and added unnecessary stress to already busy days.

But those days are long gone.  With the XLT 3240 conveyorized impingement oven, pizza baking has become as simple as placing the pie on one side and retrieving it fully cooked on the other.  In just 2 minutes and 40 seconds, the oven delivers a perfectly baked pizza—every single time.

The Benefits of XLT for School Kitchens

The XLT 3240 isn’t just fast—it’s also incredibly efficient and consistent. Here’s why it’s the perfect solution for schools, like Lawton Elementary:

  • Ease of Use: Unlike traditional ovens that require skilled attention, the XLT 3240 requires no special training.  Kitchen staff can easily operate the oven, reducing stress and saving time.
  • Consistent Results: Thanks to its conveyorized impingement oven technology, the XLT 3240 ensures every pizza is baked evenly, whether it’s a classic pie or a whole wheat option.
  • Time Savings: With a bake time of just under 3 minutes, schools can serve more students in less time—perfect for managing high-volume lunch periods.
  • Happier, Healthier Students: By ensuring pizzas are consistently delicious and properly cooked, the XLT 3240 helps schools, like Lawton Elementary, maintain high lunch participation rates.  Seminole County boasts an impressive 65% lunch retention rate, well above the national average of 38%.

A Kitchen That Works for You

The success of Pizza Day at Lawton Elementary is a testament to the importance of innovative kitchen technology.  With the addition of the XLT 3240, the school’s kitchen has become more efficient and enjoyable for staff while continuing to provide nutritious and tasty meals for students.

Red Apple Dining, the partner behind this transformation, is passionate about sourcing fresh, local ingredients and serving meals that are both healthy and delicious.  The partnership with XLT has only strengthened their ability to meet these goals, ensuring every meal is a win-win for students and staff alike.

Join the XLT Family Today

Are you ready to revolutionize your school kitchen?  With XLT conveyor ovens, stress-free Pizza Days are just the beginning.  If you’re ready to transform your school kitchen, contact XLT today – sales@xltovens.com or (316) 943-2751 – to learn how the XLT 3240 conveyor pizza oven can bring efficiency, consistency, and happiness to your kitchen.

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.

How the XLT Radiant Grill Reduces Cook Times and Increases Throughput in High-Volume Kitchens

By XLT Radiant Grill

While the XLT Radiant Grill’s cooking speed is slightly faster than traditional charbroilers, the true advantage lies in its process efficiency

In the fast-paced world of high-volume kitchens, every second counts.  The XLT Radiant Grill has revolutionized grilling efficiency, not by speeding up cooking times but by streamlining the entire process.  This innovation is a game-changer for kitchens that demand consistent quality and high output.

Insights from the Expert

Chuck ‘Chef’ Freer, XLT’s resident expert on the XLT Radiant Grill, explains in a recent video how this state-of-the-art system delivers efficiency gains.  He emphasizes that while the grill’s cooking speed is slightly faster than traditional charbroilers, the true advantage lies in its process efficiency.

Process Efficiency Over Speed

Unlike batch cooking, where large amounts of food are grilled at once, followed by cleaning and resetting the grill for the next batch, the XLT Radiant Grill utilizes a conveyorized grilling system.  This eliminates downtime between batches, allowing food to move seamlessly through the grilling process.

Chef Freer highlights that this approach not only reduces labor-intensive tasks like scraping grates and resetting equipment but also ensures a continuous flow of perfectly grilled food.  The result is a significant boost in throughput, making the XLT Automated Grilling System ideal for high-demand environments.

Key Benefits of the XLT Radiant Grill in High-Volume Kitchens

  • Continuous Grilling for Higher Throughput: The conveyorized system eliminates the start-and-stop nature of traditional batch grilling, enabling kitchens to serve more customers in less time.
  • Reduced Labor and Maintenance: Say goodbye to scraping and resetting grates after every batch. The XLT Grill simplifies operations, allowing staff to focus on other critical tasks.
  • Consistency at Scale: With precise heat control, the XLT Radiant Grill ensures every item is cooked to perfection, maintaining the quality expected by your customers.
  • Seamless Integration with XLT ovens: The XLT Radiant Grill pairs perfectly with XLT impingement ovens, creating a comprehensive solution for foodservice providers aiming to optimize efficiency.

Ideal for Busy Kitchens

For restaurants, fast-casual chains, and large-scale operations, the XLT Radiant Grill delivers the efficiency needed to keep up with high demand.  Its advanced features make it an essential tool for kitchens that value both speed and quality.

If you’re ready to streamline your kitchen operations, explore the XLT Radiant Grill and XLT Ovens designed for modern foodservice needs.

Ready to elevate your grilling game?  Explore XLT Ovens and XLT Radiant Grills today to find the perfect fit for your kitchen.  Call now – (316) 943-2751!

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.

Case Study: How XLT Ovens Transformed Efficiency at Pizza 151

By Make The Switch, XLT Customer Spotlight

Pizza 151 overcame hurdles by adopting XLT, unlocking new levels of efficiency, consistency, and growth

Pizza 151, a beloved pizzeria with locations in Batavia, North Chili, and Leroy, New York, is well-known for its delicious pizzas and unique sweet sauce.  Owned by Eric LeVan, this growing business faced challenges typical of many pizzerias—labor-intensive operations, inconsistent cooking, and the difficulty of scaling to meet increasing demand.  By making the switch to XLT conveyor ovens, Pizza 151 overcame these hurdles, unlocking new levels of efficiency, consistency, and growth.

The Challenges of Traditional Deck Ovens

When Eric first started, he considered traditional deck ovens for their reputation in the pizza industry. However, these ovens posed significant challenges:

  • Labor-Intensive Operations: Deck ovens required constant supervision, skilled handling, and manual adjustments to ensure even cooking.
  • Inconsistent Results: Maintaining quality was difficult, as pizzas often required frequent rotation and monitoring.
  • Time-Consuming Training: Teaching new employees how to operate deck ovens effectively was a lengthy process, adding complexity to the day-to-day operations.

Eric quickly realized that these issues limited productivity and made it challenging to expand his business.

The Solution: XLT Conveyor Ovens

To streamline operations and improve consistency, Eric decided to invest in XLT Ovens, including their advanced conveyor pizza ovens.  These innovations transformed Pizza 151’s kitchen in several key ways:

  • Enhanced Productivity: XLT’s conveyorized system allowed Pizza 151 to handle higher volumes with fewer ovens.  Eric shared, “With XLT ovens, you just put the pizza in, wait for it to come out perfectly cooked, and that’s it.”
  • Consistent Cooking: The conveyor impingement ovens provided even heat distribution, ensuring every pizza was cooked to perfection without the need for manual adjustments.
  • Simplified Training: Training new staff became faster and easier. Eric remarked, “It’s night and day trying to teach someone how to use a deck oven versus XLT. With XLT, you just set it and forget it.”
    Lower Labor Costs: Fewer employees were required to manage the ovens, significantly reducing labor expenses. Eric noted that replacing four deck ovens with one XLT double-stack oven not only cut staffing needs but also boosted output.

Results That Speak for Themselves

Since adopting XLT Ovens, Pizza 151 has seen remarkable improvements:

  • Increased Order Capacity: With XLT, Eric can now handle more orders with fewer ovens, meeting peak demand effortlessly.
  • Consistent Quality: The ability to deliver perfectly cooked pizzas every time has enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Streamlined Operations: Faster employee training and reduced labor needs have made day-to-day management far simpler.

Eric is unequivocal about the impact of this transition: “With XLT, I’ve never had a problem. These ovens just work, and they’ve helped my business grow.”

Looking Ahead with XLT

The success of Pizza 151 demonstrates how XLT’s conveyor impingement ovens, and capture and contain ventilation systems can revolutionize operations for pizzerias of all sizes.  Eric’s experience highlights the advantages of embracing modern kitchen technology to achieve consistent quality, reduced costs, and scalable growth.

As Eric expands to new locations, he remains confident in his decision: “I wouldn’t switch back to deck ovens, ever.  XLT has made growing my business possible, and I’m excited for the future.”

For pizzerias seeking to enhance efficiency and consistency, XLT conveyor pizza ovens are the ideal solution.  Contact XLT today – sales@xltovens.com or (316) 943-2751 – today to learn how our innovative equipment can transform your business.

For more on Eric’s journey with Pizza 151, please see our full case study here.

Watch an Excerpt 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.

How XLT’s Capture and Contain Ventilation System Transforms Kitchen Efficiency and Comfort

By XLT Hood

Not only is the XLT functional, it is also configurable to match your stores style.

In the fast-paced world of food service, managing heat in the kitchen can be one of the biggest challenges.  Excess heat not only affects energy consumption but also impacts staff comfort and retention.  Recognizing this, XLT developed an innovative ventilation system designed to reduce heat spillage, lower energy costs, and improve kitchen conditions.

This breakthrough has made XLT a leader not just in conveyor impingement ovens, but also in kitchen efficiency solutions.

The Challenge: Heat in the Kitchen

As Jim Silcox of XLT explains, heat was a top complaint from pizzeria operators.  Traditional ventilation systems, which use open-cap hoods, often fail to contain heat effectively.  Air conditioners, make tables, and other equipment cycle more frequently, struggling to maintain a cool environment.  This inefficiency drives up energy costs and creates a less-than-ideal workspace for employees.

The XLT Solution: Capture and Contain Ventilation System

In response to this challenge, XLT engineered a revolutionary capture and contain ventilation system.  This innovation works by shielding the oven from the rest of the kitchen, minimizing heat spillage and stabilizing the environment.  Here’s how it transforms kitchens:

  • Reduced Airflow Requirements: By containing the heat, XLT’s system reduces cubic feet per minute (CFM) airflow by 30–60%. This directly decreases the workload on air conditioners and other cooling equipment.
  • Energy Efficiency: Lower CFMs translate to significant energy savings.  Over 10 years, businesses using XLT’s ventilation system with conveyorized impingement ovens can save from $20,000 to $50,000 on electricity alone, depending on the size and scope of the operation.
  • Improved Workplace Comfort: Cooler kitchens lead to happier employees, reducing turnover and saving on training costs.  As Jim puts it, “Nobody wants to work in a hot kitchen.”

Bottom Line Benefits

XLT’s ventilation system isn’t just about comfort—it’s about profitability.  Lower heat levels mean less cycling for air conditioners, refrigerators, and make tables, reducing wear and extending equipment life.  For a pizzeria using two or three conveyor pizza ovens, these savings quickly add up.

Beyond energy efficiency, the improved working conditions foster employee retention.  High turnover rates often stem from uncomfortable environments, but a cooler kitchen can help keep experienced staff in place, protecting your investment in training and expertise.

Smart Solutions for Every Kitchen

At XLT, innovation is about more than ovens—it’s about creating holistic solutions for better kitchens.  Whether it’s our industry-leading XLT Hood or our advanced conveyor impingement ovens, every product is designed with quality, efficiency and ease of use in mind.  By addressing heat management, we’re helping restaurant operators lower costs, improve operations, and create spaces where employees thrive.

If you’re ready to transform your kitchen, contact XLT today – sales@xltovens.com or (316) 943-2751 – to learn more about our ventilation systems and conveyor ovens.  Discover how we can help you reduce heat, save energy, and build a more efficient business.

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.

XLT’s Cleaning Tool Makes Cleaning Your Conveyor Oven Easy!

By XLT Serivce, XLTip

The XLT Cleaning Tool is engineered for user-friendliness, allowing kitchen staff to perform oven cleaning tasks with minimal effort

Introduction to XLT’s Cleaning Tool

XLT Ovens has developed a specialized cleaning tool designed to simplify the maintenance and cleaning of conveyor ovens.  This innovation addresses the common challenges faced by commercial kitchens in maintaining cleanliness and efficiency while using conveyor ovens.

Ease of Use

The XLT Cleaning Tool is engineered for user-friendliness, allowing kitchen staff to perform oven cleaning tasks with minimal effort.  Its ergonomic design ensures that it can be handled comfortably, reducing strain while performing cleaning procedures.  The tool’s straightforward operation makes it accessible to all employees, promoting consistent cleaning practices with all kitchen staff.

Efficiency in Cleaning

One of the standout advantages of this cleaning tool is its ability to save time.  Traditional cleaning methods can be laborious and time-consuming, often requiring multiple tools and extensive manual labor.  XLT’s Cleaning Tool streamlines this process, enabling users to clean conveyor ovens more quickly and effectively.  This efficiency not only enhances productivity but also allows kitchen operations to maintain a higher standard of cleanliness with less downtime.

Durability and Effectiveness

Constructed from high-quality materials, the XLT Cleaning Tool is built to withstand the rigors of daily use in a bustling kitchen environment.  Its robust design ensures longevity, making it a cost-effective investment for your kitchen.  Additionally, the tool’s effectiveness is demonstrated through its ability to remove stubborn residues and build-up, ensuring that ovens operate at peak performance without compromising food safety.

Safety Features

Safety is a priority in any kitchen setting, and XLT has integrated several safety features into the Cleaning Tool.  The design minimizes the risk of injury, with rounded edges and a non-slip grip that helps prevent accidents during use.  Furthermore, the cleaning tool is easy to clean itself, preventing cross-contamination.

XLT’s Cleaning Tool represents a significant advancement in the maintenance of conveyor ovens.  By prioritizing ease of use, efficiency, durability, and safety, XLT Ovens has created a product that meets the demands of modern kitchens.  This tool not only simplifies cleaning processes but also contributes to a safer and more hygienic cooking environment.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

XLT Ovens: Simple Smart Solutions for Your Kitchen

By Make The Switch, Nostalgia

Nostalgic Simple Smart slogan continues to drive XLT’s mission

At XLT, we’ve always been driven by one mission: to provide smart, efficient solutions that simplify your kitchen operations.  Reflecting on XLT’s journey, we’re reminded of a time when our slogan, “Simple. Smart.,” encapsulated everything we stood for—and still do today.  With cutting-edge technology and a customer-first approach, XLT Ovens continue to deliver on that promise.

Simple Design, Smart Performance

From the very beginning, XLT conveyor ovens were designed to prioritize simplicity, quality, and reliability.  Whether it’s the consistent bake of an impingement oven or the ease of cleaning after a busy day, every detail in our equipment is crafted to make your life easier.  Here’s why our approach works:

  • Consistent Quality: Achieve impeccable results with every bake.  From golden crusts to evenly cooked pizzas, the precision of our conveyor pizza ovens ensures your customers keep coming back.
  • Reliable Durability: Backed by a 7-year warranty on parts and labor—or up to 10 years when paired with an XLT hood system—you won’t see repair invoices for years, keeping your costs predictable and stress-free.

Keeping Kitchens Cool and Costs Low

Running a high-performance kitchen doesn’t have to mean enduring sweltering heat or skyrocketing utility bills.  Our conveyorized impingement ovens, paired with XLT’s patented ‘capture and contain’ hood system, keep the heat inside the oven, ensuring your team stays comfortable and productive.

Additionally, our Variable Frequency Drive System optimizes energy usage, helping you save on air conditioning and utility costs.  It’s one more way XLT provides solutions that benefit your bottom line.

Fast Installations, Minimal Downtime

We know time is money in the foodservice industry.  That’s why XLT offers short lead times and seamless installations with minimal disruption to your operations.  Our global customer service team is available 24/7 to provide support, when you need it, so your kitchen keeps running smoothly.

Building on a Legacy of Excellence

Every member of Team XLT is committed to delivering quality, innovation, and integrity.  As we’ve grown, our values have remained constant: to build products that exceed expectations—always putting excellence first.

XLT isn’t just about ovens and hoods.  It’s about creating partnerships and providing solutions.  As we look back on our journey with “Simple. Smart.” at our core, we’re excited to always provide “Smart Solutions.”

Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen or starting fresh, XLT impingement ovens and ventilation hoods are available to elevate your operations with simplicity and smart technology.  Contact us today to experience the XLT difference.

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.