Please attribute any quotes to Duncan Vipas, Head of Sales, R H Hall
What key advice would you give restauranteurs looking to source new
microwaves?
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.
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 straightforward 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!
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. When using your microwave on a
regular basis, one tip that shouldn’t be overlooked for getting the best from a
microwave is regular cleaning - keep the oven’s cavity and inner door clean of
food spillage/deposits at all times. This will avoid cavity burn-ups and
prolong the life of its heart “The Magnetron”. This measure will also help the
consistency and speed of reheat/ cook times. You could purchase the Microsave
Cavity Protection System which is a unique and simple plastic cavity liner
which is safer to use, easier to clean and provides long-term financial
benefits. Designed for the extra heavy-duty Sharp range, every model sold with the Microsave CPS comes with a lifetime
warranty on the cavity.
What are the latest developments when it comes to these products?
One of the
latest developments in the commercial microwave oven market is the use of
Inverter technology to provide outstanding cooking results. Inverter technology differs from
traditional microwaves by providing constant, rather than pulsed, power when
cooking, reheating or defrosting at reduced power levels. For example, a
traditional microwave set at 50% will pulse by switching power on and off
throughout the cooking period, which can lead to un-even results in some foods.
Inverter technology will provide a precise and constant supply of power at 50%,
making it easier to cook or reheat foods slowly and defrost dishes to
perfection. Thanks to precise temperature control, you can cook, reheat or
defrost a far greater variety of dishes that conventional microwaves were
previously not able to prepare to the same high standard. Our team can advise
further on the results available from inverter technology.
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
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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