Who Makes Commercial Chef Microwave Ovens?

Who Makes Commercial Chef Microwave Ovens? Commercial Chef microwave ovens are produced under a private label brand primarily distributed through major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot, and Target. The brand is associated with Equity Brands, a company specializing in housewares, with manufacturing likely outsourced to OEM factories in China, common for budget countertop microwaves.

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Brand Overview

Commercial Chef specializes in affordable countertop microwaves, ranging from 0.6 to 1.6 cu. ft. capacities and 600W to 1100W power levels. Models feature mechanical or digital controls, turntables, child safety locks, and preset options for popcorn, pizza, and defrosting.

The brand targets budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable basics without premium features. Products sell extensively online and in stores, emphasizing accessibility and everyday convenience.

Manufacturing and Ownership

Commercial Chef operates as a specialty housewares brand under Equity Brands, focusing on kitchen products.

Like many private-label appliances (e.g., similar to Magic Chef or private brands at big-box stores), actual manufacturing occurs via original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) overseas, predominantly in China. No single major appliance giant like Whirlpool or GE directly owns or produces it.

Some models share designs with rebranded units from companies like Midea or Galanz, leaders in global microwave production accounting for over 70% of the world’s microwaves.

Popular Models and Features

Commercial Chef offers compact, efficient options ideal for small spaces, dorms, offices, or RVs.

Model Example	Capacity	Power	Key Features	Average Price
CHM660B	0.6 cu. ft.	600W	Rotary controls, compact design	$60–$80
CHM770B	0.7 cu. ft.	700W	10 power levels, digital display	$70–$90
CHM990B	0.9 cu. ft.	900W	Push-button door, child lock	$80–$100
CHCM11100B	1.1 cu. ft.	1000W	Turntable, quick menus	$100–$130

These models earn praise for even heating and simplicity. Consumer Reports testing on similar units shows excellent heating evenness but average defrosting.

Performance and Reviews

Users rate Commercial Chef microwaves highly for value, with average 4.0–4.5 stars across thousands of reviews on Amazon and Walmart.

Pros: Affordable, compact, quiet operation, reliable for daily reheating.
Cons: Some report uneven defrosting or louder beeps; build quality reflects budget positioning.

Quotation from user: “This is a high quality machine… quiet and works great,” per Amazon reviews.

Many buyers note longevity in light use, with low-wattage models suiting off-grid or RV setups.

For independent testing, view Consumer Reports microwave reviews.

Where to Buy

Commercial Chef microwaves appear widely at:

Walmart (exclusive models often).
Amazon (prime shipping, frequent deals).
Home Depot, Target, and Lowe’s.

Prices range from $60 for small units to $150 for larger ones.

FAQ

Who owns the Commercial Chef brand? Equity Brands manages it as a private-label line focused on affordable kitchen appliances.

Are Commercial Chef microwaves made in the USA? No; like most budget microwaves, they manufacture in China via OEM partners.

How do they compare to name brands like GE or Panasonic? They offer solid basics at half the price but lack advanced sensors or inverter technology in premium models.

Is warranty good? Most include a 1-year limited warranty; check retailer for details.

Are parts available? Common parts like turntables are replaceable, but brand-specific service is limited.

Final Thoughts

Commercial Chef microwave ovens deliver dependable, no-frills performance for everyday needs, ideal for those prioritizing affordability over luxury features. While not from a traditional big-name manufacturer, the brand provides strong value in the competitive budget segment. Always verify current models and reviews before purchase.