High-Speed Ovens vs. Commercial Microwaves: Which Is Best for Your Fast Food or Bakeshop?

Efficiency in the kitchen is crucial for any restaurant, whether it’s a small bakeshop or a fast food establishment. The ability to quickly heat and serve food without compromising quality can make or break customer satisfaction, especially during peak hours.

For beginner restaurant owners, selecting the right equipment can be overwhelming. Two primary options stand out for speed and efficiency in heating food: Commercial Microwave Ovens and High-Speed Ovens (HSOs), which combine microwave technology with traditional heating elements.

This post will explore both solutions, comparing their benefits and drawbacks, and delving into the technical specifications so you can make an informed decision.

Commercial Microwave Oven: The Budget-Friendly Option

A commercial microwave oven is one of the most affordable and fastest heating solutions available for small restaurants. These ovens work by using microwaves to heat food directly through radiation. The microwaves excite water molecules in the food, generating heat internally, which speeds up the cooking process. The technology is straightforward, efficient, and inexpensive.

Pros of Commercial Microwave Ovens:

• Speed: Heats food almost instantly, making it ideal for fast food or quick reheating tasks.
• Low Cost: One of the most budget-friendly solutions for restaurants.
• Ease of Use: Simple controls, with minimal training required for staff.
• Space Efficient: Small footprint, which makes it suitable for tight kitchen spaces.

Cons of Commercial Microwave Ovens:

• Food Quality: Doesn’t provide crispy or evenly heated results, especially for items like pastries or sandwiches.
• Limited Functionality: Suitable mainly for reheating and basic food preparation, not for cooking.
• Texture Issues: Foods can become soggy or unevenly heated, especially when trying to crisp or toast items.

High-Speed Oven (HSO): Quality Meets Efficiency

A High-Speed Oven (HSO) combines microwave technology with additional heating elements like convection or impingement. These ovens provide a much better cooking result, as they can heat food quickly while maintaining texture and quality. HSOs are ideal for a variety of food items such as pizzas, toasted sandwiches, and pastries, ensuring they come out crispy on the outside while staying soft or moist on the inside.

Pros of High-Speed Ovens:

• Superior Food Quality: Ensures food is heated evenly and remains crispy, unlike standard microwaves.
• Multi-functionality: Can toast, cook, and reheat all in one machine.
• Faster Cook Times: Cuts cooking time significantly compared to traditional ovens.
• Versatile: Suitable for a variety of foods, from sandwiches and pizzas to baked goods.

Cons of High-Speed Ovens:

• Higher Cost: Considerably more expensive than regular microwave ovens.
• Requires More Space: Typically larger and requires more counter space.
• Complexity: Staff might need more training to use the more advanced functions properly.

Comparison Table: Commercial Microwave Oven vs. High-Speed Oven

Feature	Commercial Microwave Oven	High-Speed Oven (HSO)
Cost	Low	High
Heating Speed	Extremely fast	Fast, but slightly slower than microwave-only
Food Quality	Average, may result in soggy or uneven food	High-quality, crispy, evenly cooked
Versatility	Limited to reheating and basic heating	Can bake, toast, cook, and reheat
Training	Minimal training required	Requires more staff training
Size	Compact	Larger, requires more kitchen space
Best Use Cases	Fast food, quick reheating	Bakeshops, fast-casual, higher-end fast food

Technical Aspects: Understanding Key Specifications

When choosing between a commercial microwave oven and an HSO, understanding the technical specifications will help you make the right decision for your restaurant. Below are some key technical features to consider:

Magnetron

A magnetron is the key component in microwave ovens. It generates microwaves by converting electrical energy into microwave radiation. Higher-powered magnetrons provide faster and more efficient cooking. A commercial microwave typically has a power range of 1,000 to 2,500 watts, while HSOs may use a combination of lower-powered magnetrons with convection heating.

• Power: Higher wattage means faster heating, but keep in mind that not all foods benefit from faster heating—especially delicate items like pastries.
• Durability: Commercial microwave ovens feature heavy-duty magnetrons that can handle continuous use in busy kitchens. Ensure you choose a model with a durable magnetron if your restaurant experiences high turnover.

Heating Elements

HSOs use additional heating elements like convection or impingement technology. These elements work alongside the microwave function to provide a better-quality finish on foods. Convection circulates hot air around the food for even cooking, while impingement uses high-speed airflow to crisp the exterior of items like sandwiches or pizzas.

• Impingement Technology: This feature ensures food is crisped quickly while the microwave heats the interior. It's especially useful for baked goods or items that need a crunchy finish.
• Convection: Provides even heating, making it perfect for roasting or baking. If you are serving pastries or dishes that require even heat, opt for a high-speed oven with convection capabilities.

Power Consumption

When choosing equipment, consider the power consumption. Commercial microwaves are generally more energy-efficient than traditional ovens, but HSOs may consume more energy due to the combination of microwave and convection heating.

• Energy Efficiency: Although HSOs use more power than microwaves, they often save time, which can make them more efficient in the long run, especially during busy service hours.

Leading Brands in Commercial Microwave and High-Speed Ovens

Several well-known brands dominate the market for both commercial microwave ovens and HSOs. Each brand offers various models with unique features, so it’s essential to compare their offerings based on your restaurant’s needs.

Major Brands in Commercial Microwave Ovens:

1. Panasonic: Panasonic provides high-performance microwaves with user-friendly controls and durable designs, making them popular in fast-paced kitchens.
2. Amana: Amana is renowned for its heavy-duty commercial microwave ovens, which are ideal for high-traffic restaurants needing quick and reliable heating solutions.
3. Midea: Known for its reliable and cost-effective commercial microwaves, Midea offers a range of models from light-duty to heavy-duty, suitable for small to medium-sized restaurants.

Major Brands in High-Speed Ovens:

1. TurboChef: A leader in the high-speed oven category, TurboChef offers highly advanced ovens that use a combination of microwave, convection, and impingement technology to deliver fast yet high-quality cooking results.
2. Merrychef: Known for their ultra-fast cook times, Merrychef ovens use microwave technology alongside convection or impingement to reduce cook times while maintaining texture and quality.
3. Alto-Shaam: This brand focuses on providing equipment for high-volume restaurants, offering HSOs with innovative features that enhance efficiency and food quality.
4. Midea: Midea’s High-Speed Ovens models are designed for versatility, allowing restaurant owners to cook, bake, and toast all in one unit.

Which is Right for Your Restaurant?

Deciding between a commercial microwave oven and a high-speed oven depends on your restaurant’s specific needs, budget, and menu. If your establishment focuses on quick food reheating or serving pre-cooked meals, a commercial microwave may suffice. It’s cost-effective, fast, and space-efficient.

However, if you value high food quality and serve items that need crisping or more even cooking, an HSO is the better investment. While HSOs come with a higher price tag, they offer greater versatility and better results for a wide variety of menu items, making them perfect for small bakeshops, fast-casual restaurants, and quick-service restaurants looking to maintain a higher standard of food quality.

In summary, for beginner restaurant owners looking to speed up food heating without compromising quality, choosing between a commercial microwave oven and a high-speed oven boils down to your kitchen's operational needs, budget, and customer expectations.