2024 Guide to Buying Commercial Microwaves
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Buying a Commercial Microwave for your Business or Restaurant
When selecting a commercial microwave for your business, it's crucial to consider your establishment's specific needs. Factors such as size, wattage, brand reputation, and additional features can significantly impact your choice. This guide will help you understand the different types of commercial microwaves available and which are best suited for various businesses.
Microwave Sizes: 0.6 - 1.6 Cubic Feet
Commercial microwaves come in different sizes, typically ranging from 0.6 to 1.6 cubic feet. The size you choose should align with your usage needs:
- 0.6 to 0.9 Cubic Feet: This size is ideal for smaller cafes, convenience stores, or food trucks where space is limited, and the microwave is used for quick reheating or simple tasks.
- 1.0 to 1.2 Cubic Feet: This size is suitable for medium-sized restaurants and bakeries that require a bit more capacity for heating multiple items simultaneously.
- 1.5 to 1.6 Cubic Feet: This is best for large restaurants, hotels, or catering businesses where high-volume and large dishes need to be heated efficiently.
Power: Wattage Differences for Microwaves
The power of a microwave is measured in watts, and commercial microwaves typically range from 1000 to 3000 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking times and greater efficiency:
- 1000 to 1200 Watts: This is good for low to moderate use and is suitable for smaller establishments or light duty in larger settings.
- 1200 to 1800 Watts: Mid-range power, perfect for medium use in busy cafes, small restaurants, or bar settings.
- 1800 to 3000 Watts: High power for heavy use, ideal for large restaurants, institutional kitchens, and catering services that need quick and reliable performance.
Brands of Microwave Manufacturers
Several reputable brands offer high-quality commercial microwaves. Some of the top brands include:
- Amana: Known for durability and reliability, often used in high-volume settings like schools and hospitals.
- Sentinel: Offers reliable performance for commercial kitchens of all sizes at competitive prices.
- Panasonic: Renowned for advanced technology and efficient cooking, popular in small and large commercial kitchens.
Programmable Functionality
Many modern commercial microwaves come with programmable features that enhance efficiency and ease of use:
- Preset Cooking Programs: These programs allow users to save time by programming specific cooking times and power levels for everyday tasks.
- Multi-Stage Cooking: This feature enables setting different power levels and times for a single cooking cycle, ideal for complex recipes.
- Touchpad Controls: Simplifies operation with user-friendly digital interfaces and programmable buttons.
Business Recommendations
The type of microwave you need depends mainly on the nature of your business and the volume of use:
- Cafes and Coffee Shops: A smaller, mid-wattage microwave (0.9-1.2 cubic feet, 1200-1500 watts) from brands like Sentinel or Panasonic would be ideal for reheating pastries or making quick meals.
- Restaurants and Bars: A medium to large microwave (1.2-1.5 cubic feet, 1500-2000 watts) from brands like Amana or Panasonic would handle more substantial use and larger portions.
- Catering Services and Hotels: To manage high-volume cooking efficiently, a larger, high-wattage Panasonic microwave (1.5-1.6 cubic feet, 2000-3000 watts) would be necessary.
- Schools and Hospitals: Robust, high-wattage models (up to 3000 watts) with programmable features ensure reliable and quick service in demanding environments.
Cost Differences and Features
Commercial microwaves can range significantly in price, with basic models starting at around $594 and advanced units going up to $1539. Here are some justifying features for the higher costs:
- Higher Wattage and Larger Capacity: More expensive models typically offer higher wattage and larger capacity, which means faster cooking times and the ability to handle more significant quantities of food.
- Advanced Programmability: Higher-end microwaves often include advanced programmable features, such as multi-stage cooking, memory function for saving recipes, and touchpad controls.
- Durability and Build Quality: Premium models are constructed with more durable materials, ensuring they withstand the rigors of a commercial kitchen environment.
- Brand Reputation: Established brands with a reputation for reliability and performance may cost more but offer greater long-term value through durability and service support.