Commercial Microwaves

What is the difference between a commercial microwave and a home microwave?

Commercial grade microwaves differ significantly from light duty microwave ovens used in the home. They are larger to fit standard kitchenware like GN pans and more powerful with 1-2 magnetrons for consistent heating. They lack a glass turntable and use a flat base and fans for effective microwave distribution. This also facilitates cleaning and accommodates various container shapes. Designed for frequent use, powerful commercial microwaves feature dedicated ventilation to cool components, preventing efficiency loss from overheating. These factors make catering microwaves robust and reliable for professional settings, where performance and durability are paramount.

Why doesn't a commercial microwave have a turntable?

Commercial microwaves are designed without a turntable to achieve more efficient and even microwave distribution. While domestic microwaves typically have a single magnetron emitting waves in one direction, necessitating a turntable for uniform heating, commercial units may have one or two magnetrons, depending on their power. These are coupled with antennae—low-power units have one at the bottom, while high-power units have them at both the top and bottom. The antennae function is akin to a garden sprinkler system, evenly dispersing the microwaves throughout the cavity, thus eliminating the need for a turntable. This design allows for the accommodation of larger and more varied dish sizes and simplifies cleaning and maintenance.

Which microwave is best for a restaurant?

The best microwave for a restaurant largely depends on the size of the operation and the number of covers it cooks for. For most restaurants, medium to heavy-duty microwaves are perfect and highly recommended due to their robust construction and ability to handle a higher volume of usage. Restaurant microwaves are designed to meet the demands of a busy kitchen, offering quicker cooking times and greater durability. When selecting a microwave, consider models specifically labelled as medium duty microwaves or heavy duty microwaves, as these are tailored for commercial use and can withstand the rigours of a professional kitchen cooking and catering environment. It's essential to choose a microwave that not only fits the physical space on countertops but also has the capacity and power to serve your restaurant's needs efficiently.

What are commercial microwaves usually used for?

High power commercial microwaves and catering microwave ovens are typically used for their speed in heating, reheating, or defrosting a wide range of foods, including fish, proteins, breads, sauces, and soups. They are valued for their efficiency in busy commercial settings. However, they are not ideal for tasks that require finishing, such as crisping or browning, which is better achieved with commercial high-speed ovens designed for those specific purposes. The rapid cooking capabilities of commercial microwaves make them indispensable in the fast-paced restaurant environment.

How does a commercial microwave work?

A commercial microwave operates on the principle of using electromagnetic radiation to heat food. When microwaves, which are a form of electromagnetic waves, hit the food, they cause the molecules within it to vibrate rapidly. This vibration generates heat, which spreads throughout the food, cooking it from the outside in. The process is efficient and quick, making commercial microwaves a staple in professional kitchens where speed is essential. Unlike domestic microwaves, commercial microwave ovens often have multiple magnetrons and specialised antennae to distribute the microwaves more evenly, ensuring consistent heating without needing a turntable.

Why does some food look cooked at the edges after I've defrosted it in a commercial microwave?

The defrost function in a catering microwave oven is designed to thaw food gently. High wattage equipment, such as 1850W or 1900W commercial microwaves and higher, cannot continuously operate at low power; they can only deliver their full power. This means that during defrost programmes they provide that power in intermittent bursts to simulate lower power. These bursts initially make contact with the surface of the food, this energy making its way to the core. As the exterior receives more direct microwaves than the interior of the food, it can lead to slight colouration or cooking during the defrost process. Some advanced professional microwaves are equipped with inverter technology, allowing them to lower the power output for more uniform thawing results without bursts of high energy. This technology provides a more consistent defrosting experience, preventing the edges from cooking before the centre has fully defrosted.

Why should I use a catering microwave for defrosting?

Using a professional microwave oven or a commercial kitchen microwave for defrosting is advantageous. They significantly speed up the process compared to natural thawing, which can be time-consuming. This rapid thawing is more efficient and safer; it reduces the time that food is at temperatures where harmful bacteria can grow. Industrial microwaves achieve this by using low power to gently heat the food, maintaining its texture and flavour while ensuring it thaws evenly. This method is particularly beneficial in a professional setting where time and food safety are of the essence. A catering microwave ensures quick, safe, and efficient defrosting, minimising the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses. If you need kitchen equipment that can cook from frozen, commercial high speed ovens offer extra power and perform the role of a combination microwave oven that uses microwave technology, convection and hot air impingement for added versatility.

What food containers can be used in a heavy duty commercial microwave?

The most suitable food containers are typically made of glass or ceramic, as these materials can withstand high temperatures without melting or warping. Some plastics are also microwave-safe, but checking for the microwave-safe label is crucial to avoid any that might melt or release harmful chemicals. Metal is a definite no-go in any microwave; metal dishes can cause sparks and potentially damage the oven. When looking for commercial microwaves for sale, consider the types of containers you'll be using and ensure they're compatible with the microwave's specifications for safe and efficient cooking.

How many watts is a professional microwave oven?

Restaurant microwaves come with a range of power output options, typically starting from 1000W and going up to 1900W or higher. It's important to distinguish between power output, which refers to the microwave's cooking power, and power consumption, the amount of electricity it uses. Many commercial microwaves are designed as 'plug and play' equipment, featuring a standard 13A 3-pin plug for easy installation, while others may require hardwiring due to higher power demands. When selecting a microwave for your food production needs, consider the power output for cooking efficiency and the type of electrical connection that best suits your commercial kitchen's setup.

Are commercial microwaves safe?

Commercial microwaves are indeed safe for use in food preparation. They use electromagnetic non-ionising radiation to heat food, which differs from ionising radiation such as x-rays. This type of radiation in microwaves causes the food water molecules to vibrate, producing heat through friction, which cooks the food. It's important to note that non-ionising radiation does not damage the chemical structure of food components. The World Health Organisation has dispelled some common misconceptions, stating that ‘that food cooked in a microwave oven does not become "radioactive"’. Additionally, commercial microwaves are designed with safety features and comply with strict regulations to ensure they are safe for use in a professional kitchen environment. 

Can I programme a commercial microwave?

Yes, many commercial microwaves are built with the capability to be programmed. This feature is handy in a commercial kitchen setting, where consistency and speed are crucial. Programmable commercial microwaves allow you to set specific cooking times for various dishes, ensuring that food is always cooked or reheated to perfection. Whether looking for manual commercial microwaves with push-button controls or digital interfaces with touch control, micro oven commercial models can store multiple recipes, making it easy for any staff member to operate the microwave with minimal training. This programmability in a restaurant microwave is a significant advantage, streamlining kitchen operations and maintaining quality across all dishes.

FFD Catering Equipment has a wide range of commercial microwave ovens from top brands to guarantee that businesses can find the perfect equipment. With standard and next day delivery available to UK mainland, you can put your kitchen equipment essential to good use in as little time as possible. With competitive prices, free delivery as standard and commercial warranty included, you can ensure that costs are kept low.