Commercial ranges are the heart of any kitchen, providing the power and versatility needed to cook various menu items efficiently. With a variety of options available, choosing the best commercial range for your business can seem like a daunting task. Key factors to consider when choosing a commercial range include the size and layout of your kitchen, the type of cuisine you serve, and the volume of food you need to prepare. We'll break down the various types of commercial stoves available so you can find the perfect range to meet your cooking demands.
Commercial ranges, also commonly referred to as commercial stoves, are essential equipment in any professional kitchen. These versatile appliances are designed to handle various cooking tasks, making them a crucial component for chefs and foodservice establishments. Commercial ranges allow chefs to boil, steam, simmer, fry, grill, and saute foods, providing the flexibility needed to prepare diverse menus efficiently.
One of the key features of commercial ranges is their ability to offer different cooking options in a single unit. Most commercial stoves come with ovens, allowing chefs to bake, roast, and broil dishes alongside stovetop cooking. Certain models may also include griddle tops, providing a flat cooking surface ideal for preparing pancakes, eggs, and burgers.
Watch our video to learn more about commercial ranges and the configurations out there.
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When selecting a commercial range for your foodservice establishment, it's essential to consider the specific needs of your kitchen to ensure optimal efficiency and productivity. Beyond the classic range styles, various specialty ranges are available, each designed to cater to different cooking requirements. Based on your menu, kitchen size, and daily volume, you may find that your operation will benefit from having more than one range type.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Commercial ranges are available in gas and electric models. Each energy source has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Consider factors such as cooking style, energy costs, safety considerations, and local regulations to determine which energy source is the best fit for your kitchen.
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.
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.
The most common sizes of ranges are 24", 48", and 60" wide, but models are available anywhere from 12" up to 72" - typically in increments of 12" or 18". Restaurant ranges often measure between 24" and 72", while heavy-duty, modular versions will measure between 32" and 36" per section.
When determining the best range width for your kitchen, keep the following things in mind:
Most health/safety codes require the hood to extend at least 6" beyond each piece of equipment you put under it. For example, if you have a 48" wide hood, the widest range you could put underneath it would be a 36" model. It's always best to check with your local regulators to be sure.
If you're only serving breakfast, do you need open burners, or would you be better off with a griddle or griddle top? For example, if you serve a wider variety of food or different meals, think about how much burner versus griddle space you might need.
Consider the type of cooking you will be doing in your kitchen when selecting the stovetop configuration for your commercial range. Each option offers unique benefits and caters to different cooking styles and menu items. Choose a stovetop configuration that aligns with your menu requirements and kitchen workflow to maximize the efficiency and performance of your commercial range.
If you're going with a restaurant or heavy-duty range, the model will likely include more than just the burners. Ranges will frequently come in tandem with ovens, storage cabinets, and other base types that expand their versatility. With so many options available, it'll be up to you to determine what best fits your menu.
By evaluating your kitchen's layout, menu offerings, and cooking volume, you can narrow down your options and select the best commercial range for your business needs. If you're still having trouble deciding which restaurant range to purchase, check out our commercial range reviews to compare the best options out there!
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