Buying the best commercial microwave oven in the market can be tedious especially when you don’t know what features to look for. Before you surf the internet, you must know what features you need in your commercial microwave oven.
Depending upon the set of requirements you need, the oven’s price may vary as well. The most expensive microwave oven is not always the best option. You can get hundreds of better options that meet your standards and save you a ton of money!
So, to save you from wasting thousands of bucks, Specially Fried brings you an in-depth article on the 3 best commercial microwave ovens in 2023!
| Rank | Product name | Reason to buy |
| 1 | Panasonic NE-1054F | Best commercial microwave overall |
| 2 | Midea 1034N1A | Best commercial microwave for cafe |
| 3 | Sharp ZSMC2242DS | Best commercial microwave for home use |
Best commercial microwave overall: Panasonic NE-1054F
| Specifications | |
| ● Dimensions: 16.56 L x 20.12 W x 12 H inches | ● Capacity: 0.8 cubic feet |
| ● Weight: 39.75 pounds | ● Wattage: 1000 Watts |
| ● Material: Stainless steel | ● Color: Silver |
| ● Easy to clean: Yes | ● No. of power levels: 6 |
| Buy Panasonic NE-1054F From | |
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| + You can reprogram the time buttons according to your preferences. | – The buttons’ times do not add up when you press them one by one. |
| + Multiple stage cooking option gives you flexibility. | – Beeps only 3 times when the food is done then stops. No continuous beeping after the food is done. It is a requirement for busy restaurants. |
| + You can adjust the volume/tone. |
The NE-1054F provides heavy-duty microwave features and only consumes as little as 1000 watts of energy. Moreover, the commercial NE-1054F is bottom feed, meaning it doesn’t need a turntable to cook food evenly. The microwave radiations are fed to your food from the bottom, which helps cook your food efficiently. Furthermore, with this appliance, you get 6 power levels that you can use for browning your food according to your liking, along with a 2 to 3 cooking stage option.
The anti-theft feature makes the NE-1054F unique from its competitors. This feature ensures that you get the comfort you deserve while the NE-1054F takes care of itself. The NE-1054F features a modern and stylish touch keypad with braille, which increases usability and helps you easily understand the function of each control.
| Feature Analysis | Performance Rating |
| Cooking result | ★★★★★ |
| External temperature | Low |
| Power levels | ★★★★☆ |
| Noise produced | Moderate |
| User interface | ★★★★★ |
| Cooking capacity | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Required counter space | Moderate |
| Energy consumption | Low |
Panasonic community feedback – Testing the commercial oven in the kitchen!
We interviewed 15 customers who bought the Panasonic commercial microwave for their daily use. Of 15 people, 9 were using this microwave for genuine commercial use, i.e., in a restaurant, café, hostel, etc. All the users were satisfied with the NE-1054F; however, most of the users pointed out a few issues that you should know to make the best buying decision.
The cooking result and all the power levels of this microwave work great. Users were happy with all the features, especially the microwave’s ability to change the programmable cooking settings.
However, the users complained that Panasonic’s customer support was unreliable, and, in some cases, the users approached third-party services to get the microwave fixed. Moreover, it is a heavy-duty microwave, the user interface is complex, and most of the users require a manual to change the pre-programmed settings of this microwave.
Apart from these concerns, this microwave is the best commercial-grade microwave online.
| Buy Panasonic NE-1054F From | |
Best commercial microwave for cafe: Midea 1034N1A
| Specifications | |
| ● Dimensions: 21.75 L x 19.25 W x 13.5 H inches | ● Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet |
| ● Weight: 40.1 pounds | ● Wattage: 1000 Watts |
| ● Material: Stainless steel | ● Color: Silver |
| ● Easy to clean: Yes | ● No. of power levels: 5 |
| Buy Midea 1034N1A From | |
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| + Touch controls for quick inputting. | – The fan stays on for a minute after every run no matter how long you use the microwave for. |
| + You can program the microwave according to your preferences. | |
| + Offers 3 cooking stages for customizability. |
The Midea 1034N1A is a medium-duty commercial microwave that offers high-quality features and durability for your commercial kitchen. Midea has developed the 1034N1A with 100 automatic programmed cooking options that you can use to cook any type of meal, all the while consuming as low as 1000 W. Moreover, you can use the 5 power levels and the 3 cooking stages for all the meaty cuisines you have always wanted to cook!
The 1.2 cubic stainless-steel finish Midea microwave features a strong outer body that you can use to stack multiple microwaves. This saves your countertop space as well as gives you more room for multiple kitchen appliances.
| Feature Analysis | Performance Rating |
| Cooking result | ★★★★☆ |
| External temperature | Low |
| Power levels | ★★★★☆ |
| Noise produced | Moderate |
| User interface | ★★★★★ |
| Cooking capacity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Required counter space | Moderate |
| Energy consumption | Low |
Midea community feedback – Testing the commercial microwave in the kitchen!
We tested the Midea commercial microwave oven in our kitchen, and you should note a few things before buying this unit.
The Midea microwave is a commercial microwave oven with no rotating plate. The heating mechanics of this microwave are different from regular microwave ovens. Our team tested this microwave on multiple meals and for various purposes, including reheating and defrosting. The microwave oven reheats meals evenly.
One downside we found in this microwave is its user interface and usability. Since it is a commercial unit, the input keypad is a bit hard. Also, whenever you open the microwave door, the fan does not stop working. For our team, this was a con since it consumes power with no additional benefit. However, the company added this feature to keep the food warm if you leave the door open. Keep in mind that the fan only turns on for 1 minute.
| Buy Midea 1034N1A From | |
Best commercial microwave for home use: Sharp ZSMC2242DS
| Specifications | |
| ● Dimensions: 19.8 L x 24.1 W x 13.8 H inches | ● Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet |
| ● Weight: 44.8 pounds | ● Wattage: 1200 Watts |
| ● Material: Stainless steel and glass | ● Color: Silver |
| ● Easy to clean: Yes | ● No. of power levels: 10 |
| Buy Sharp ZSMC2242DS From | ||
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| + Sensor Cook mechanism for precise cooking. | – Only single stage cooking available. |
| + Loads of capacity. | – Control panel is dark and hard to read. |
Sharp’s ZSMC2242DS has built-in 6 sensors that sense the type of food you’re cooking and continuously monitor its temperature. The microwave oven adjusts the cooking settings depending on the food’s condition to prevent your meal from burning.
Using this commercial microwave, you can set defrost settings according to both time and weight. It also comes with a Melt/Soften feature to melt butter, chocolate, cheese, etc.
Furthermore, the ZSMC2242DS arrives in your kitchen with 6 pre-programmed cooking recipes that you can make by simply pressing a button on its stylish-looking keypad.
With a 2.2 cubic feet large cooking storage, this microwave oven is suitable for both households and restaurants!
| Feature Analysis | Performance Rating |
| Cooking result | ★★★★☆ |
| External temperature | Moderate |
| Power levels | ★★★★☆ |
| Noise produced | Moderate |
| User interface | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cooking capacity | ★★★★★ |
| Required counter space | High |
| Energy consumption | Moderate |
Sharp community feedback – After testing the commercial microwave oven in the kitchen!
We got the opportunity to interview Sharp community members about their purchase of this microwave oven. Most of the buyers had bought this microwave oven for their homes, looking for a long-term appliance. However, thanks to its large capacity and great power, this microwave is also perfect for commercial uses.
Coming over to the genuine experience, both our team and the buyers we interviewed loved how spacious this microwave was. You can reheat large bowls and defrost big chunks of meat in this bad boy. Moreover, the result is quite good, too, considering that this microwave is super powerful. Finally, it is really easy to clean too. Judging price-wise, this microwave gives you a lot more than you expect.
Coming over to the negatives, we found that the black control panel and the grey lettering are hard on the eyes. It is difficult to read the buttons in dim light. Many buyers agreed on this point as well. If we think about it, the elderly will find operating this appliance a bit hard due to the dark interface.
Apart from that, several users reported that their appliances came dented. Sharp really needs to focus more on the packaging.
| Buy Sharp ZSMC2242DS From | ||
How we tested the commercial microwave ovens
We tested these commercial microwave ovens on various parameters to find the best one for you and rank the microwaves accordingly. Our team checked the machines on various parameters, including the features mentioned in the tables above and the specifications.
We started by comparing the commercial microwave ovens’ builds, materials, and size-to-capacity ratios. We tested the capacities by putting various big bowls and dinner plates inside the appliances. The next thing we looked at was the interface. We tested how easy it was to read the buttons, whether the interior of the microwave was bright enough, and whether the light inside illuminated well. We also checked if the microwaves had turntables or not and if they did, in fact, have turn tables, then how well-made the glass plates were.
Next, we tested the actual functions of the microwaves. We put in different food items and observed how long the appliances took to heat them. Then, we put in different gravies for reheating; We put in coffee, tea, and water as well. We also used microwaves to defrost several different types of meat to try out the defrost functions. Both defrost by weight and time were tested depending on the microwave. We also tested the new unique functions, such as the soften/melt function.
When it comes to microwaves, many buyers look for multiple-stage cooking and a number of power levels; the microwaves were checked for both of these options. We also determined how easy it was to learn and use the microwaves, especially the programming features.
Next, we came over to the side features. We tested the microwaves to check how loud their beeps sounded and how long they sounded. Considering that these are commercial microwave ovens, people in the restaurant business prefer the beeps to sound until the food is removed from the microwave. Keeping that in mind, we checked the beeping pattern and the convenience the microwaves provided in that regard (such as a volume control button).
We also determined how hot the microwaves got and how long they took to cool down. We tested their energy consumption as well. Finally, we determined the counter space. These microwave ovens are made for commercial uses, so they would require large counter spaces. Therefore, we also checked to see if these appliances were installable under the counter or inside a shelf.
Best commercial microwave oven buyer’s guide!
Is your head spinning after skimming through countless commercial microwave reviews? Can’t you still figure out which microwave you should buy? Or are you unaware of the versatile features these microwaves offer that can come in handy during your busy routine?
This buyer’s guide will assist you from head to toe. You will learn what different features of a commercial oven you can get in a budget-friendly price bracket. Moreover, you will get to know the prime factors your purchase must have so you do not miss out on the significant benefit-rich features of a commercial appliance.
Before you hop over to Amazon to buy a commercial microwave, you must ask yourself these 3 questions:
- What’s my price bracket?
- Do I need a medium-duty or a heavy-duty commercial microwave oven?
- What features are the prime benefit-rich features of a commercial microwave oven?
Let’s answer each question closely!
What’s my price bracket for your best commercial microwave oven in 2023?
The only variable that stops you from buying the most expensive kitchen equipment is the price. You can spend thousands of dollars and still get nothing that’s worth your money.
So, before you start your quest to buy the best commercial microwave oven, you must make up your mind regarding your price range.
Commercial microwaves have a vast range. Few microwaves are heavy-duty appliances and can easily cost you a fortune whereas medium-duty commercial microwaves are budget-friendly and can comfortably fit a lower budget.
Make sure you’ve made up your mind regarding your budget before you step into the market. It’s easy to drift away from a set price bracket once you survey the online market.
Medium-duty commercial microwaves can range from $100 to $400 whereas heavy-duty commercial microwaves start from $1000 and can go up to $5000 or even more!
Do I need a medium-duty or a heavy-duty commercial microwave oven?
There’s a lot more to medium-duty and heavy-duty microwaves than just price. Medium-duty and heavy-duty commercial microwave ovens vary in shape, size, features, and even cooking methods.
To better understand the difference, let’s look at each category from a closer perspective.
What are medium-duty commercial microwave ovens?
Commercial microwaves that consume between 1200 watts to 2000 watts of energy output are considered medium-duty microwave ovens. These microwaves are extremely efficient when it comes to heating or re-heating stored food. Commercial microwaves tend to preserve the original taste of the cuisine better than ordinary microwave ovens.
Normally, medium-duty microwaves can be used over 140 times a day to safely cook or reheat food which is impossible for a home kitchen microwave oven.
What are heavy-duty commercial microwave ovens?
If your kitchen requires fast and precise turnovers then heavy-duty commercial microwave ovens are a must for you. Microwave ovens that have an energy output of 2000 to 3000 watts are considered heavy-duty.
If your kitchen requires the use of the microwave more than 160 times per day then you must buy a heavy-duty commercial microwave oven otherwise medium-duty appliance can fulfill your job as well!
What are the benefit-rich features of the best heavy-duty commercial microwave oven?
Benefit-rich features are all you need to convince yourself to buy the best commercial microwave oven. Well, there’s no rocket science involved when you’re searching for a product to buy. Any product that benefits you the most is your obvious pick. But not all features are benefit-rich.
A few features of a microwave can ignite an inner desire that can easily motivate you to buy that appliance. Despite the fact these features are eye-catching, however, they are far from being benefit-rich.
To save you from such kinds of baits, below is a list of a few features that you must consider before buying a commercial appliance.
- Type of food you will be cooking in a commercial microwave
- The size of the cooking cavity
- Warranty of the appliance
- Maintenance and servicing
- Heating options
- Turntable
- Latest technology
- Type of controls
Let us discuss each feature separately so you don’t miss out on the details.
Type of food you will be cooking in a commercial microwave
This is the most significant factor that you must take into account before buying a microwave oven. The type of food you will be cooking in your microwave will determine the kind of microwave best for you to buy.
If you need a microwave to maintain a steady temperature and cook a single type of food; then it’s better that you buy an ordinary home-kitchen microwave rather than a commercial appliance.
Commercial ovens work best where you need to heat or cook multiple batches of food daily. Restaurants that have a versatile menu require commercial ovens. Make sure the oven you buy has minimal controls.
Commercial ovens can be challenging to operate especially when there are several cooking options integrated on a small interface. Each type of food introduces a new cooking mode. That explains the dozens of operating features!
So, make sure you’re buying an oven that caters only to the type of food you have on your menu. Otherwise, you’ll have to navigate across multiple features before setting your preferred cooking settings.
The size of the cooking cavity
Again, the size of the cooking cavity of your commercial microwave oven depends on the type of dishes you will use to cook or heat your food. Modern commercial microwaves are designed to take up countertop space. So, if you have a large kitchen with plentiful countertop space then a giant commercial oven will be great.
If you’re purchasing a commercial oven with a giant cooking cavity, you should be ready to welcome an expensive electricity bill by the end of every month. Microwaves consume great amounts of energy to heat a cooking cavity. So, the bigger the cavity, the greater the energy costs.
You don’t want to spend huge bucks on a large microwave unless you need it. So, go for a decent-sized commercial microwave that has enough storage to fit your favorite dishes and cooking utensils.
Warranty of the heavy-duty appliance
What will you do if your microwave oven breaks after 6 months of regular cooking? Do you plan to spend another thousand bucks on your brand-new microwave during its first 6 months? I bet this situation will leave your head spinning.
To avoid this, you must select a reputable microwave brand that’s durable and offers service near your restaurant. Amazon has countless commercial ovens that offer 1 to 2 years warranty.
One year’s warranty is enough for you to observe the appliance’s quality. According to my experience, the appliances that cross the one-year mark without any fault tend to perform well for 3-5 years.
Brands that offer warranty are the best and I recommend you to consider them while buying the best commercial microwave oven!
Maintenance and servicing fee of the commercial oven
Using third-party maintenance and servicing might save you a few dollars, but these services have a higher chance of breaking your appliance. It’s always better to call your microwave brand’s authorized maintenance and servicing center for help whenever you’re facing an issue with your appliance.
A company’s service center near you means regular servicing that can boost the life of your commercial oven. So, make sure the brand you buy has a maintenance center near your restaurant or place of work!
Heating times and options
The heating times of your microwave directly correspond to its energy output. Usually, microwaves that have a higher energy output heat food faster than ovens that have a lower wattage.
A higher wattage output microwave will heat food faster on low-power settings as compared to a low-energy microwave operating on the same settings.
The heating options of a microwave depend on energy consumption as well. High-wattage microwaves have more heating modes than low-watt microwaves.
Choose a high-watt microwave if you’re going to cook a variety of cuisines and dishes. But, if you’re planning to stick to a single category of foods, then a low-watt microwave oven will be perfect for your kitchen!
Turntable
Do you want your commercial oven to leave hotspots in your cuisines? Can you serve an unevenly cooked meal to your guests? Obviously not!
Even cooking will be your top priority when buying a microwave. That’s why your microwave should have a turntable. A turntable revolves inside the cooking cavity that ensures your meal gets even microwave radiation. This guarantees even cooking and enhances the overall taste of your meal!
The turntable is a requirement in microwaves that have a side-way feed. However, if your favorite microwave is bottom-fed, the turntable becomes an optional feature. It’s always better to inspect the microwave you like before you make a purchase!
Latest technology
Who’d want an outdated cooking appliance in their kitchen? If you’re thinking of buying a commercial microwave, it’s obvious you will buy a modern-looking microwave that has all the latest features.
Nowadays, commercial microwaves are well equipped with the latest features such as inverter technology, self-cleaning functions, and much more. Microwaves with inverter technology tend to consume less energy than microwaves without these latest functionalities.
The self-clean function is self-explanatory. With the help you this feature, you can simply press a button and the microwave automatically cleans itself in a couple of hours.
Remember to keep an eye out for the latest features in your purchase! These features can ease up your busy routine.
Type of controls
Modern microwaves have digital controls which include a LED display and a touch keypad. The digital control system is a lot easier to use than traditional manual controls. The old microwaves used to have dials and knobs. Fortunately, manual controls on commercial microwave 2023 models have become obsolete. So, you don’t have to worry about buying an old-fashioned cooking appliance!
Wrapping up the best commercial microwave for home use guide!
So, which commercial microwave ovens do you love the most? Do you like the guide on choosing the best commercial microwave oven?
There are tons of features and models on Amazon. Go check out the details and buy the most reasonable product that meets your requirements. Comment below your requirements and I will help you pick the best commercial microwave oven for your restaurant!
Do check our best countertop convection microwave ovens review article as well if you want to replace your old countertop microwave oven with a brand new one!