PROFESSIONAL MICROWAVE OVENS

Professional microwave ovens from Diamond, Samsung and Panasonic

Professional microwave ovens differ from standard appliances in their power output, cavity construction and control systems. The range includes manually controlled models as well as electronically controlled appliances with memory programs that allow stored combinations of cooking time and power to be recalled quickly.

Selected models offer multi-stage cooking. A single program can consist of several consecutive stages with different power levels and cooking times, which the appliance performs automatically. For example, the DW3421-DE offers up to 100 programs, 4 power levels, two magnetrons and a microwave output of 2.1 kW.

Panasonic Gourmet Class – 44 L and GN 1/1 format

A higher performance and capacity class within this category is represented by the Panasonic NE-1840, NE-1880, NE-2140 and NE-3240 professional microwave ovens. All four models feature a large 44 L cavity with internal dimensions of 535 × 330 × 250 mm. The cavity accommodates GN 1/1 containers and allows two GN 1/1 containers to be used on two levels.

The individual models cover different power requirements. The NE-1840 and NE-1880 provide 1,800 W of microwave output, the NE-2140 delivers 2,100 W and the NE-3240 reaches 3,200 W. The large cavity makes it possible to heat several portions or larger quantities of food instead of a single portion.

The heating system uses multiple magnetrons and rotating antennas to distribute microwave energy throughout the large cavity. Panasonic uses four magnetrons in the NE-1840 and NE-3240; in the NE-1840, these are four 450 W units. This construction allows microwave energy to be introduced into the cavity from multiple points.

Manual controls or stored programs

Manual models allow the operator to set the power level and cooking time according to the type and quantity of food. This is suitable where heating requirements frequently change and the settings need to be adjusted directly for each load.

Programmable models are also designed for repeating the same cooking cycles. For example, the Panasonic NE-1880 features a programmable control panel, four power levels and 16 programs with multi-stage cooking. A stored program simplifies repeated use of the same time and power settings for the same type of portion.

Construction and maintenance for professional use

With professional microwave ovens, cavity construction and access for regular cleaning are also important. Stainless steel surfaces on selected models facilitate the removal of food residues and grease. The door, sealing surfaces and cooking cavity must be kept clean and undamaged.

Ventilation openings and air filters also require attention. On models equipped with a removable filter, regular filter cleaning is important for maintaining adequate cooling airflow through the appliance. Maintenance intervals and procedures should be followed according to the instructions for the specific model.