Microwaves are a common appliance in many homes, but they are also essential tools in busy catering kitchens. They can be used to quickly and efficiently cook, reheat, and defrost food, which is vital when you are preparing meals for large numbers of people.

Microwaves can cook food much faster than traditional ovens. This is especially important in a busy kitchen, where you need to get food out quickly. They are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of catering tasks, and even for inexperienced cooks, microwaves are relatively easy to use.

The wattage of a microwave oven is the amount of power it uses to cook food. Higher wattage microwaves cook food faster, but they also use more energy. The wattage that is right for you will depend on the size of your business and the amount of food you need to cook. For example, a small catering business that only needs to cook small amounts of food may only need a microwave with 1000 watts of power. A larger restaurant that needs to cook large quantities of food may need a microwave with 2000 watts of power or more.

The most common types of microwave ovens are:

Solo microwaves: These are the most basic type of commercial microwave. They only have one cooking function, which is microwave. They are a good option for small catering businesses or kitchens that do not need a lot of cooking power.

Grill microwaves: These microwaves have two cooking functions: microwave and grill. The grill function uses a heating element to brown or crisp the surface of food. They are a good option for businesses that need to cook a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, and sandwiches.

Convection microwaves: These microwaves have three cooking functions: microwave, grill, and convection. Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food, which helps to cook it evenly. They are a good option for businesses that need to cook large quantities of food quickly and evenly.

Combination microwaves: These microwaves have four cooking functions: microwave, grill, convection, and steam. Steam cooking uses steam to cook food, which helps to retain the nutrients and flavour of the food. They are a good option for businesses that want to offer a variety of healthy cooking options.

The best microwave for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a versatile microwave that can cook a variety of foods, the Blizzard BCM2100 is an excellent option. Need one that can cook large quantities of food quickly and evenly, then the Sammic HM-910 would suit. The Whirlpool PRO 25 IX is a good choice for businesses that need a basic and reliable microwave, and if you need a high-performance machine with a variety of features, the Merrychef Eikon e4 will not let you down.

(Main image shows Eikon e4)