Amana Microwave Steam Cooking: How Does It Work?

Amana offers two commercial microwave steamers: the AMSO22 and the AMSO35. These microwave ovens are perfect for high-volume locations such as schools, hospitals, buffets, cafes, stadiums, supermarkets, and restaurants. The AMSO commercial steamer allows for more nutrient retention and produces a greater product yield than competitor counterparts. These microwave steamers are up to four times faster than traditional steamers and can retain food quality and nutrition.

Amana AMSO Commercial Steamer Microwave

Amana offers two models of the AMSO commercial steamer microwave: the AMSO22 and the AMSO35. Both are ideal for high-volume locations such as schools, hospitals, buffets, cafes, stadiums, supermarkets, and restaurants. The main difference between the two models is their power output, with the AMSO22 offering 2200 watts of power and the AMSO35 offering 3500 watts.

The Amana AMSO commercial steamer microwave has a 1.6 cubic foot capacity, which can accommodate two standard 4" deep full-size pans. It features 11 power levels suitable for cooking frozen, refrigerated, or fresh foods. The microwave also has a USB port that allows for easy programming updates using standard flash drives. It can remember up to 100 programmable menu items, simplifying the cooking process.

One of the key advantages of the Amana AMSO commercial steamer microwave is its ability to retain nutrients and produce a greater yield compared to competitor products. It runs on steam, costing less than a dollar a day, resulting in significant time and resource savings. The steamer microwave is also considerably faster than traditional steamers, cooking up to four times quicker without the need for a water supply. Despite the faster cooking time, the Amana AMSO maintains food quality and nutrition. Seafood and proteins remain tender and thoroughly cooked, while vegetables retain their crispness and colour.

The Amana AMSO commercial steamer microwave is a versatile and powerful appliance, well-suited for commercial kitchens and foodservice establishments. With its high-powered performance, nutrient retention, and yield, it offers a cost-effective and efficient cooking solution for high-volume locations.

Faster than traditional steamers

Amana's AMSO commercial steamers are up to four times faster than traditional steamers, without the need for a water supply. This means that food can go from the freezer to the table in minutes, saving you time and valuable resources.

The Amana AMSO22 and AMSO35 are heavy-duty commercial steamer microwaves that offer unrivalled performance and versatility. With 2200 and 3500 watts of power, respectively, these microwave ovens are perfect for high-volume locations such as schools, hospitals, buffets, cafes, stadiums, supermarkets, and restaurants.

One of the key advantages of the AMSO steamers is their speed. Traditional steamers can be time-consuming, but the AMSO microwaves cut down cooking time significantly. This is achieved without compromising food quality and nutrition. Seafood and proteins are cooked thoroughly, remaining tender and never chewy or rubbery, while vegetables stay crisp and colourful, never limp or soggy.

The AMSO steamers are also cost-effective, running on steam that costs less than a dollar a day. This makes them a valuable addition to any commercial kitchen, helping to streamline food preparation without sacrificing quality or taste.

With their speed, performance, and ability to retain nutrients, the Amana AMSO commercial steamers offer a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional steamers.

Nutrient retention

Amana's AMSO commercial steamers are designed to retain more nutrients than their competitors. They are ideal for cooking seafood, proteins, and vegetables while maintaining food quality and nutrition. Seafood and proteins are cooked thoroughly while remaining tender, and vegetables retain their crispness and colour.

The AMSO steamer microwaves are available in two models: the AMSO22 and the AMSO35. Both models are suitable for high-volume locations, including schools, hospitals, buffets, cafes, stadiums, supermarkets, and restaurants. They are up to four times faster than traditional steamers and do not require a water supply.

The AMSO22 has 2200 watts of power, while the AMSO35 has 3500 watts of power. Both models have a 1.6 cubic foot capacity, which can accommodate two standard 4" deep full-size pans. They offer 11 power levels to accommodate different types of food, such as frozen, refrigerated, or fresh items.

One of the key advantages of the AMSO steamer microwaves is their ability to simplify the cooking process. They can store up to 100 programmable menu items, and their programs can be easily updated using a USB port compatible with standard flash drives. This feature allows for quick and convenient adjustments to cooking settings, making it easier for users to prepare various dishes.

Programming the Amana oven

Amana offers a range of medium-volume microwave ovens with features such as programmable keypads, staged cooking, and steam cooking. Here's a guide to programming your Amana oven for an efficient and effective cooking experience:

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Controls

Start by locating the control panel on your Amana oven. It typically features a digital display and a set of buttons or a touchscreen interface. Familiarize yourself with the available buttons and their functions, as programming involves navigating through various options and settings.

Step 2: Select the Cooking Mode

Choose the appropriate cooking mode for your desired task. Amana ovens offer various modes, such as microwave, convection, or a combination of both. Each mode is suitable for different types of cooking, such as defrosting, steaming, or baking.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

Use the up and down buttons or the touchscreen interface to set the desired cooking temperature and duration. You can adjust the temperature in increments of 5 or 10 degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius, depending on your unit's settings. Set the cooking time in minutes or hours as needed.

Step 4: Utilize Additional Features

Amana ovens offer a range of additional features to enhance your cooking experience. For example, you can use the "Add 30 Seconds" option for quick warm-ups or take advantage of the "Popcorn" button for movie nights. If you're using a steam cooking function, ensure your oven has over 1800W of power for optimal performance.

Step 5: Start the Cooking Process

Once you have selected the desired cooking mode, set the temperature and time, and chosen any additional features, it's time to start the cooking process. Simply press the "Start" button, and your Amana oven will begin cooking according to your programmed settings.

Step 6: Monitor and Adjust as Needed

Throughout the cooking process, you can monitor the progress of your dish through the oven's window or by checking the digital display. If you need to make adjustments, use the up and down buttons or the touchscreen interface to change the temperature or time accordingly. Remember that opening the oven door during the cooking process may affect the internal temperature and cooking time.

By following these steps, you can efficiently program your Amana oven to suit your cooking needs. Remember to refer to your specific model's user manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions. Happy cooking!

Commercial vs residential microwaves

Commercial and residential microwaves may function in the same way, but they are designed for very different purposes and have distinct features.

Usage

The primary difference between commercial and residential microwaves is the amount of usage each type is designed to withstand. Commercial microwaves are built for heavy, daily usage, with some models operating for hours on end. They are designed to be used 50-200 times per day, whereas residential microwaves are only built to be used 3-5 times per day. In a small family, each person may use the microwave once per day, whereas in a restaurant, the microwave may be used at least 4-6 times per hour.

Internal Components

Another key difference is the internal components of the microwave. Residential microwaves typically have a turntable or plate that rotates to distribute heat evenly. In contrast, commercial microwaves do not have rotating components because the dishes used are too large to rotate. Instead, commercial microwaves are designed for even heat distribution throughout the oven, eliminating the need for turntables. The flat ceramic base of commercial microwaves is also easier to clean.

Power and Speed

Commercial microwaves have significantly higher power outputs than residential models, ranging from 900 to 2,200 watts, with some units reaching 3,000 watts. This increased power dramatically speeds up cooking times, an important factor in a busy restaurant setting. Residential microwaves typically produce between 700 and 1,200 watts, with a maximum power of 1,000 watts in some units.

Size and Construction

Commercial microwaves tend to be larger than residential models to accommodate food pans for steaming vegetables or dumplings. They are constructed with durability and sanitation in mind, often featuring a commercial-grade stainless steel cabinet that is easy to clean and maintains durability. Residential microwaves, on the other hand, are not built to the same quality standards and do not use such strong materials.

Cost

The higher power, performance, and durability of commercial microwaves come at a cost. They are significantly more expensive than residential microwaves, which is why some restaurants may opt to use residential models. However, this can lead to frequent repairs or replacements as residential microwaves are not designed for the demands of a commercial kitchen.

In summary, commercial microwaves are purpose-built for the rigorous demands of a professional kitchen, offering increased power, speed, durability, and customisation options. Residential microwaves, while more affordable, are designed for light, infrequent usage and lack the features and construction quality of their commercial counterparts.

Frequently asked questions