Microwaves Buying Guide

Microwave

A major benefit of using accelerated cooking equipment (such as microwaves) - capable of producing a wide menu of items at very fast speeds - is saving space!

The cost of building new kitchen facilities roughly averages £1500 per sq metre, but you can reduce the kitchen size to accommodate two more tables in the dining area, for example, you are saving cost and maximising potential revenue.

A key question is to ask whether the microwave or combi-microwave (also featuring convection heat and/or a built-in grill), or even a conveyorised oven is the right appliance to serve your food product.

Selecting this type of catering equipment should always start with the food or menu you want to serve from the oven.

Microwaves should only be used for re-heating. Combi-microwaves and conveyors can be used both for reheating and prime cooking.

Accelerated cookers can work happliy alongside conventional combination ovens, providing useful additional output at peak times and quick service options for limited numbers when the kitchen is not so busy.

Using both in a snack bar or satellite catering facility, for example, provides the flexibility of serving larger numbers at peak times from the conventional combi oven and catering for smaller numbers or one-off trade from the microwave combi.

A smaller combination oven can regenerate 20 portions of chips and a regenerated frozen main course, for example, to meet peak demand. But in the hours before and after peak time, the microwave combi can quickly serve 2-5 portions.

Using the two ovens rather than one adds to capital cost but provides a much more flexible solution that allows one member of staff to be highly productive. Using frozen product also minimises the skills required and the risk of food waste.

Take into account the whole cost cost of running this type of catering operation, not just the cost of the food or equipment. The initial cost may be higher, but the productive benefits over the life of the equipment should pay dividends.

Menu choice may also dictate that a conveyor oven, rather than a combi microwave, is the right choice. Conveyors offer great flexibility and can feature two belts, for example, travelling at different speeds to provide different cooking cycles i.e. for lasagne or pizza. Loading product half way down the belt provides a third, shorter cooking option, for items such as garlic bread.

Pizza, lasagne, sizzle steaks, chops, burgers and even all day breakfasts can all be served from these versatile microwave ovens.

Microwaves – Energy Advice

Never use a domestic microwave oven for a commercial operation, they are simply not up to the job and cannot cope with reheating multiple portions.

Most commercial microwaves have a cavity space of ½ gastronorm, but they are also available in ⅔ gastronorm. Ideal for reheating individual portions and small batches of food, they are a more environmentally friendly option than using a regular oven for serving smaller quantities.

Microwave models available include: -

  • Light duty microwaves: 900 – 1100 watts, suitable for vending areas, schools, convenience stores, cafeterias or food server stations.
  • Medium duty microwaves: 1100 – 1500 watts, for medium-volume commercial settings, such as pubs, vending operations, schools, cafes restaurants – where the microwave is only in occasional use.
  • Heavy duty microwaves: 1500 ‐ 1900 watts and suitable for busy pubs, hotels, busy restaurants or staff catering.
  • Extra heavy duty models are also available for the highest volume use.

Regular cleaning is essential, not only for hygiene, but also to minimise the risk of fire and wasting energy.

Health and safety: Microwaves and microwave combis may be smaller than regular ovens but they are heavy, so care must be taken when moving them for cleaning, especially if greasy or dirty.

Regular (annual) health and safety testing of microwave ovens & electrical safety to current standards is recommended. It is also worth having the power levels checked as, after a few years of heavy use, microwaves will tend to lose power and your regular push-button programmes for set dishes may need adjusting.

Microwaves - View our full range and buy online.