Regardless of the type of cuisine, every restaurant in the world will have some form of restaurant kitchen range in their commercial kitchen design. Pricing can range from a relatively inexpensive $4,000 restaurant kitchen range, to over $10,000 for heavy duty models. So, it can be helpful to solicit the advice of a restaurant consultant, to more easily navigate the various options available. No matter what your concept entails, there is always a restaurant kitchen range type available for your needs and your budget.
Restaurant Kitchen Range Types
When it comes time to purchase your range, you need to make sure you know and understand the options you’ll need, based on your restaurant kitchen design concept. The following is a checklist of the most common options you would be aware of when asking for a quote from a restaurant equipment supplier.
- Include casters: Unless your range purchase integrates a salamander broiler, all health departments requires ranges to be on casters so they can be pulled out for easy cleaning.
- Convection oven options: When purchasing a range with an oven beneath, most manufacturers offer the option for convection ovens instead of the standard oven. This option can be very beneficial for restaurant kitchen design concepts with limited space, or who finish dishes in the oven.
- Electric or Gas:Gas ranges are specified for either natural or LP (liquid propane) gas supply and it is important to know which one you need when you place your order. If you are buying a used range, some manufacturers also sell conversion kits to convert the range to the other gas type. Electric ranges come with different voltage options so make sure you tell your supplier what your building provides.
- Gas connection line: A commercial kitchen range does not come with the gas connection line, so it is important to make sure you ask for one. These lines are offered in 1′ length increments and should match the gas connection diameter of your range.
- Many manufacturers offer proprietary optional accessories so make sure to review them all with your supplier to make sure you include everything you may need.
Restaurant Kitchen Range Styles
Standard Restaurant Kitchen Range
The standard restaurant range can be purchased with 6, 8, 10 or 12 burner options. Depending on the number of burners selected, each range will come with one or two ovens. Some manufacturers also offer cabinet bases an an option to store things like saute and sheet pans. Manufacturer Pictured: Vulcan
Step-up Restaurant Kitchen Range
A step-up kitchen range will come with the same options as the standard range, including standard, convection oven or cabinet bases. Step-up ranges are suggested many times for restaurant kitchen design concepts where the menu offers many individually cooked saute dishes. Manufacturer Pictured: Garland
Restaurant Kitchen Range / Griddle Combination
A restaurant range and griddle combination unit can be a great option for foodservice operations with limited space and a menu that is evenly divided between saute and griddle items. These combination units are typically 6′ long, with configuration options varying the number of burners and length of the griddle. Many manufacturers also include a salamander broiler beneath the griddle area for added value and convenience. Manufacturer Pictured: Imperial Range
Restaurant Kitchen Range / Charbroiler Combination
A unique unit offered by Vulcan manufacturer, this restaurant kitchen range and charbroiler combination is an excellent choice for small foodservice operations who have limited saute requirements. Manufacturer Pictured: Vulcan
Heavy Duty Restaurant Kitchen Flat Top
Heavy duty ranges can be one of the more expensive options for foodservice operators. Typically used in hotel kitchen design projects, these ranges are built to take a tremendous amount of abuse, while still offering a very long usable lifespan. These ranges come with options such as the flat top pictured, but can also be purchased with burners, or french plate options. Manufacturer Pictured: Vulcan
Commercial Induction Kitchen Burner
A commercial induction burner is an excellent options for foodservice locations that do not have access to natural or LP gas, but still require a high speed saute station. Adding these ranges to a restaurant kitchen design can get expensive; not only due to the cost of the unit, but because you also need to make sure you purchase special pots and pans that are induction rated. Manufacturer Pictured: Montague Company
Electric Restaurant Kitchen Range
If you are a start-up operation with a limited budget, and are in a location that was not designed originally as a commercial space, this unit may be a good option. Offering many of the same accessories as gas models, these ranges can also be a good options for caters and facilities that do not rely on high speed cooking of orders. Manufacturer Pictured: Garland
Commercial Wok Range
Used primarily in Asian themed restaurants, a commercial wok range can be specified with up to six wok stations per unit. Some manufactures offer custom fabrication options for larger stations, but if your needs are that extensive, we typically recommend purchasing two smaller units so servicing them does not completely shut down your restaurant. Manufacturer Pictured: Montague Company