Panasonic’s NE-1878 microwave has generated outstanding results in both its energy efficiency and overall performance, in a comparative assessment of the microwave performance of commercial microwave ovens, independently commissioned by Panasonic UK.
In its comparative investigation of microwave performance, TCFs via Eurofins E&E Hursley Limited, also performed a safety test assessment of Panasonic’s latest microwave, the NE-1878, against its previous model (NE-1853) and two equivalent microwaves from competitors. Three comparative tests took place – an electricity consumption test on full power, a heating efficiency test, and an internal radiation efficiency test – with the Panasonic NE-1878 performing best overall.
Speaking about the testing, Andrew Whyte, Product Manager, Panasonic UK Ltd. comments:
“With microwave ovens, electricity is converted to microwave energy, which directly penetrates and heats the food; meaning much less energy is wasted in heating the oven itself. It’s an efficient process, and increased energy efficiency can lead to significant reductions in energy consumption. With the cost of energy at the highest it’s ever been, energy efficiency has never been as important as it is now and it’s understandably become a major concern for operators, not just in terms of sustainability and environmental considerations, but for how it impacts on profit. The independent expert testing of our NE-1878 microwave proves the performance of our NPD and the innovative technology used by Panasonic to provide operators with equipment that performs excellently. Operators looking to improve the energy efficiency within their kitchens will benefit from using an energy saving microwave and the subsequent cost savings as a result. The NE-1878, recognised in the testing as having outstanding energy efficiency, consumes the least amount of electricity.”
The first test assessed the electricity consumption of each microwave heating 500ml of water. During a two-minute full-power heating period, the NE-1878 consumed the least power; and consistently achieved the most heating using the lowest amount of electricity. By comparison, the competing model which used the most electricity, consumed almost 25% more.
The outstanding energy performance of the NE-1878 continued in the second test, for heating efficiency. Again, 500ml of water was used to evaluate the heating efficiency of each microwave; with the test performed exclusively for two minutes, to compare the greatest heating conditions. The test concluded that the Panasonic NE-1878 was best in this category, and most energy efficient using the least power of all four units when heating.
The final test, for internal radiation efficiency, evaluated the heating efficiency at different locations within each microwave. Performed for two minutes, to compare the greatest heating conditions, the NE-1878 heating was most consistent between the front and back, compared to the two competitor microwaves.
Microwave emissions were also spot-checked during testing, as an additional quality control and safety check. The Panasonic NE-1878 is the safest, which is likely to be why the unit is also the most efficient in terms of power usage. More of the microwave radiation is retained within the oven due, in part, to the unit’s full metal door; a world first and a unique design feature exclusive to this particular model!
To find out more about Panasonic and its range of commercial microwave ovens, please email commercial.ovens@eu.panasonic.com or visit www.panasonic.co.uk/pro-cooking.
