Commercial grade microwave ovens are an asset to high volume food service businesses such as convenience stores and restaurants. Commercial grade microwave ovens can heat up food, cook smaller items, melt cheeses and defrost pre-packaged entrées. Making the most of commercial microwave ovens is an efficient way to speed up cooking time. Select the appropriate wattage in commercial microwaves and make a difference in how quickly your kitchen staff delivers the food. Teach employees to use the different functions on an industrial microwave oven to maximize the equipment options.

Commercial microwaves save space in limited work areas that require quick cooking food service. Convert your extra space into a useful cooking area. Commercial grade microwaves are compact to save space, yet large enough to cook multiple items. An industrial microwave oven is a great backup in case of equipment failure. Making the most of commercial microwave ovens include the following:

1. Utilize space saving benefits with industrial microwaves.

2. Buy a commercial microwave oven with optimum wattage for faster heating.

3. Consider a combination restaurant microwave to perform many tasks at once.

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Expand counter and kitchen space with a restaurant microwave

Enjoy ample counter and kitchen space by utilizing a restaurant microwave. Eliminate the need for a large cooking equipment that takes up much needed kitchen prep areas. Have enough room to use the counter top for cooking equipment and extra work space.

I recommend: Kitchen Gadgetry has a variety of space saving counter top microwave ovens for restaurants. Find light duty, space saving counter top microwaves at Big Tray.

Deliver faster service by using an industrial microwave oven

Save time with industrial microwaves that quickly reheat, melt and thaw a variety of food items. Find the right wattage that is best for your business. Lower wattage microwaves take longer to cook and thaw food. Faster cook times often equates to satisfied patrons.

I recommend: Mission Restaurant Supply offers many different types of microwaves in 1000 watt, 1200 watt and 1700 watt models. My Chef Store also carries a variety of smaller sized industrial microwave ovens for the perfect space saver.

Take advantage of multiple functions with a combination commercial microwave

Cook, roast, reheat and thaw with microwave ovens that perform a variety of functions. Capitalize on the ability to use many optional functions. Purchase a combination commercial microwave to have access to a variety of useful functions.

I recommend: Purchase high speed combination microwaves at Microwave Specialties. US Appliance has a combination convection and microwave oven for commercial use that allows you to perform many different tasks.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep the industrial microwave oven supplier's contact information handy for inquiring about routine maintenance or repairs.
• •  Inquire about warranty information when purchasing an industrial microwave.

Commercial grade microwave ovens have a place in virtually every food-related establishment in America today, from fancy restaurants to beachside snack bars, from employee cafeterias and break rooms to convenience stores and self-serve delis, Gone are the days of using them only for popping popcorn or warming coffee; today commercial microwaves often are used for their initial intended purpose: to cook food!

Here are some things to consider when setting out to purchase a commercial microwave oven:

1. What will your commercial microwave oven primarily be used for?

2. How much does your commercial microwave need to hold?

3. Who will use the microwave oven?

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Determine for what your commercial microwave will be used

Does your establishment only need the microwave for reheating and defrosting, or do you actually cook or steam foods in the microwave?

I recommend: If your primary purpose is heating and reheating, a medium-duty mid-range oven with basic features is likely all you need. These are great for convenience stores, snack bars and waitress stations. If you need a commercial grade microwave for actual cooking, I suggest stepping up both the size and quality with a programmable high-quality restaurant microwave loaded with features and settings.

Decide how much food the commercial grade microwave needs to hold

Industrial microwaves vary greatly in size. Some are made to hold single servings; others can hold entire platters. Your purpose will determine the size that's best for your need.

I recommend: If you're buying a commercial microwave for a convenience store or snack bar, a smaller oven with lower wattage should do the job just fine. If you're buying for a casual restaurant or family dining establishment where the kitchen staff uses the oven, you need a larger-capacity oven that accommodates at least a large dinner plate.

Identify who will use the microwave

The more features a restaurant microwave has, the more complex it is to use. Whether your oven will be used by a variety of people or one primary person has everything to do with how many options you want your new commercial microwave oven to have.

I recommend: If your microwave will have a variety of users, quick, simple and self-explanatory is best. Features to consider include a self-resetting dial, a turntable, an interior light and a grab-and-go handle. If your kitchen has one or a handful of users who will be using your new microwave, feel free to purchase one of the feature-rich industrial microwaves that can do amazing things for those who know which buttons to push.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't get sold on bells and whistles that you really don't need. They're bound to create more problems than they solve. Simpler is often better.
• •  All microwaves can't be all things to all restaurants. You might need to consider buying 2 or more commercial microwave ovens to meet all of your needs.
• •  High-speed convection/microwave combinations geared toward restaurants may look like miracle workers, but it might be wise to try before you buy.

Industrial microwaves are one of the most important pieces of equipment in your kitchen and can be a large part of your expenditures. Whether you own a large, elegant restaurant or a cozy family diner, a commercial microwave oven can be used to heat food or to prepare certain items in a simple and efficient way. Even convenience stores and businesses with employee lounges know the benefits of utilizing commercial microwave ovens.

In order to save money on your commercial microwaves it is imperative to learn about how to make wise decisions in getting the best possible deals. Consider the possibilities of renting or leasing, buying used equipment and receiving free shipping on your purchases. Here are a few ideas to get you started on getting the best money saving deals.

1. Consider purchasing a used restaurant microwave.

2. Explore the possibilities of leasing industrial microwave ovens.

3. Inquire with manufacturers that offer free shipping on commercial grade microwave ovens.

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Think about the benefits of previously owned commercial grade microwave ovens

Commercial grade ovens that have been previously owned can be an ideal money saver for your use. These ovens have been utilized by someone else but are in good condition and can save you hundreds of dollars versus purchasing new equipment.

I recommend: Pierce Food Service Equipment has used kitchen equipment at low prices that are as low as $50 for a pre-owned microwave. Save over $1000 with A City Discount, which has a variety of used kitchen equipment you can sort through by type, manufacturer and item condition.

Determine if leasing or renting commercial grade microwave ovens is right for your business

Leasing expensive commercial grade microwave ovens can save upfront and start up costs because you are making payments instead of having to come up with a large portion of money up front. This is an especially good idea for new businesses who are not sure if they will need a certain number of ovens at first.

I recommend: Peerless offers leasing options on most of their equipment with monthly payments as low as $41. C Kitchen offers leasing on their commercial microwave ovens for as little as $60 per month and extends price matching service for a guaranteed low price.

Save money by utilizing vendors that offer free shipping on commercial grade microwaves

Shipping costs on commercial grade microwaves can be expensive due to their weight. Explore companies and manufacturers that have money saving deals on shipping costs such as free shipping or reduced shipping. This can enable you to afford a more expensive microwave or use that money on another expenditure.

I recommend: Kitchen Supply Direct offers free shipping on all of their commercial microwave ovens. Big Tray also has free freight on their microwave ovens, saving you enormously.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use the services of vendors who offer extensive customer support on the industrial microwave oven you are looking to purchase. This will save money on future repairs and service calls or replacement equipment.

Although you’re probably familiar with traditional microwave ovens used in home kitchens, it’s important to familiarize yourself with commercial microwave ovens terminology to get the features to suit your commercial kitchen. Learn about key features like “dual magnetrons,” “memory pads” and “light duty” to find an industrial microwave model that will be durable, sizable and multi-functional enough to suit the nature of your restaurant or catering business. Knowing important terms will also help you communicate with vendors when your equipment needs routine maintenance or replacement parts.

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Light duty microwave

If you need a user-friendly, light-duty commercial microwave that customers can use to heat foods in self-service stations, for example, a light duty microwave will do the trick. Look for versions that can reheat single servings to save energy and counter space.

I recommend: Find several light duty commercial microwave oven models and learn more about their features and capacities through Gala Source.

Programmable memory pads

Speed food preparation by finding commercial microwave ovens that feature programmable memory pads. Pads allow you to customize cooking times and power levels with the touch of a button.

I recommend: See a variety of commercial microwave ovens with different amounts of programmable memory pads through Burkett Restaurant Equipment and Supplies.

Combination oven

While some dishes benefit from warming in a microwave oven, others should cook, bake or roast in a convection oven. A combination oven provides the convenience of a microwave with the functionality of a convection oven without taking up valuable counter space in your kitchen.

I recommend: Get additional information on combination convection and microwave ovens and see an array of related accessories through Kitchen Supply Direct.

Multiple quantity pad

If your kitchen is heating several of the same items at once in the microwave, speed the process by finding a unit with a multiple quantity pad. The feature automatically increases the cooking time based on the figure you select.

I recommend: Read more about the multiple quantity pad feature on product descriptions and specification sheets on the Microwave Specialties website.

Dual magnetrons

Because magnetrons convert the oven's electrical energy into the microwave radiation that will heat the food, commercial versions with dual magnetrons can heat faster and more efficiently.

I recommend: Learn about the benefits of dual magnetrons and top and bottom energy feeds on commercial microwave ovens through Sharp USA.

Microwave shelf

If the available counter space in your commercial kitchen is dwindling, utilize a wall-mount microwave shelf to give cooks access to the appliance while saving valuable space.

I recommend: Discover additional materials and mounting information for microwave shelf models through Microwave Oven World.