Comstock-Castle PO31 Gas Pizza Oven
Comstock-Castle PO31 Countertop Gas Double-Deck Pizza Oven (36" Wide, Two 31.5" x 21" Hearth Decks, 30,000 BTU)
The Comstock-Castle PO31 is the largest model in the Castle countertop gas pizza oven series, with two 31.5-inch by 21-inch hearth decks stacked in a 36-inch wide cabinet. Cast-iron H-pattern burners combined with a V-shaped baffle direct heat across each deck. Each deck is rated to 650 degrees Fahrenheit with a 6500 thermostat, 100 percent safety shut-off, automatic standing pilot, and brass burner valves.
The 31.5-inch deck width accepts a 24-inch pie, two 16-inch pies side by side, or three 12-inch personal pies per deck. With two decks running, the PO31 produces six personal pies per bake cycle in a 36-inch floor footprint. Double-wall stainless steel exterior, aluminized inner framing, porcelain and aluminized linings, and heavy insulation deliver durable construction and lower operating cost. Stackable in the field with the 6-inch leg base for operators needing four decks of capacity.
The PO31 is built for production-volume pizzerias, pizza-by-the-slice operations, Italian restaurants with high-volume pizza service, hotel banquet operations, university dining, and stadium concessions. Weight is 350 pounds.
Best Use Cases
- Production pizzeria baking 50 plus pies per service hour
- Pizza-by-the-slice with large 24-inch pies cut to slices
- Italian restaurant high-volume dinner and weekend service
- Hotel banquet and large-event pizza service
- University dining hall
- Stadium and arena concession
- Casino food court pizza station
- Ghost kitchen pizza brand at production scale
- Catering commissary for large off-site events
- Senior living dining at scale
Two Hearth Decks Per Oven
Each deck measures 31.5 inches wide by 21 inches deep. That width accepts a 24-inch pie, two 16-inch pies side by side, or three personal 12-inch pies per deck. With two decks running, the PO31 delivers up to six pies per cycle in a 36-inch floor footprint. Decks are interchangeable with wire racks for sub finishing, par-baking, and rack work. 3 rack positions per deck at 2.75-inch spacing.
Cast-Iron H-Pattern Burners
The H-pattern cast-iron burner paired with a V-shaped baffle spreads heat across the entire 31.5-inch deck. This is critical at this width because hot spots become more pronounced as deck size increases. The V-baffle eliminates this and delivers even browning edge to edge.
650 Degree Thermostat With Safety Shut-Off
Each deck has an independent 6500 thermostat rated to 650 degrees Fahrenheit. The 100 percent safety shut-off cuts gas if the pilot fails. Automatic standing pilot eliminates manual lighting. Brass burner valves provide long-life flow control. Pressure regulators are factory-set for the gas type ordered: 4 inches water column for natural gas, 10 inches water column for propane.
Porcelain and Aluminized Linings
Porcelain panels reflect heat back onto the product and wipe clean. Aluminized framing resists corrosion. Double-wall construction with heavy insulation reduces fuel use and keeps the exterior cooler in tight prep lines.
Stackable In The Field
The 6-inch leg base (factory or field-installed) allows two PO31 ovens to stack for four decks of capacity. A stacked pair delivers up to 12 personal pies per cycle in a 36-inch floor footprint, equal to a much larger production deck oven.
Comparison to the PO19 and PO26
The PO19 is 24 inches wide with 19.5-by-21-inch decks for 16-inch pies. The PO26 is 31 inches wide with 26.5-by-21-inch decks for 18-inch pies. The PO31 is 36 inches wide with 31.5-by-21-inch decks for 24-inch pies or production multi-pie batches. Choose the PO31 for high-volume operations baking 50-plus pies per hour, or for menus with 24-inch pies.
Comparison to the Vortex VRX Deck Ovens
The Vortex VRX series is a floor-standing deck oven with 36-inch deep decks and 66,000 to 220,000 BTU gas firing. Those ovens deliver higher BTU density and larger deck area per pie for production pizzerias at the highest volume. The PO31 is a countertop solution sitting on a stand, easier to install and lower BTU. Choose the VRX for volume that justifies floor-standing deck oven investment. Choose the PO31 for production output in a smaller footprint and lower install cost.
Specifications
| Model Number | PO31 |
| Manufacturer | Comstock-Castle |
| Type | Countertop gas double-deck pizza oven |
| Cabinet Width | 36 inches |
| Cabinet Depth | 26.5 inches |
| Number of Decks | 2 |
| Deck Dimensions | 31.5"W x 21"D each |
| Interior Height | 14 inches per deck |
| Burner | Cast-iron H-pattern with V-shaped baffle |
| BTU | 30,000 BTU |
| Maximum Temperature | 650 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Thermostat | 6500 thermostat with 100% safety shut-off |
| Pilot | Automatic standing pilot |
| Burner Valves | Brass |
| Gas Connection | 3/4 inch NPT manifold |
| Gas Pressure | 4" WC natural / 10" WC propane |
| Linings | Porcelain and aluminized |
| Construction | Double-wall stainless steel exterior, aluminized inner framing |
| Bake Time | 7 to 15 minutes |
| Stackable | Yes, with 6-inch leg base |
| Weight | 350 lbs (159 kg) |
| Certifications | NSF, cETLus |
Installation Requirements
The PO31 requires a 3/4 inch NPT gas connection. Pressure regulators are factory-set for natural or propane. The unit requires a Type I commercial hood per most jurisdictions. Non-combustible side and rear clearances are 0 inches. Combustible surface clearances are 6 inches on sides and 6 inches at the rear.
Installation Checklist
- Gas type specified at order (natural or propane)
- 3/4 inch NPT gas connection with shutoff valve
- Gas pressure verified: 4" WC natural / 10" WC propane
- Type I hood installed per local code
- Make-up air system sized for hood CFM
- Combustible clearance: 6" sides and rear
- Non-combustible clearance: 0" sides and rear
- Stand or countertop rated for 350 lb load
- 6" leg base required if field-stacking two units
- Pilot lit and burner valves tested before first bake
- Thermostat calibration verified per installer responsibility
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pizzas can the PO31 bake at one time?
Each 31.5-by-21-inch deck holds one 24-inch pie, two 16-inch pies side by side, or three personal 12-inch pies. With two decks running, that is up to six pies per cycle.
What is the bake time?
7 to 15 minutes depending on crust thickness, topping load, and target color.
Can the two decks run at different temperatures?
Yes. Each deck has its own thermostat and burner system.
Is the PO31 stackable?
Yes. A 6-inch leg base allows two PO31 ovens to stack for four decks of capacity. A stacked pair delivers up to 12 personal pies per cycle.
Does the PO31 need a hood?
Most jurisdictions require a Type I hood for gas pizza ovens. Confirm with your AHJ.
Can the PO31 run on propane?
Yes. Ordered configured at the factory for natural gas or propane.
How does the PO31 compare to a floor-standing deck oven?
A floor-standing deck oven offers higher BTU and larger per-deck area for the highest volume operations. The PO31 sits on a stand or counter and is easier to install. Choose the PO31 for high-output baking from a smaller footprint and lower install cost.
What is the warranty?
Comstock-Castle provides a manufacturer warranty. Refer to the spec sheet for current terms.