A commercial microwave is basically a kitchen superhero—it heats and preps meals super fast, built to last, and is super easy to use. These machines are made for busy kitchens and come in all shapes, sizes, and power levels, so there’s something for everyone.
Looking for the perfect commercial microwave? You’re in the right spot! We’ve pulled together a list of our top picks across different price ranges to make your search easier. Just scroll through, find the one that fits your budget, and you’re good to go.
What’s a Commercial Microwave?
It’s a heavy-duty microwave made for places like restaurants, hotels, or cafeterias where food needs to be ready fast. You don’t need a “commercial” label to spot one—just check out its tough build and special features.
The big difference between a regular microwave and a commercial one is how much they can handle. Regular ones are for occasional use, but commercial microwaves are built to run non-stop. They’re tougher, better insulated, and designed to handle the daily grind without a problem.
How Does a Commercial Microwave Work?
Commercial microwaves heat food by zapping its water molecules with—you guessed it—microwaves. These waves make the water molecules wiggle like crazy, creating heat that cooks your food from the inside out. It’s quick, efficient, and perfect for busy kitchens that don’t have time to waste.
Why Use a Commercial Microwave?
If you’re here, you probably already know these bad boys are lifesavers, but let’s lay it out. They’re super fast, handle heavy use like a champ, and make heating, defrosting, or cooking a total breeze. Whether you’re running a restaurant or just need to keep up with a busy kitchen, they’ve got your back. Here are some awesome benefits:
Quick and Easy Cooking
Commercial microwaves are a game-changer for busy spots like cafes and bakeries. They make it super easy to whip up meals in no time, whether you’re reheating leftovers or cooking something fresh. It’s fast, simple, and keeps the line moving.
Less Work, More Done
These microwaves cut down on the hassle. You just pop the food in, press a button, and you’re set. No need for extra hands in the kitchen, which means you save time and money without breaking a sweat.
Energy-Saving Pro
Commercial microwaves don’t waste energy like gas stoves—they’re efficient and run on electricity. Bonus: they help lower your bills and come in clutch during power outages in areas with iffy electricity.
Cooks Everything
From soups to desserts, these microwaves handle it all. Customers get their food fast, fresh, and just how they like it—no waiting around.
Keeps Food Tasting Great
Microwaves don’t mess with flavor like some other methods. They keep food tasting just right, so your customers always leave happy.
Saves Money and Reduces Waste
They’re cost-effective, slashing energy bills by a good chunk. Plus, food stays fresh longer, so there’s less waste and fewer complaints. It’s a win all around.
1. Panasonic NE-1025F Compact Light-Duty Countertop Commercial Microwave Oven
We’ve been using the Panasonic NE-1025F for a while now, and it’s been a solid choice in our kitchen. The stainless steel finish is tough, and the see-through door lets us check on food without opening it up. It packs a punch with 1000 watts of power and can handle a half-sized steam table pan, which has been perfect for quick heating when we’re in a rush.
What we love most about it is how compact it is. It doesn’t take up much space, which is a lifesaver in tight kitchen areas like offices or small restaurants. The automatic timer reset is super convenient, so we don’t have to worry about keeping track of time. However, if you’re looking for more advanced features or controls, this one might feel a bit too basic for your needs.
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Cons
2. Sharp R-21LCFS Medium-Duty Commercial Microwave Oven
We’ve found the Sharp R-21LCFS to be a great addition to our kitchen setup. The 1.0 cu. ft. capacity fits a full platter, prepackaged meals, or a half-size pan, which has come in handy more than once. The dial timer is easy to use, and the LED indicators make it simple to see the cooking status at a glance. We especially like the energy-saving auto-cancel timer, which stops the cooking process when you open the door.
While it’s powerful and efficient, the design is more practical than sleek, so if you’re after something that looks more modern or stylish, this might not be the best fit. The lack of digital controls also means you won’t get the fine-tuned control some other models offer, but for everyday use, it gets the job done.
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3. Waring Commercial WMO90 Medium Duty Microwave Oven
The Waring WMO90 is definitely one of the more advanced microwaves we’ve tried. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly. We really like the LCD display, which shows 10 programmable memory pads, making it easy to cook different dishes consistently. The touch-control keypad with Braille is a thoughtful touch, and the advanced cooking algorithms let us fine-tune the heat for various dishes, from grilling to melting chocolate.
However, it’s a bit overkill if you don’t need all those extra features. If you’re just looking for something simple, this might be more complicated than you need. Plus, it’s a bit larger than some other models, so it may take up more space than you’d like if you’re working with a small kitchen.
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4. Winco EMW-1000ST Commercial Microwave
We’ve been using the Winco EMW-1000ST in our kitchen, and it’s been a real workhorse. With its 1000-watt output, it heats food quickly and evenly, making it ideal for busy days when we need meals fast. The durable, commercial-grade build feels like it can handle anything, and the simple dial timer is straightforward and easy to use. We appreciate how no-fuss it is to operate, making it perfect for a fast-paced environment.
The one thing we’ve noticed is that the lack of a turntable can lead to uneven heating for larger dishes, so we occasionally have to reposition the food. Also, its industrial design doesn’t blend well with home kitchens, so it’s really more suited for commercial spaces. Despite these minor drawbacks, it’s still a solid choice for anyone needing a durable and powerful microwave.
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5. Sharp R-CD2200M – Commercial Microwave Oven
The Sharp R-CD2200M has been a great addition to our commercial kitchen. It’s got Twin-Touch dual controls, which make it easy to use even when things are busy. We’ve used it to heat up large batches, and the 1/2 size pan capacity means we can cook more at once, which saves us time. It’s built to last with durable materials, and the compact size fits well in smaller kitchens, despite its high capacity.
However, the size and design might be too much for smaller kitchens or those not needing high-volume heating. It’s definitely more suited for restaurants or cafeterias where speed and durability are key. If you need something that can handle heavy-duty use and large batches, this is a solid choice, but it might be overkill for casual use.
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How to Pick the Right Commercial Microwave for Your Business
If you run a commercial kitchen, you’ve probably been told more than once to get a commercial microwave. With so many options out there, it can be tough to figure out what’s best for you. The key is knowing what size and features you need. We’ve gathered some tips to help you make the right choice, saving you both time and money. After reading what other businesses have done and hearing from our customers, here’s what we recommend.
Size
First things first, think about how much food you need to cook at once. If your business sees a lot of customers every day, you’ll need more power than a low-volume place. Just like with any other commercial oven, size matters—your microwave needs to handle the food demand without being overcrowded or underused. Also, consider the other appliances in your kitchen. If they have similar wattage ratings, some microwaves might not work well when used together.
Power Consumption
If saving money is a priority, pay attention to the microwave’s power usage. Modern microwaves are designed to be energy-efficient, but you still want to make sure you’re getting the right wattage for your business. This helps you avoid wasting electricity while still heating food properly. To check how much power a microwave uses, look at the label or ask the retailer before buying. If you’re shopping online, double-check return policies because some sites won’t let you return a microwave unless it’s defective.
Construction Materials
The materials used in commercial microwaves are super important. Most are made from stainless steel, which can handle high heat and pressure, making sure your microwave stays in one piece even during heavy use. This is key for food safety since you don’t want your microwave to warp under heat. Many commercial microwaves also come with a turntable that rotates the food while it cooks, ensuring even heating. If you don’t need that feature, you might want to skip the turntable—it can add to the price of the microwave.
Trim Kit (Optional)
If you’ve got a microwave with top-mounted controls, you might want to grab a trim kit. It makes the microwave look more professional and also gives you easy access to the keypad, so if something goes wrong later, you can just replace that part without buying a whole new microwave. The kit attaches to the top and creates a smooth, sleek finish that matches the rest of your kitchen appliances. It doesn’t come with every microwave, but most stores carry them, or you can even get one custom-made if you need something specific.
Features
Not all microwaves are made the same—some come with extra features like proofing, defrosting, or reheating settings, which could be useful depending on what you need it for. When you’re picking a microwave, make sure it has the settings you actually need for your business. At the very least, it should have the basics like power levels and a timer.
Ease of Use
You want a microwave that’s easy for your team to use, right? Consider how tall your employees are and how easily they can reach the microwave’s controls. Also, think about whether any parts will need replacing in the future, like a door seal or grease filter. It’s also a good idea to pick a microwave with parts that can be easily removed for cleaning.
Price
Last but not least, let’s talk about price. Microwaves come in all kinds of price ranges, from budget-friendly models to pricier ones with extra features. Know what your business can afford and stick to your budget. Just keep in mind that some parts might need replacing down the line, so buying the super expensive model isn’t always worth it if you’re just using it for basic tasks.
How do You Use a Commercial Microwave Oven?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the problems associated with cleaning a commercial microwave oven?
If you don’t clean your commercial microwave regularly, food particles can build up and turn into a breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, if you leave it dirty for too long, water could get trapped inside, causing rust or corrosion on the metal parts. To keep it in good shape, make sure to clean it after each use. Wipe down the exterior and, if you’ve got wood cabinets, just use a damp cloth (no soap or water that could stain).
2. Why do commercial microwaves not have turntables?
You won’t find a turntable in most commercial microwaves because they’re designed to distribute heat more evenly than regular home models. That means even big plates or dishes get heated properly without needing to spin around.
3. Can you put metal in a commercial microwave?
Technically, yes, but it’s not a good idea. Metal can reflect microwaves, which could mess up the microwave or even cause it to break. If you need to heat something metal, it’s better to use an electric stovetop or handheld torch. Some metals can also overheat really quickly and cause damage to both the food and the microwave.
4. What is the difference between a commercial microwave and a residential microwave?
Commercial microwaves are built to handle more use and abuse. They usually have higher wattage and larger turntables to cook faster and more efficiently. Plus, they can take a lot more wear and tear from cleaning and heavy use. Residential microwaves, on the other hand, are typically less durable and often don’t come with a warranty.
5. How many watts does a commercial microwave use?
Commercial microwaves can range from 1,000 to 3,200 watts. Higher-wattage models cook food faster and are better for businesses that need to use the microwave frequently. Microwaves fall into three categories: high (1,000–2,000 watts), medium-high (around 800 watts), and low (under 800 watts).
Conclusion
Choosing the right commercial microwave oven can make a big difference in your kitchen’s efficiency and performance. With the right size, power, and features, you can ensure your microwave meets the demands of your business while staying within budget. Whether you're heating up meals quickly or keeping things running smoothly, the perfect microwave can help streamline your operations and keep things cooking efficiently.
