Commercial Microwave Ovens Buyer’s Guide
Commercial microwave ovens are essential in professional catering environments because they are fast, energy efficient and reliable. In a busy kitchen where speed of service matters, a catering microwave helps maintain consistency while keeping running costs under control.
Catering microwaves are ideal for reheating cooked foods, regenerating plated meals and cooking vegetables quickly. Compared to a gas hob, microwaves can use up to three times less energy. They also help retain more nutrients in vegetables, often preserving up to 85 percent of vitamins compared to around 15 percent when boiling. This makes them attractive not only for speed but also from a nutritional point of view.
Choosing the Right Model
It is important to select a microwave that matches your output and service style. Well established commercial manufacturers include Sharp, Panasonic, Samsung and Menumaster. These brands produce machines designed specifically for heavy duty catering use.
Power Output
Microwaves are available in different wattages and this determines cooking speed and performance. The most popular outputs in commercial kitchens are 1000W, 1200W, 1500W and 1900W, with many models operating from a standard 13 amp plug supply. Higher wattage units are better suited to high volume operations where speed and consistency are critical.
Controls and Programming
You can choose between dial controls and touch controls. Dial models are simple and robust. Touch control models allow you to programme presets for popular dishes, which is useful in cafés, takeaways and quick service environments. Many professional microwaves also offer variable power settings, giving you greater control when cooking denser products, similar to adjusting the heat on a hob.
Additional Features
Some commercial microwaves include cavity protection systems that create a hygienic barrier to prevent spills and splatters reaching the internal cavity. This helps reduce cleaning time, prevent food build up and extend the lifespan of the appliance, particularly in high use environments.
Combination Microwaves
Combination microwaves combine microwave energy with convection or grill functions. Combination mode can reduce cooking times significantly compared to conventional methods, making these models suitable for bakeries, butchers offering hot food, snack bars, retail counters and smaller restaurants where space is limited but flexibility is important.
Commercial vs Domestic Microwaves
It is important not to use a domestic microwave in a commercial setting. Domestic units are not designed to withstand constant use and performance will decline quickly. This leads to longer cooking times, inconsistent results and higher replacement costs. A commercial microwave is built specifically for the demands of a professional kitchen and will provide reliable performance over time.
If you are unsure which output or model is right for your business, call us on 01885 498350 and we will be happy to advise.
