Can You Put Metal in a Speed Oven?
Protect Equipment and Staff With Licensed Accessories
In professional foodservice, one rule defines safe operation of Speed Ovens: use only manufacturer-certified accessories.
These components are engineered and tested to match the specific conditions of the equipment, ensuring consistent performance and safe use.
With Speed Ovens combining microwave energy, convection, and other heating systems, authorized trays, racks, and containers are the only acceptable choice.
They guarantee compliance with technical standards, extend equipment life, and reduce risks for staff and operations.
Keep reading to learn how approved accessories support both safety and efficiency — and why they are an integral part of responsible oven use.
1. Safety Risks of Metal in Speed Ovens
Reflection of Energy
Metals reflect microwave energy rather than letting it pass through.
This reflection can cause waves to bounce unpredictably, leading to sparks and preventing food from heating properly.
Electrical Hazards
Sharp edges or crumpled foil can trigger arcing, which burns food, damages the oven walls, or even starts a fire.
Equipment Damage
Energy reflection may harm the magnetron, the core of the oven.
Repairs are often more costly than replacing the entire unit.
2. Why Professional Kitchens Are Different
Foodservice operations demand:
- High production volume.
- Intense and repeated use.
- Fast, consistent results.
Speed Ovens combine microwave heating with convection and impinged air, with chambers built to withstand higher temperatures and airflow.
In such conditions, only containers proven safe through testing can be relied on.
3. Emerging Safety Concerns in the B2B Market
The industry faces new challenges from the use of untested materials:
- Equipment protection: Non-certified containers may damage chambers or disrupt energy distribution.
- Health concerns: Inadequate coatings or alloys can release harmful substances under heat.
- Compliance risks: Materials outside manufacturer testing may fail to meet safety and environmental regulations.
Manufacturers therefore stress the exclusive use of certified solutions validated in real kitchen conditions.
4. Licensed Accessories: The Safe Choice
Why Certification Matters
- Designed to prevent arcing.
- Protect sensitive parts such as emitters and fans.
- Prevent contamination.
- Deliver uniform cooking results.
Performance and Reliability
Accessories are tailored for specific foods and processes.
For example, some trays evenly crisp pizza bases, while others retain moisture.
Untested alternatives compromise both safety and product quality.
Warranty and Liability
Using unauthorized items undermines protection and may void warranties, transferring responsibility for damage to the operator.
5. Why Unapproved Materials Are Unsafe
Relying on non-certified accessories may appear convenient but brings serious risks:
- Burns or injuries from unpredictable reactions.
- Food waste from uneven cooking.
- Customer dissatisfaction when standards aren’t met.
- Additional costs due to equipment failures without warranty coverage.
6. Safety Guidelines for Professionals
To maintain safe operations, businesses should:
- Use certified accessories provided by the manufacturer.
- Train staff to avoid unsafe practices.
- Inspect items regularly for wear and damage.
- Avoid closed containers that trap pressure.
- Keep foil and sharp-edged objects out of the chamber.
These measures safeguard employees, customers, and equipment while extending oven life.
7. The Example of Prática’s Speed Ovens
Prática, a leader in professional Speed Oven solutions, makes safety central to its recommendations:
- Only authorized accessories are accepted.
- Unauthorized items can cause hazards, equipment failure, and warranty loss.
- Certified components are tested for performance, hygiene, and environmental responsibility.
This reflects a broader industry trend: aligning safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
8. Safety as a Shared Responsibility
In professional kitchens, responsibility is shared:
- Manufacturers provide certified solutions.
- Operators purchase and apply them correctly.
- Staff follow training and safety procedures.
The principle is clear: safety underpins every operation.
Safety Before Convenience
In professional foodservice: only when using manufacturer-certified accessories designed for safe integration.
These solutions protect teams, customers, and ovens alike.
In today’s foodservice market, the standard is unmistakable:
Choose safety first. Use the right materials, the right way, from the right sources.