The 9 Best Commercial Ranges

Editor's Notes

January 27, 2021:

There are a lot of different kinds of commercial ranges that see regular use in professional kitchens. The Vulcan SX36-6B and Vulcan Endurance are part of a renowned family of appliances, as is the Wolf WSPR1. If you want to have an industrial-looking range, but you want it in your own home, the Thor 3618 and Thor HRD3088U can help, as can the Thor 3816U, as long as you don't need an oven. The Kitma FCO-10B and oven-less Kitma Hot Plate serve as low-cost alternatives to the name-brand models, and should work very well, although they may require more frequent maintenance.

January 03, 2019:

Alright, let's get cooking! Commercial ranges differ from standard in-home units in a few ways, and size, heat output, and ease of service are near the top of the list. It's almost impossible to beat Vulcan equipment, and the top two models here are the same ones found in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world; more sweat has been lost in front of these bad boys than pretty much any other brand available. If you've got the budget, Vulcan is where you should turn. Alternately, Saba makes a wide range of ranges that are nearly clone's of Vulcan's tried-and-true designs, and they're roughly half the price or less. The Kucht and the Thor 3088 are both sized similarly to residential stoves, and they can definitely add a touch of professionalism to a home kitchen. The Waring, Kitma, and Thor 3816 don't come attached to ovens, which makes them considerably more portable than the rest. In fact, we recommend the Kitma especially for anyone who frequently runs pop-ups or large events, whether out of a restaurant or house. The Waring induction model is perfect if you need the most precise control possible, and makes for a perfect serving station for fresh ramen or pho. Finally, Wolf makes an excellent dedicated stock pot burner, which makes it simple to craft batches of soup or demi-glace.