How do commercial microwaves different from regular ones?
Every piece of restaurant equipment is built for special or unique purposes. Likewise, microwaves come in various types, each ideal for specific uses.
Domestic Microwave Units
Domestic microwaves are commonly seen in residential kitchens. This type is also usually countertop or over-the-range, relatively lightweight, and easy to move around. Generally speaking, domestic microwaves are cheaper and can be more easily replaced as a result.
However, if you’re planning to use a domestic microwave oven for cooking or heating food items regularly, especially for a home business or food service, it would be better to invest in a commercial oven.
Commercial Microwave Ovens
Commercial microwave ovens are a highly efficient middle ground between domestic and industrial microwave ovens. This oven type is optimised for regular use and is typically more energy-efficient because of its even cooking capabilities.
It also doesn’t require a rotating glass dish, which takes up space, meaning you’ll be able to cook bigger dishes or meals at once. Commercial ovens also have a much longer lifespan and more robust durability than domestic ovens, with high-quality brands and models lasting up to ten years or longer.
That said, commercial microwaves are more expensive than domestic units. This cost is recouped by its efficiency, however, as well as its design. Many commercial microwaves today are manufactured to meet global food and energy safety standards, making them worth the cost for any food service business.
Explore our catalogue of commercial microwaves at Reward Hospitality. Enjoy trade pricing for bulk orders and have your orders delivered within twenty-four to forty-eight hours for in-stock items.
What type of microwave is best for restaurant use?
While it’s not unheard of for restaurants to get by with only domestic microwave ovens, it’s best to invest in commercial models, such as the Panasonic microwave ovens we feature here at Reward Hospitality. Commercial microwaves are designed to last much longer overall and have distinct features specially engineered with the food service industry in mind.
Here are a few key features of commercial microwaves.
They cook or heat your food faster
Compared to domestic microwave ovens, commercial microwaves have much higher power outputs, allowing them to cook your food items more efficiently. This is especially practical for businesses that serve fast meals or drinks, as delays in cooking can lead to customer loss or disinterest.
They’re more reliable for heavy usage
Domestic microwaves are designed for short or infrequent use, compared to commercial microwave ovens built to handle constant usage throughout the day. Because commercial microwaves are also designed with heavy-duty parts optimised for continuous use, they’re more reliable overall, especially during peak business hours.
They meet industry standards for safety
The beauty of using commercial microwaves is that they’re built with industry standards in mind. These standards include food safety compliance, such as stainless steel materials or corrosion-resistant parts that can be sanitised with kitchen-safe products. Commercial microwave ovens often come with stainless steel cavities and cabinets, so investing in one for your kitchen or business easily checks one box off your list of safety requirements.
Looking forward: why choose a commercial microwave oven
Depending on the size or scale at which your hospitality business operates, the pros of getting a commercial microwave oven will likely outweigh any cons. They’re more efficient, cost-effective, and durable than their lighter domestic counterparts.
At Reward Hospitality, you can browse through our selection of commercial microwaves and filter by brand, price, capacity, and more. With our convenient online store and streamlined ordering system, you can easily purchase the commercial microwave you need.
What kind of maintenance does a commercial microwave need?
Any tool requires proper maintenance, regardless of how sturdy it is built. To this end, maintaining a commercial microwave is relatively straightforward.
Always be mindful of the weight limits for the unit. Microwave ovens have a set weight limit or dimension for what you can cook with them to ensure that their machine parts don’t overload in trying to cook your food as intended. Conversely, don’t run the unit when it’s empty: too much energy output with nowhere to go can damage the interior and other parts of the unit.
Secondly, always keep the unit clean, both inside and out. This is critical, as a commercial-grade microwave unit is used to process food; not only will dirt, grime, or leftover grease cause rusting or corrosion, but it can also get into the food items and lead to a health hazard.
Finally, if the unit seems to be working less optimally or if it behaves differently than usual, have it checked by a licenced repair technician or service centre. It never hurts to be careful, and a minor repair now could prevent terrible accidents or injuries later on.
It’s also essential that your kitchen is ready for such equipment. If your business is looking to develop its kitchen services with the help of commercial microwaves or if you’re looking to integrate commercial catering equipment into your operations, Reward Hospitality has a team of industry experts you can consult.
Reward Hospitality is also committed to positively contributing to green packaging practices in the country. As an active member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), a government-supported initiative for sustainable industry packaging practices, we offer green and eco-friendly packaging options through our Earth Essentials line.
By doing our part in lessening the waste impact on local environments, we help keep our well-known landscapes and shorelines welcoming for the locals and tourists that support our businesses and safe for our children to inherit in the future.
We’re just a message away if you’d like to get in touch about sourcing custom catering supplies, bar equipment, and other hospitality needs. We also feature and source popular supply brands, such as Robot Coupe, Kleenex, Crowne, and Pac Foods, as well as exclusive brands, including Pro.Mundi, Pro.Cooker, and Choyer.
You can reach us via phone, email, or web chat to schedule a consultation or drop by any of our physical hospitality shop locations for enquiries. Whichever avenue you choose, we’re more than happy to help you set up your business to your industry’s specifications.
Thanks to our years of expertise and experience, Reward Hospitality has something in our catalogue for every occasion, whether it’s industry-standard bar tools, commercial microwaves, or Zuma plates.
Why look elsewhere? Order your commercial microwaves from us today.