Please attribute any quotes to Duncan Vipas, Head of Sales, R H Hall
What types of microwaves are available?
Today’s microwave ovens are sophisticated, yet easy to use and produce excellent cooking results. The most obvious benefit to any operator is speed, but there is a great deal of versatility that a microwave can offer. Used properly, the microwave will form a key part of the kitchen operation and the ability to serve a full menu. Combination microwaves can be used in place of a grill or oven where space is limited, combining these traditional cooking methods with microwave speed for outstanding results – even when cooking foods such as pastries, pies and pizza. For operations looking to introduce a simple food offering, the right microwave can help them create a ‘kitchen in a box’ with a small footprint and a minimal budget.
What should caterers consider before buying new equipment?
To choose the right kind of microwave, operators should look at their menu offering and decide what tasks the microwave oven should undertake. If the microwave is to be used mainly for simple reheating and defrosting of foods then a straight-forward commercial microwave will suffice. However, if you wish to reheat and cook food products then a combination microwave oven is well advised. Items such as pastry will become soggy if reheated in an ordinary microwave whereas using a combination microwave the crisp, golden brown and conventional finished result will be achieved in microwave time! It is very important to choose the correct microwave oven wattage. You need to select an oven with sufficient power, but just as importantly, do not over specify. If too low, frustrations can be caused by delays, and if too high, it will be difficult for the user to judge the timing of small portions. Whilst it is common for caterers to choose speed (the higher the output the faster reheat times), it is also very important to understand that for some food products too much speed will destroy smaller portions of food or the delicate and sugary types of products.
Always choose from a commercial range of microwaves, operators shouldn’t be tempted to go down the domestic route – these units simply aren’t built for the rigours of a professional kitchen. Likewise we would also recommend that cheap imports are also avoided – the testing, safety and product back-up that are offered by the leading brand names are often not available with a cheap import. Always check the warranty offering available. A good quality commercial machine should come with a minimum of 1 year on site parts & labour warranty – with many of the leading manufacturers now offering up to 3 years. Look particularly at the cover offered on the magnetron, which is the heart of any commercial microwave!
Are there any environmental considerations?
With annual servicing in place and by buying a recognised quality brand, there is absolutely no reason why your commercial microwave oven shouldn’t last between 3-5 years and even more, dependent on site and on how the oven is cared for! Regular cleaning and servicing are key to ensure users get the maximum lifespan from their microwave.
In addition to the general energy saving benefits of
microwaves, which do not require pre-heating and provide ‘on demand’ cooking,
one of the latest developments in the commercial microwave market has been
inverter technology. The unique Sharp R7500M offers the ultimate in durability,
efficiency and reliability and by using constant rather than pulsed power, it provides
energy savings as well as incredibly consistent results. By providing the
operator with precision control, it is perfect for defrosting or heating
delicate foods, as well as providing ultra fast regeneration times with a high
power 1800W output.
What features are most useful?
Built in features to look for that save time and
energy include: Programmable models – useful to reduce errors and wastage.
Variable power – ideal for denser food products. Double or Triple quantity
facility for multi portion cooking.
The Maestrowave Combi Chef 7 has many features to
offer including the latest Menu Creator 2.0™ software package, which allows you
to ‘create your own menu’ and programme up to 99 menus using any method of
oven, microwave, grill or combination and with or without the turbo fan! This
oven is the most flexible, efficient and easy to use oven yet and will help you
produce the best results ever, in super quick time – it’s really an oven that
can do it all and produce consistent results time after time. Fitting into a
skilled or non-skilled kitchen with complete ease, this piece of equipment is
very easy to operate with sophisticated results being possible within both
operations. The model sits on a counter and operates from a single 13 amp
supply. We have produced a brand new video showing all the features and
benefits of combi cooking using the latest and innovative Maestrowave Combi
Chef 7. Simply log on to www.rhhall.com and follow the links from the home
page.
What one tip would you offer on getting the best from your microwave?
Understanding is still the key to success with any cooking. To maximise usage of a microwave or oven effectively, I think it is paramount that all caterers are educated as to the full potential of their unit. By fully understanding a microwave and getting the right techniques for each type of food, succulent meat, poultry and fish together with perfectly cooked vegetables that retain taste, texture and nutritive value are all possible. Many of the techniques used in microwave cooking are the same as used in conventional cooking, but with a few minor adjustments. There is a great deal of diversity of dishes that can be prepared quickly and easily from fresh ingredients. We recommend that the correct training of staff on how to use and look after the equipment in the first instance will definitely help the life span of any equipment. In addition, simple regular low-cost maintenance and cleaning will keep it in peak health and condition. At RH Hall we train our distributors to be able to offer the best advice and training to the end-user. Such advice as to when and how to clean the oven, service interval recommendations and the best use of the oven are just part of the training given to customers. We also have an extensive facility at our HQ fitted out with all the very latest equipment so clients and distributors can see and operate a number of microwaves in addition to a very wide range of kitchen equipment.
R H Hall are the Sole UK and Eire Distributor for the Sharp range
of Professional Microwave Ovens and Sole Worldwide Distributor for the
Maestrowave range of Catering Equipment.
For more information:
www.rhhall.com www.maestrowave.com
FOR PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT: Emma Smith – Head of
Marketing - emma.smith@rhhall.com
R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY
T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com
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