Table of Contents

• Cooking Equipment
• Commercial Range (Gas/Electric)
• Commercial Griddle
• Commercial Charbroiler
• Commercial Flat Top Grill
• Frequently Asked Questions

Cooking Equipment

Professional cooking equipment is a crucial part of getting your commercial kitchen running. It’s important to make an intentional choice as your equipment impacts several key aspects of running your restaurant. This includes but is not limited to kitchen efficiency, menu versatility, food quality and operational costs. Selecting the appropriate equipment guarantees optimal performance and customer satisfaction. 

Commercial Range (Gas/Electric)

Commercial ranges form the heart of many professional kitchens, providing chefs with versatile cooking options through powerful burners paired with integrated ovens. Available in both gas and electric versions, commercial ranges suit a variety of restaurant needs and kitchen setups.

Example Commercial Ranges: Gas vs. Electric

• Gas Range: Garland US Range G60-10RR leads industry ratings with its robust 60" configuration, ten powerful 30,000 BTU burners, dual standard ovens, stainless steel build, and lifetime-warranted top grates.
• Electric Range: Vulcan VC60ED excels with six French hot plates, dual convection ovens, and energy efficiency ratings exceeding 80%.

Example Commercial Ranges

• Gas Range: Southbend 400 Series (Model S36D) dominates market share due to its exceptional value, reliability, and six 33,000 BTU burners.
• Electric Range: Imperial IR-6-E is known for its affordability, robust construction, and versatile 2.0kW French plates with infinite heat control.

Example Ranges by Restaurant Types

• American/Classic Diner: Garland G60-6G24RR combines six burners and a 24" griddle, ideal for diverse menus.
• French Bistro: Montague Grizzly C45S with French tops suited for precise sauce preparation.
• Chinese Restaurant: Town Y-2-R featuring two powerful burners and dedicated wok ring adapter.
• Steakhouse: Wolf C60SC-6B24GT, popular for integrated infrared salamander broiler.

Example Ranges for Ghost Kitchens (Budget-Based)

• High Budget ($15,000-$20,000)¹: Wolf C60SS-6B24G for premium durability, dual convection ovens, and integrated 24" griddle.
• Medium Budget ($3,500-$8,000)2: Garland G36-6T offers reliable performance, modular design, and six versatile burners.
• Low Budget ($2,000-$3,500)3: Royal Range RR-6 provides essential functionality with six efficient 32,000 BTU burners.

Buying Considerations:

• Gas ranges offer rapid heat control; electric ranges simplify installation.
• Evaluate BTU ratings based on menu requirements.
• Consider stainless steel construction for durability and ease of cleaning.

Commercial Griddle

Commercial griddles offer expansive flat cooking surfaces crucial for preparing breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches, and more. They come in various sizes and configurations, catering to specific restaurant needs and kitchen spaces.

Example Commercial Griddle

Star Manufacturing's 848TSCHSA Ultra-Max griddle is top rated for its Snap Action thermostatic controls, maintaining temperature accuracy within ±5°F. Its robust 1" thick chrome plate ensures superior heat retention, making it ideal for high-volume cooking environments.

Common Commercial Griddle

The Vulcan VCRG36-T leads sales with its efficient achiever burner system, delivering 27,000 BTUs per 12" cooking section, making it reliable and popular across restaurant types.

Example Griddles by Restaurant Types

• Classic Diner: Wells G-306 features three independent heat zones, ideal for versatile breakfast menus.
• Burger Bar: TurboChef PLE-9500-2-DL-RRC planchas optimize speed and consistency in fast-casual environments.
• Mexican Taqueria: NSF-certified Comal griddles, specialized for tortilla cooking.
• Korean BBQ: Built-in table griddles with integrated exhaust systems for interactive dining.

Example Griddles for Ghost Kitchens (Budget-Based)

• High Budget ($20,000-$30,000)4: MagiKitch'n MKG-60-ST features ENERGY STAR efficiency and chrome surface for premium performance.
• Medium Budget ($3,000-$9,000)1: Imperial IGG-36 offers durable 36" cooking area and manual controls.
• Low Budget ($1,000-$1,500)1: Cayenne CG-36 flat top provides straightforward manual operation and reliability.

Maintenance Tip:
Regular cleaning and seasoning of griddle surfaces extend equipment life and optimize cooking performance.

Commercial Charbroiler

Commercial charbroilers sear robust flavor into meats or veggies through high heat, which is essential for steaks, burgers and grilled vegetables. They enhance any meal by boosting flavor and texture.

Example Commercial Charbroiler

MagiKitch'n FM-SMB-636 is top-rated for patented Advanced Performance Line (APL) technology which reduces gas consumption by 43%. They also feature a smoke-extraction system for cleaner cooking environments. Its reversible grates offer versatility for different food types.

Common Commercial Charbroiler

Imperial ICB-3627 is widely selected for its reliable radiant broiler design, heavy-duty construction, and powerful 102,000 BTU output, making it a suitable choice for high-demand kitchens.

Example Charbroilers by Restaurant Types

• Mediterranean Grill: Bakers Pride L-48GS with adjustable grates, ideal for varied grilling tasks.
• Brazilian Churrascaria: Custom-designed rodizio rotisserie charbroilers for traditional meats.
• Burger Bar: TurboChef conveyor charbroilers for high-volume burger production.
• Steakhouses & Grill Restaurants: Montague Grizzly Series charbroilers provide intense heat and even distribution, perfect for steaks, burgers, and seafood. Jade Range JGC-36 infrared burners for perfect steak searing.
• Argentinian & Brazilian-style Grills: The Grillworks Infierno wood-fired grills deliver authentic adjustable-height grilling, crucial for traditional South American asado preparations.
• Gastropubs & Casual Dining Restaurants: MagiKitch’n FM Series charbroilers offer easy maintenance and versatile grilling, suitable for diverse menus featuring burgers, sandwiches, and grilled vegetables.

Example Charbroilers for Ghost Kitchens (Budget-Based)

• High Budget ($11,000-$20,000)2: Montague ULFB-36R infrared burners and lift mechanism for ease of use.
• Medium Budget ($3,000-$6,500)5: Garland GD-36RBFF designer series radiant charbroilers.
• Low Budget ($1,500-$2,500)6: Connerton CB-36-S basic radiant design, affordable and reliable.

Buying Tip:
Adjustable grate height and reversible grates enhance cooking flexibility and efficiency.

Commercial Flat Top Grill

Flat top grills blend griddle functionality with grill performance, providing versatile cooking surfaces suitable for a wide range of culinary styles and menu items.

Example Flat Top Grill

Garland GF48-G48T Designer Series receives exceptional ratings for its U-shaped atmospheric burners, eliminating cold spots and ensuring even heat distribution. Its modular design allows customized configurations tailored to specific restaurant needs.

Common Flat Top Grill

Wolf ACB47 dominates market share for its reputation for durability, reliability, and consistent heat distribution across the cooking surface, suitable for continuous high-volume cooking.

Example Flat Top Grills by Restaurant Types

• Japanese Teppanyaki: Custom-built integrated teppan tables with ventilation systems.
• Mongolian Grill: Large circular flat tops with high BTU output for rapid cooking.
• Breakfast Restaurant: Star Max countertop models ideal for compact spaces.
• Food Truck: Blackstone Adventure Ready portable series for mobile cooking.

Example Flat Top Grills for Ghost Kitchens (Budget-Based)

• High Budget ($8,000-$11,000)4: Garland GTGG48-GT48M modular system with thermostatic controls.
• Medium Budget ($6,000-$8,000)4: Vulcan MSA48 heavy-duty manual control for dependable performance.
• Low Budget ($1,200-$2,000)2: Cayenne CPG-48 basic flat top grill, suitable for startups and small-scale operations.

Operational Tip:
Select models with independently controlled heat zones for enhanced cooking versatility.

FAQs About Commercial Kitchen Equipment

What equipment is essential for a commercial kitchen?

• Essential equipment includes commercial ranges, ovens, refrigerators, griddles, fryers, prep tables, and dishwashers.
• A user on an online discussion forum recommends to “work with a local kitchen equipment supply company, they will most likely provide all the equipment you need based on a menu you provide them. You can usually haggle for a better price when buying everything from one place. Equally as important is the EMP (electric, mechanical, and plumbing) needs for the kitchen equipment, you’ll need a list of the equipment you’re having installed to have the EMP work done properly to pass inspections” r/restaurant
• This is an excellent recommendation since it involves consulting someone with more expertise and can take you through several options. 

Gas vs. Electric equipment: Which should I choose?

• Gas equipment offers rapid heat control, beneficial for busy kitchens. Electric equipment is generally easier to install and maintain.
• There’s also a ton of logistics to consider about the building the restaurant is occupying, one user suggests to answer “ Is the building already plumbed with gas lines? Does the electrical service have enough space for an electric oven? Do you have a hood in place? An electric oven may not require one depending on your local codes but a gas oven will almost always require one. Are you installing any cooktops?” Ultimately, they recommend that “If you’re just baking in ovens, I’d go electric” r/Chefit
• Make sure to do the appropriate research to decide which type of equipment is best suited for your needs logistically. 

[1] Webstaurant Store

[2] Restaurant Supply Store

[3] SouthWest Restaurant Supply

[4] KaTom Restaurant Equipment

[5] Kitchen Restock

[6] Chef’s Deal

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