What Makes a Microwave Commercial Grade?
Most foodservice kitchens have at least one microwave oven in the cooking area and there may be one in the prep area too. But they don’t always have a commercial microwave oven. The difference between a residential microwave and a commercial microwave may not be obvious at first glance, but there is a difference.
Whether you’re using a residential or commercial microwave, both pieces of cooking equipment work the same way. Microwaves are produced inside of the oven by a magnetron which is an electron tube. The microwaves are reflected within the metal interior of the oven and absorbed by the food being cooked. Microwaves cause the water molecules in the food being prepared to vibrate which produces heat to cook the food.
What makes a commercial microwave, commercial?
A commercial microwave is designed for use in a restaurant or institutional kitchen, which would require more frequent and lengthier usage. To accommodate the needs of a foodservice kitchen, a commercial microwave oven will typically have a much higher power output than a residential model. One of the main differences between a commercial microwave and a residential microwave is the quality of construction. A commercial microwave will be used on a daily basis and may be subject to hours of continual operation where a home model is very seldom used for hours on end.
Because sanitation in a commercial foodservice operation is critical, most commercial microwaves will have a commercial grade stainless steel cabinet. This increases durability of the cabinet as well as ease of cleaning.
How big is a commercial microwave?
The size of a commercial microwave is generally larger than that of a residential model. Commercial microwaves are designed to accommodate food pans. It is common to use a microwave to steam vegetables or dumplings and this can be done in a high heat food pan with a false bottom. Additionally, some commercial microwaves may have the door hinge on the bottom so that the unit is easier to use with larger, heavier pans.
How powerful is a commercial microwave?
The main difference, however, between a residential and a commercial microwave is going to be cooking power. Typical commercial units will have an output between 1,500 and 2,200 watts, while residential units often have a maximum power of 1,000 to 1,200 watts. Some of the most powerful commercial microwaves will have as much as 3,000 watts. This extra power is what allows a commercial microwave to have both a higher production capability and longer life in a busy commercial kitchen.
