Commercial microwaves still deliver the same kind of features as a domestic model, though they’re often built differently to work at a greater and more efficient scale. Commercial models are larger, giving you the ability to reheat bigger portions of food at a rapid rate. They’re also more powerful, with greater wattage levels and additional features and functionality. Commercial models also have different designs internally, with both the conventional rotating plate you’d see in a domestic model and flat plate models, which cook your food slightly differently. 

The optimal wattage for your microwave will depend not only on the model you have but also on what you’re cooking or reheating. Generally, commercial models will have 1000 to 2000 Watts of power. This makes them optimal for evenly reheating or cooking your food without taking longer or giving you irregular results. To ensure you’re using the best level of power, we recommend looking at the manufacturer’s guidelines. 

There are a number of features that you should look for in a commercial microwave to get the best functionality for your kitchen. First, you’ll want to look at the materials they’re made from. Commercial models are made with hard-wearing materials and more resilient hinges on the doors to handle frequent use. 

Another obvious feature you’ll want is a spacious model. You need to be able to put large items inside to effectively bulk-prepare food, or reheat it quickly. Commercial microwave models range from 17-litre sizes anywhere up to 34 litres or more. 

When it comes to functionality, commercial models will typically feature a broad range of pre-set options that make it easier and faster to get the result you want and need. You can also choose between a model with a rotation plate or a flat-bed option that allows you fit more into your microwave, which is a useful feature for when you want to heat multiple dishes at once. 

Yes, their design is made to match the needs of a busy commercial kitchen. Whether you want to reheat food evenly, bring something up to temperature after storing it in your commercial freezer, or cook it from scratch, commercial microwaves can do it all. 

At Restaurant Equipment Online, we stock a range of exceptional commercial kitchen brands. Whether you’re looking for a specific set of features or want something within a particular budget, you’ll find it here. 

Our top recommendations for brands include the likes of Apuro and Anvil. For a personal recommendation to find the perfect model for your kitchen, you can contact our team anytime and we’ll help you find the best option for you. 

Yes. Generally speaking, commercial microwave ovens are efficient even as a standalone device but especially so when compared to traditional commercial ovens. Commercial microwaves don’t need to preheat, don’t require as much energy to maintain their temperature and are faster when it comes to cooking. This makes them a great option when you want to reheat or cook food without the same time or energy requirements. 

Cleaning your commercial microwave is quite straightforward. The main thing to be aware of is to not overextend or push the door in a way that will compromise or damage the hinges. To clean it, remove the plate and wash it thoroughly. Gently scrub out the inside to remove any oil or food debris, and wipe the inside out with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue. For specific care instructions, make sure to check your manufacturer’s guidelines. 

As with any appliance, the size you need will largely depend on how much capacity your establishment has and how rapid your food turnover is. If you use a microwave occasionally or have a smaller kitchen and want something that won’t take up as much space, a 17-litre model may be perfect. If you need something for prepping or heating bulk food, a larger model may be better, with options spanning up to 32 litres.

The answer to this depends on what you’re heating. There will likely be a pre-set option on your commercial microwave that’ll make it easier to get evenly distributed and consistent heat. Equally, flat-plat microwaves operate slightly differently from rotating plate microwaves, meaning it’s important to check the guidelines for your specific model. 

As a general rule, covering whatever you’re heating with a microwave-safe lid while allowing a gap for heat and steam to escape at the top makes a difference. Equally, if you’re reheating more than one dish at a time, place them next to each other rather than stacked to get a more even result. 

While wear and tear can impact a commercial microwave, with proper care and maintenance, it can last for many years.