Guide to Choosing the Right Commercial Range
When it comes to choosing a commercial range for your kitchen, the choices seem endless. Why is one range more expensive? Where do you start? Commercial ranges come in many shapes and sizes and are manufactured by different companies like Vulcan and Wolf. You can get a
standard oven, convection oven or space saver oven, and with as many or as few burners as you need, with or without a griddle. There is a variation to fit the needs of any commercial kitchen.
Heavy Duty vs. Restaurant Duty Commercial Ranges
Hotels, hospitals, schools, institutions and some high volume restaurants use heavy duty commercial ranges. They have higher energy output and shorter cooking time. Most restaurants and chains can get by with a high quality, restaurant duty commercial range. They can usually accommodate a salamander broiler or cheesemelter.
Heavy Duty Commercial Ranges
Heavy Duty commercial ranges are durable ranges with larger gas valves to allow for easier combining of other components. They can be batteried together to create large units for high volume kitchens and
are built to withstand intense use. They do cost more both up front and in service fees. The higher energy output also means higher energy costs.
Restaurant Duty Commercial Ranges
Restaurant duty commercial ranges are suitable as free standing models with BTU and power levels close to the heavy duty standards, but for an economical price. They cost less and have lower service fees, but they are more costly to install and are not built to withstand intense use as well as the heavy duty commercial ranges.
Commercial Range Configurations
Just about any mix of open burners and griddle tops are available for commercial ranges. Convection ovens can also be added to the standard oven base.
Open Gas Burners for Commercial Ranges
The top choice for most professional kitchens, open gas burner commercial ranges provide instantaneous heat that is easily controlled. Look for easily removable top grates, a wide range of flame heights, ring or star burners, individual pilot lights for each burner and consider the BTU rating.
Griddles for Commercial Ranges
Instead of a burner, you can choose a griddle for the top of all or part of your commercial range. It is a flat metal plate made of steel, cast iron or aluminum and food is cooked directly on top allowing multiple food items to cook simultaneously. Look for a large grease trough for easy clean up, manual valve controls for user regulated temperature control, thermostatic controls for accurate temperature control and a non stick or well seasoned surface.
Other Considerations When Choosing a Commercial Range
Sold as options on most commercial ranges, casters are highly recommended for easy clean up and service. Also, if you will be using your range at an elevation above 2000 feet, be sure to note that while ordering. Gas valves must be adjusted to account for higher elevations.
As with any gas appliance, be sure and include a new AGA commercial gas flex hose. They are designed extremely heavy duty, usually with a brass quick connect. Standard, plumber supplied home-type flex hoses are not designed for commercial applications and are not NSF approved.
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