SCK Blog

Difference Between Commercial and Domestic Microwaves

Posted by: Neil Willis

One of the most common questions asked by microwave users is what is the difference between commercial & domestic microwave ovens. Here are the key differences that make commercial microwave ovens the best, safest and most cost effective solution for your kitchen.

No Glass Turntables

Commercial ovens do not feature glass turntables that are fiddly and reduce usable cavity space. As all food must rotate in order to heat evenly, larger dishes are often too large to rotate. This glass plate is usually lost or smashed on a regular basis. Commercial ovens feature a flat ceramic base that is easily cleaned and does not limit dish size.

Reliability

Domestic microwave ovens are designed for limited usage. Most domestic microwave ovens are designed for household usage that usually does not exceed about 10 minutes of running time per day. Compare this to a commercial application that may require constant usage for hours each day. Therefore commercial microwave ovens are designed using heavy-duty components that enable a far greater workload over a longer period of time.

Speed

Commercial Microwave Ovens are available in far greater power outputs than domestic microwave ovens. A Bonn CM-1900T has a power output of 1900watts compared to approximately 700 – 900 watts for most domestic ovens. This means busy food outlets can cut heating times by up to 60%. Remember, in fast food customers do not wait! The loss of single impatient customer per day is the cost of the oven after 6-12 months.

Cost

Commercial microwave ovens have a higher initial purchase price compared to domestic microwave ovens. This extra cost is however quickly recouped as domestic ovens in a commercial kitchen will require regular repairs and replacement, along with the inconvenience and disruption this causes. Remember a good quality commercial microwave oven that is well maintained will last 5-10 years. In the same situation a domestic oven may only last 6 months.

Convenience

Commercial microwave ovens feature fully programmable control panels. This means that menu heating times and settings can be programmed into the oven control panel. Heating product is then as simple as pushing a single button. This ensures a fast reliable way to heat product, especially in busy periods. It also ensures a consistent result every time. Domestic ovens require power level and time to be entered along with the start button, time consuming and easy to make mistakes.

Food Safety

All commercial microwave ovens are constructed of stainless steel cavity and cabinet assemblies. Stainless steel offers the best sanitation qualities in a commercial grade kitchen. Stainless steel resists breaking down and is easily cleaned. The same applies to commercial microwave ovens. Most domestic microwave ovens are not of stainless steel construction.

User Safety - Microwave Radiation

Heavy-duty commercial microwave ovens are constructed using far more robust materials and also incorporate greater safety features such as glass lined inner doors, strengthened doors, heavy grade door hinges and improved door safety switch designs. All of this means that as a user in a harsh kitchen environment you have greater protection against microwave radiation compared to a domestic microwave used in the same environment. In a busy kitchen all equipment is exposed to a harsh environment, the microwave included. Using a heavy-duty commercial microwave oven is the best way to protect against possible microwave radiation exposure.

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