Commercial Range Buying Guide

Restaurant ranges, also known as medium-duty ranges, are standalone units that offer a cost-effective solution for commercial kitchens. These ranges typically have a gas connection in the back, making them easier to install in various kitchen layouts.

While these ranges have a lighter-duty construction than heavy-duty ranges, they are still designed to withstand the demands of a busy kitchen environment. The burners provide plenty of BTUs for most cooking tasks but will take longer to heat and cook foods than a heavy-duty range. They are also more affordable with upfront and energy costs.

• Power Type: Gas
• Number of Burners: 4 - 6
• Best For: Most commercial kitchens, food stands, and churches

Heavy-duty ranges are designed for high-volume cooking operations that will be using their range virtually all day to serve a large number of people. These ranges operate with higher burner and oven BTU ratings, offering faster cooking times and increased efficiency. They come with several top configurations and burner options to suit different cooking needs. While heavy-duty ranges may come at a higher price point compared to restaurant ranges, their advanced features and robust construction make them a worthwhile investment for high-volume kitchens.

Heavy-duty ranges are constructed with thicker gauges of metal and more welded components, ensuring long-term durability in demanding kitchen environments. They can be used as standalone units but are typically designed to be banked together "in battery" with other ranges or pieces of equipment, allowing for a customized cooking setup. The gas connection is often located on the side or rear, providing flexibility for various kitchen configurations.

• Power Type: Gas
• Number of Burners: 1 - 12
• Best For: Cafeterias, hospitals, and high-volume restaurants

Countertop gas ranges are compact and versatile cooking appliances that can be placed on existing countertops or work surfaces. They are perfect for small kitchens, food trucks, or establishments with limited space. 

Countertop gas ranges come in standard-duty and heavy-duty models, catering to different levels of cooking intensity. Some gas models feature a step-up design that provides extra cooking space, allowing more dishes to be prepared simultaneously. Many are field-convertible, allowing operators to use natural gas or liquid propane.

• Power Type: Gas
• Number of Burners: 1 - 10
• Best For: Food stands, food trucks, and kiosks

Induction countertop ranges offer a modern and efficient cooking solution. Some induction models can be used as a drop-in or countertop unit, offering installation flexibility. Portable and lightweight, they are ideal for front-of-the-house operations and display cooking like catered events, breakfast bars, or buffets.

An induction cooker is safer than a gas countertop range since there's no open flame. This means less ambient heat in your kitchen and most importantly no open flame or flammable fuels that could be a potential safety hazard. Many models have built-in safety features like an automatic standby mode once cookware is removed. Induction technology also ensures rapid heating and precise temperature control, allowing chefs to adjust heat levels quickly and accurately and reduce cooking times.

• Power Type: Electric
• Number of Burners: 1 - 4
• Best For: Catering companies, offsite cooking events, and hotels

A wok range is designed for high-heat cooking techniques such as stir-frying, searing, and sauteing. It features high-BTU burners that heat up quickly and a raised ring that supports round-bottomed woks, allowing for fast and efficient cooking.

Restaurants that specialize in Asian cuisine or dishes that require intense heat will benefit from having a wok range in their kitchen. They are a great fit if you have limited kitchen space with a menu heavily dependent on sauteing veggies and meat.

• Power Type: Gas
• Number of Burners: 1 - 4
• Best For: Japanese steakhouse, Asian restaurant, or catering company

As the name suggests, stock pot ranges are specifically designed to heat large stock pots full of soups, stews, stocks, and sauces. Catering companies, cafeterias, and restaurants frequently cooking in bulk will find a stock pot range indispensable.

These ranges typically feature multiple burners or a single large burner with a high BTU output to accommodate the size and weight of stock pots. They are relatively compact units, featuring a low height that reduces the risk of spills and makes it easier to lift large and heavy pots. This helps improve worker comfort and safety in a crowded kitchen.

• Power Type: Gas
• Number of Burners: 1 - 4
• Best For: Catering companies, banquet halls, and cafeterias

Commercial gas ranges are the most popular option, favored by many chefs and cooks for their precise control over heat levels. The open flame allows for quick adjustments and even heat distribution, making them ideal for cooking techniques that require rapid temperature changes. Gas ranges require a gas connection and professional installation, which can increase your upfront costs.

• Precise temperature control and fast heat-up times
• More cost-effective option
• Ideal for high-volume kitchens that rely heavily on their range
• Produce a lot of ambient heat in your kitchen

While they are more expensive to purchase upfront, commercial electric ranges are valued for their energy efficiency, ease of maintenance, and safety. Their biggest drawback is that they do not heat up as quickly as gas models, making them better suited for lower-volume kitchens.

• More energy efficient
• Produce less ambient heat in the kitchen
• Stove surface is easy to clean
• Less precise temperature control
• Do not heat up as quickly