Panasonic Microwaves & Rice Cookers

Panasonic Commercial Microwaves: What You Need to Know

Whether you want a microwave to place in your employee breakroom, steam vegetables in your high-volume kitchen, or serve large quantities of white rice at an Asian restaurant, Panasonic Corporation has options to meet your needs.

Microwave ovens are made of durable stainless steel and come in a range of capabilities and power options.

Rice cookers consist of a removable aluminum-alloy pot inside a sheathed heating element. They cook as much as 80 cups of rice and then keep it warm until it is needed.

Common Questions About Panasonic Commercial Equipment

What kinds of microwave units are available?

• Panasonic convection microwaves combine microwaves with broiling and convection modes in six possible combinations for a high-speed cooking process ideal for breads, sandwiches, and pizza. Panasonic's flagship high-speed oven combines 1,200 watts of microwave power, 1,800 watts of broiler power, and 1,150 watts for convection cooking. These units require a 220-volt outlet.
• Panasonic's countertop steamers use high-wattage microwave power to create steam from the natural moisture in food, so they don't require boilers, vents, or water lines. They hold two full steam pans or four half pans to cook items such as seafood, vegetables, and meats. These units output as much as 3,200 watts of power and require a 220-volt outlet.
• Conventional commercial microwaves range from 1,000 to 2,100 watts and handle everything from light use in breakrooms and server stations to consistent back-of-house retherming and cooking. They can be placed on a countertop or over a shelf. Units with 1,000 and 1,200 watts of power output can be plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet, while more powerful units require a 220-volt outlet.

How many watts do I need?

The wattage of conventional Panasonic commercial microwave ovens corresponds to the amount of time it takes for them to cook or reheat food.

• 1,000 watts: Panasonic commercial microwave ovens with this power level are ideal for light-duty applications, including vending areas, convenience stores, and server stations.
• 1,200 to 2,100 watts: These units are ideal for quickly cooking or reheating a half pan of food. They can be used in chef lines and at quick-serve and casual dining restaurants. Units with 1,200; 1,700; and 2,100 watts of power are available, with higher power levels offering quicker, more efficient cooking.

What types of controls are available?

Panasonic commercial microwaves come with two options for setting cook times and other functions:

• Dial controls offer simple time control in increments of 15 seconds for as long as 6 minutes.
• Panasonic commercial microwaves with touchpad controls offer increased functionality, such as braille lettering and programmable, one-touch cook times. Units with these controls are capable of using varying power levels throughout the cooking process.
• Touchscreen controls are available on Panasonic convection microwaves, offering the capacity to program as many as 1,000 menus with 17 recipes pre-programmed.

How do you use a Panasonic commercial rice cooker?

Add rice and the suggested or preferred amount of water adjusted to the unit's removable pan. Make sure the exterior of the pan is dry and set it inside the cooker. Cover the rice and let it soak for 30 minutes before plugging in the unit. Plug in the unit and wait for the "cooking" indicator light to automatically switch to a "keep warm" light. Let the rice steam and sit for 15 minutes before using it. If you are making cold rice or the pan has been removed, the unit's power cord should be unplugged.

Are rice measurements non-standard?

Cups of rice measure only about 75 percent of the volume in a U.S. cup. Use the cup provided with your unit or be sure to properly convert the amounts if you're using a standard U.S. measuring cup.

How else can I use a Panasonic commercial rice cooker?

Panasonic commercial rice cookers are also ideal for cooking other types of grain, including quinoa, grits, and wheat berries.