Ensuring your meals come out perfectly every time requires more than a "Yes Chef!" energy — it calls for top-quality, functional equipment that optimizes the efficiency of your bustling eatery.

We've created a comprehensive guide to lay out the most critical factors of choosing a commercial range to ensure your patrons get that *chef's kiss* dining experience.

 

What is a Commercial Range?

A commercial range offers cooking options like frying, roasting, grilling, and more. Today's models provide numerous configurations to boost kitchen efficiency. Depending on what your kitchen requires, ranges can include griddles, broilers, commercial ovens, and extra storage alongside regular burners.

By understanding the demands of your cuisine, service style, and daily customer volume, you can choose the option that best aligns with your operational goals and optimizes your kitchen performance.

How Robust Does Your Commercial Range Need to Be?

Choosing the proper construction depends on your restaurant's service volume.

Heavy Duty Vs. Medium Duty Ranges

A medium-duty range, commonly called a restaurant range, could be just right if you have a small to medium-capacity restaurant. Restaurant ranges are the “standard” model that most kitchens use, with range tops that typically measure 12-72 inches in width and can be adjusted to fit your kitchen’s configuration.

However, if you're running a busy restaurant serving hundreds of customers daily, a sturdy, heavy-duty commercial range might be ideal. Measuring anywhere from 34 inches in width up to 72 inches, these are better suited for high-volume facilities that bank them together with other units. While both offer a wide range of commercial stove customization, including burners, charbroilers, and griddles, heavy-duty models may come with up to a dozen different cooktops.

 

	Heavy-Duty Commercial Ranges	Medium-duty (Restaurant) Ranges
Strength and Durability	Sturdy build, made of thicker stainless steel, can withstand frequent use and high temperatures.	Offer a good mix of performance and durability but may be less robust compared to heavy-duty ranges.
Performance	Higher BTU rating allows them to produce intense heat, perfect for large-scale cooking.	Moderate BTU output suitable for restaurant kitchens.
Price	Higher price tag.	More competitively priced Budget-friendly option for small businesses.
Suitability	High heat, continuous cooking, diverse menus, longer hours, higher traffic (150+ daily customers).	Smaller to mid-size eateries Cafés Establishments not engaged in high-heat, continuous cooking.
Impact on Kitchen Design	With gas connections on the front or side, can be attached to other units for custom configurations.	Standalone units Gas connections are usually at the back.
Structural Requirements	Larger models may require vetted infrastructure with sturdy floors to handle the added weight.	Suitable for any infrastructure

 

 

Heavy-duty Commercial Ranges We Recommend

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Medium-duty Commercial Ranges We Recommend

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Why Form Matters: When to Opt for Freestanding, Modular, Countertop, or Specialty Ranges

1. Freestanding Ranges

Given their versatility, these standalone units are often the go-to choice for restaurateurs. Perfect for kitchens with ample floor space, freestanding ranges combine power and capability, ensuring throughput is never compromised.

Another advantage of freestanding ranges is the ability to choose a customized base.

 

Choosing the Best Base for Your Commercial Range

Think about your space and kitchen prep needs—do your dishes require a lot of cold prep or roasting? Or is storage space the number one factor stressing you out?

A. Commercial Oven Base

This range type is ideal for establishments where baking or roasting is a regular part of the culinary process. You have two options when selecting an oven base for your freestanding range: standard or convection ovens.

• A standard commercial oven range (AKA conventional oven) is the go-to, cost-effective option that’s easy to use. However, it's not ideal for fine baking, such as viennoisserie, as it may result in unevenly cooked pockets.

Standard Oven Ranges We Recommend

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• A convection oven range, on the other hand, circulates the air in the oven with a fan. This provides more even heating and efficient cooking and can cook food faster, saving on your energy bill. These commercial ovens are ideal for bakers who want evenly baked goods, wonderfully crisp pastries, and perfectly browned roasts. Restaurants serving large quantities of roasted or baked dishes will also value the increased speed and energy efficiency convection ovens offer.

Convection Oven Ranges We Recommend

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B. Storage Base

Space is a precious commodity in bustling restaurant kitchens, and a storage base range allows for extra storage directly beneath the cooking surface. It helps keep pots, pans, cooking utensils, or even ingredients within your arm's reach. While it doesn't add to the cooking abilities of the range, it can significantly improve kitchen organization and streamlines cooking operations.

Commercial Ranges With Storage Bases We Recommend

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C. Refrigerated Base

This ultimate space-saving solution has a refrigerator right beneath your cooking surface. It keeps food items at regulated temperatures and gives instant access to your mise-en-place – which can make all the difference during service when every second counts.

Commercial Ranges With Refrigerated Bases We Recommend

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2. Modular Ranges

These are a type of heavy-duty commercial range that offers extraordinary customization. Modular units are designed to fit together, allowing chefs to arrange a sequence of stations that optimizes the cook line. If your menu switches frequently or requires specialized equipment like griddles and broilers alongside conventional stovetops, a modular range setup can offer the flexibility you need.

Modular Ranges With We Recommend

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3. Countertop Ranges

If you prefer your commercial oven separate from your stove, these are for you! Also known as cooktops or range tops, countertop ranges are ideal for compact kitchens. Stripped to the most necessary functionality, these gas- or electric-powered units sit on your workstation, freeing up critical floor real estate.

Countertop Ranges We Recommend

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4. Stock Pot Ranges

Stock pot ranges are standalone units designed to handle heavy set pots used for large amounts of liquids like broths, sauces, or stocks. Specifically designed with a lower height than traditional burners, stock pot ranges reduce the risk of accidents while increasing efficiency.

Stock Pot Ranges We Recommend

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Which Heating Elements Are Ideal for Your Commercial Range?

How you customize the tops of your commercial range will depend on your menu, cooking style, and kitchen capacity.

Do you have a busy brunch hour, or is your menu heavy on grilled meat and seafood?

1. Burners

Burners are the most common element choice for commercial ranges.

• Optimal control over cooking temperatures
• Ideal option for dishes that necessitate precise heat regulation, such as sauces and soups.
• Come in a variety of BTU outputs, offering low-simmering to high-intensity cooking.
• Can handle pots and pans of various sizes
• Perfect for boiling, sautéing, frying, and simmering.

Ranges With Open Burners We Recommend

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2. Griddles

Griddles are versatile components of any commercial kitchen. Unlike hot tops, griddles allow you to cook food directly on the stainless steel surface.

• Designed to heat up to 550°F- 575°F
• Features a flat, metal cooking surface for rapid and even cooking
• Go-to for breakfast items (pancakes, hash browns, and eggs)
• Quick searing of meat or fish or sautéing vegetables
• Perfect for whipping up toasted sandwiches and paninis

Ranges With Griddles We Recommend

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3. Charbroilers

Charbroilers are the secret weapon behind that delicious, smoky, grill-marked barbecue essence.

• Simulate the outdoor grilling experience indoors.
• Ideal for steaks, chicken, and burgers or adding grill marks to vegetables and seafood.
• Enrich the taste and aesthetic appeal of various dishes.
• Requires efficient ventilation systems due to the smoke produced.

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Ranges With Charbroilers We Recommend

How Fuel Types Impact Your Commercial Range

Choosing the right power for your commercial range can have ripple effects on your cooking efficiency, operation costs, and carbon footprint. Let's look at the pros and cons of each.

1. Natural Gas Ranges

Pros	Cons
●     Affordable ●     High-temperature reach ●     Burners heat up instantly ●     Burns cleanly ●     High BTUs offer precise heat control ●     Ideal for equipment requiring high heat output ●     Operational even during power outages	●     Requires a stationary gas line ●     Professional setup is needed to prevent potential gas leaks ●     Not feasible if no gas line is in place or local infrastructure for natural gas is lacking

 

2. Liquid Propane

Pros	Cons
●     Burns hotter than natural gas. ●     Preferred choice for high-temperature cooking tasks. ●     Propane tanks can be installed virtually anywhere, providing flexibility in kitchen setup.	●     More expensive than natural gas. ●     Require constant maintenance to ensure the pipes and valves are clean, functioning correctly, and leak-free. ●     Cost could add up over time, considering financial, time, and resource aspects.

 

 

 

 

3. Electric Commercial Ranges

Pros	Cons
●     Easiest to install ●     Low-cost installation ●     Versatility: Electric ranges can be used anywhere there's an accessible power outlet. ●     Precise temperature control = enhanced consistency of dishes. ●     Speedy heat-up times: Electric ranges tend to heat up faster than gas, saving valuable preheating time.	●     Potentially higher energy bills: Electric ranges may lead to more expensive energy expenses. ●     Lengthier cool-down times: A safety consideration for kitchen operations. ●     Generally more expensive than gas ranges

 

Other Key Features to Consider for Your Commercial Range

1. Electric vs. Pilot Ignitions

Pilot Ignition

With pilot control ranges, a continuous small flame allows quick heat-up times. Though often cheaper upfront, pilot-controlled ranges may cost more in the long run due to their continuous use of gas, even while not in active cooking.

Electric Ignition

Electric ignitions eliminate the hazard of potential gas leaks associated with conventional pilot lights while also providing dependable start-up and impressive energy efficiency.

Ideal for:

• Kitchens with round-the-clock heating needs, such as those in a 24/7 diner
• Large-scale catering establishments
• Banquet halls

Commercial Ranges With Electric Ignitions We Recommend:

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2. Thermostatic Controls

With thermostatic controls, cooks can set precise cooking temperatures and trust that the equipment will maintain those parameters consistently, unlike the manual adjustment required with infinite control. By automatically switching off the flame or power when the desired temperature is reached, they’re a more energy-efficient and safe option.

Ideal for:

• Large commercial kitchens that need to cook food items at consistent heat over extended periods.
• Kitchens that require constant monitoring and adjustment of temperature levels.

Commercial Ranges With Thermostatic Controls We Recommend

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Top Commercial Range Brands We Recommend

[COMPANY 1]

[BRAND NAME] has been reliable in the commercial range industry since its inception in the early 90s. Their deep commitment to crafting quality appliances that balance cutting-edge technology with environmental sustainability has garnered them a loyal following among food service professionals.

[COMPANY 2]

[BRAND NAME] has been reliable in the commercial range industry since its inception in the early 90s. Their deep commitment to crafting quality appliances that balance cutting-edge technology with environmental sustainability has garnered them a loyal following among food service professionals.

[COMPANY 3]

[BRAND NAME] has been reliable in the commercial range industry since its inception in the early 90s. Their deep commitment to crafting quality appliances that balance cutting-edge technology with environmental sustainability has garnered them a loyal following among food service professionals.