When it comes to baking, the type of baking sheet you use can significantly impact the outcome of your dish. Baking sheets can be made of many materials, such as stainless steel, copper, glass, silicone, aluminum, and ceramic. While all these baking sheets have pros and cons, using the recommended pan for your unit, particularly commercial microwave ovens like the MiSA-a12, a high-powered, versatile oven designed for commercial use, is essential. Ovention ovens recommends using our non-stick accessories in the MiSA-a12.

Metal vs Non-Stick

A standard metal ¼ sheet tray will fit inside and can be used inside the cooking cavity of the MiSA-a12. While not our preferred option, metal pans may be used, but they carry a risk of arcing in the cavity. Arcing is a phenomenon where the metal pan acts as an antenna, causing sparks and potentially minor burn marks inside the unit. If the pan is placed in the center of the cavity, away from the oven walls, this will reduce the risk of arcing.

With a metal pan, each “arc” during the cooking process takes microwave energy away from cooking the food. This can lead to inconsistent food results, which is problematic in a commercial setting where consistent food quality is essential.

Non-stick baking sheets are designed with a special coating that prevents food from sticking, making them easier to clean and resulting in less food wastage. This feature is particularly beneficial when baking items like cookies, which tend to stick to traditional metal baking sheets without the aid of parchment paper. The convenience of non-stick baking sheets allows you to focus on your culinary creations without worrying about cleaning up sticky messes. Non-stick pans or baking sheets will not arc either, regardless of position in the cavity.

Additionally, non-stick baking sheets promote even browning and baking. The non-stick coating helps distribute heat evenly across the sheet’s surface, leading to consistent results and avoiding burnt or unevenly cooked spots on baked goods. Non-stick baking sheets are generally more versatile and can be used for various recipes beyond baked goods.

Safety First

While traditional metal baking sheets have advantages, such as durability and heat retention, the safety benefits of non-stick baking sheets make them a more popular choice. Continued and regular use of metal pans will slowly damage the interior of the microwave. Extended use can lead to expensive repairs or the need to replace the cooking unit.

Some commercial microwaves are designed to handle metal sheet pans, particularly those used in industrial or scientific applications. However, these specialized features are only available in some commercial microwaves. It is essential to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure that the unit is designed for use with metal.

If you need to use a metal pan in your commercial oven, make sure to:

• Verify with the manufacturer that the microwave is designed to handle metal.
• Follow all safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure your commercial microwave oven’s safe and efficient operation. Your commitment to safety will protect your investment and ensure the well-being of your kitchen staff and the quality of your food.
• Consider using a combination of microwave and convection ovens, as some commercial units are designed to combine these functions safely.

In conclusion, non-stick baking sheets offer numerous advantages over traditional metal ones, including easy cleaning, even baking, versatility, and convenience. For those looking to invest in a commercial microwave oven, like the MiSA-a12, it is essential to protect your investment. For more tips about how to keep your kitchen equipment running at peak performance, check out our blog about How to Squeeze More Value Out of Your Oven.