A commercial range is the engine of any professional kitchen. Unlike residential stoves, commercial ranges are built for 12+ hours of continuous use, higher BTU output, and easier cleaning. Buying used can save 40-60% off new — but you need to know what you're looking at.
Gas: Instant heat, visual flame control, works during power outages. Most common in restaurants. Requires gas line and ventilation hood. Electric: Even heating, no open flame, lower ventilation requirements. Slower heat adjustment. Common in baking/pastry. Induction: Fastest, most efficient, cool cooking surface. Requires induction-compatible cookware. Growing fast in commercial kitchens.
Open burners: Standard in most restaurants. Direct flame contact, fast heat, easy to clean around. Cast iron grates that lift off. Hot top / French top: Solid steel plate with concentric heat rings. Gentle, even heat. Sauté stations and finish cooking. Griddle top: Built-in flat griddle section. Breakfast, burgers, grilled sandwiches. Often combined with open burners (half griddle, half burners).
24-36": Small kitchen, food truck, prep station. 48-60": Standard restaurant range. 4-6 burners + oven. 72"+: High-volume. Multiple ovens, griddle + burners. Make sure your hood (exhaust system) covers the full width with proper overhang — code requires it.
Standard/conventional oven: One temperature zone. Good for roasting, baking. Convection oven: Fan circulates air — faster, more even cooking. Worth the premium. Deck oven: Separate top and bottom decks with independent temperatures. Pizza, bread, pastry. Not usually part of a range — standalone units.
Check: all burners ignite and hold steady flame (not sputtering), oven door seals are intact (no heat leaks), thermostat calibration (bring an oven thermometer), no rust-through on body panels, gas valve isn't gummed up from years of grease. Budget for professional cleaning and gas line inspection before install.
Value ($500-1500 used): Southbend, Vulcan (Hartford line), Imperial. Workhorses, parts widely available.
Mid-Range ($1500-4000 used): Vulcan (Endurance), Garland, US Range. Better build, higher BTU, better warranty legacy.
Premium ($5000+ used): Jade, Montague, Molteni. Heirloom-level construction, custom configurations.
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