The 9 Best Commercial Ranges
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in December of 2018. Public interest in pro-level cooking is at an all-time high, and there are quite a few ranges on the market that would be right at home in a restaurant. From massive, multi-burner behemoths to traditional-size ovens built with exceptional craftsmanship, there's certainly a commercial cooktop to suit your needs. As a rule, they're quite costly, but the right one should last for many years. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Vulcan SX36-6B
2. Thor 3618
3. Vulcan Endurance
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.
4. Wolf WSPR1
5. Waring WIH400
6. Thor HRD3088U
7. Thor 3816U
8. Kitma Hot Plate
9. Kitma FCO-10B
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.