Choosing the Right Commercial Microwave

Because of this, a restaurant-grade microwave can help employees get food out to customers fast and ensure dishes are delivered at a hot, appetizing temperature, with very little training required.

In the past, some operators have been tempted to save on initial costs by purchasing a non-commercial model, but time has shown that equipping your kitchen with an industrial microwave is well worth the investment. Commercial microwaves have internal components that ensure food is heated evenly, are built with sturdier parts, and are stringently tested to ensure continued safety through long-term operation. They stand up to heavier use, offer more cooking power, and require repair or replacement far less often than non-commercial options. Noncommercial microwaves also aren't as closely regulated as commercial models, so they can cause unexpected issues with health inspections or insurance policies.

Keep reading to learn more about commercial microwaves and how to find the perfect fit for your foodservice or hospitality operation.

Compare Power Options

A commercial microwave's power can range from as little as 700 watts to more than 5,000 watts. High-wattage models offer faster cooking times and they can handle frequent and/or high-volume use. Microwave power can be divided into three main groups, with some wattage variance within each category.

Choose Your Preferred Controls

Commercial microwaves either have dial or touchpad controls. Units with dial controls are easy to operate and built with fewer digital components. They typically feature a streamlined design with less complex parts, so repairs are often simple and affordable. Dial-controlled units typically cost less money up front, making them very appealing to budget-minded operators.

Models with touchpad controls, on the other hand, offer additional functionality and more precise control over the cooking process. Most touchpads are simple to use and have a display that can be viewed from a distance. Some touchpads come with the added benefit of programming. Operators can preset recipes on programmable controls for all kinds of menu items, making it simple for any employee to use the microwave, even with very little training. Programmable presets help ensure every batch of food comes out cooked exactly the same across multiple users, shifts, and locations.

Some touchpad models also feature adjustable cooking power, letting users program a recipe to automatically shift from heating on low power for defrosting to a higher power for cooking. Programmable locking also may be offered, enabling an operator to lock the microwave's controls once they're programmed and prevent further changes to recipes.

Determine Size & Capacity Requirements

Some commercial microwaves are made to accommodate full- or half-size food pans, while some compact models can only be used with smaller options, such as quarter-size pans. Double check the interior dimensions of the commercial microwave you're interested in purchasing to ensure the unit you choose will be able to handle the volume your kitchen produces.

Exterior dimensions must also be considered when purchasing a commercial microwave oven. Some models have their control panel mounted on top of the cabinet, while others have it mounted on the side. The latter makes the unit wider but shorter, helping it fit more comfortably under cabinets or other equipment. There are even some models with bottom-mounted controls, designed for placing on an overshelf above the prep area. Microwave dimensions vary significantly across models, so you'll need to carefully measure the area where the unit will be installed to ensure you're choosing a microwave that fits. Some models are also stackable, which can save a lot of space if you need multiple microwaves and don't have much counter space available.

Special Features

There are many optional features available across different commercial microwave models, some of which may benefit your specific needs. Always review a microwave's additional features to ensure you're getting all the functionality you need without paying for features you won't use. Some common features are covered in more detail below.

Built-in power allocator: This feature enables another piece of equipment to be plugged into the microwave to use a single outlet.

Sonic steamer: These models have a built-in shelf that holds cooking food over a pan of water to steam food as it microwaves. These models can help double your cooking space, as both shelves can be used for food, and they have magnetrons above and below the cooking chamber to ensure even heating.

USB ports: Some models have a built-in USB slot that enables an operator to preprogram dozens of recipes and upload them instantly to multiple machines, ensuring uniform cooking across several locations.

Other Considerations

Most commercial microwaves have glass doors and interior LED lighting to let operators keep an eye on food as it cooks. One-touch start streamlines cooking, heating, and defrosting in busy kitchens, and a digital display can make the microwave easy to read from across the room.

ADA-compliant braille touchpads also are a common necessity for a fully accessible kitchen and are included on many models.

To help shield the unit's internal components from dust and debris, some microwaves come with an air filter and are equipped to give visible or audible reminders to clean the filter at predetermined intervals.