Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-03-26 Origin: Site
Before choosing a reliable restaurant ranges, we should know other knowledge like types, burner Power and Configuration and so on.
Countertop Gas Range: They can be placed on a worktable at an event, making them perfect for front-of-house cooking (e.g., at buffets or live stations). For example, a countertop range with 4 burners, each outputting 20,000-30,000 BTUs, can handle multiple dishes simultaneously—crucial for catering events.
Full Gas Range (with Oven): If your catering business also involves baking or roasting (e.g., for large trays of appetizers or main courses), a full gas range with an oven might be more suitable. However, these are less portable and better suited for a central kitchen where you prep before events.
For catering, prioritize a countertop gas range for mobility unless your menu heavily relies on oven-based cooking. The Contender 4-Burner Range Cooker, designed for daily UK catering, is a good example—it’s preset for natural gas but includes LPG jets for flexibility, which is useful for off-site events where gas types may vary.
2. Burner Power and Configuration
BTU Output: Catering often requires quick cooking to serve large groups. Look for burners with at least 20,000 BTUs for high heat tasks like boiling or searing. The Cookline CHP-36-6, a 36-inch commercial gas hot plate, offers 6 burners at 25,000 BTUs each, totaling 150,000 BTUs—ideal for high-volume catering.
Number of Burners: A 4-burner range (like the ones in your images) is a good starting point for most catering setups, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once. For larger events, consider a 6-burner model to increase capacity.
3. Fuel Type and Flexibility
Natural Gas vs. LPG: Most commercial gas ranges are preset for natural gas but can be converted to liquid propane (LPG) with a conversion kit. This is crucial for catering, as off-site venues may only have LPG available (e.g., propane tanks for outdoor events). The Contender 4-Burner Range Cooker you can find online includes LPG jets, making it adaptable for various setups.
Recommendation: Opt for a range that’s field-convertible between natural gas and LPG, and ensure you have access to propane cylinders for off-site events. Always have a Gas Safe engineer handle conversions for safety.
4. Durability and Build Quality
Material: Catering equipment faces heavy use, so look for ranges made of high-grade stainless steel with heavy-duty cast-iron grates. The Contender 4-Burner Range Cooker is built with high-grade stainless steel and heavy-duty pan supports, ensuring longevity in a busy catering environment.
Reliability: Based on industry data, brands like Bosch, GE, and Thermador are known for reliability in gas ranges. Bosch, for example, is consistently reliable, with U.S.-made ranges and excellent customer support, while Thermador’s Star Burner design offers faster, more even heating.
Warranty: Look for a range with at least a 1-2 year warranty. LG Studio ranges, for instance, come with a 2-year warranty, providing peace of mind for catering businesses.
5. Safety Features
Flame Failure Safety: Catering environments can be hectic, so choose a range with flame failure devices (thermocouples) that shut off the gas if the flame goes out. The Contender 4-Burner Range Cooker includes this feature.
Ventilation: Gas ranges produce fumes, so proper ventilation is critical, especially in enclosed catering setups. Consumer Reports emphasizes the importance of ventilation to mitigate health risks from gas byproducts. For off-site events, ensure you can crack open windows or use a portable hood like the Airhood.
Compliance: In the UK, catering businesses must comply with commercial kitchen gas regulations, including annual CP42 Gas Safety Certificate checks by a Gas Safe engineer, as noted by Midlands Catering Equipment.
Recommendation: Select a range with flame failure safety and ensure proper ventilation at all venues. Schedule annual gas safety checks to stay compliant.
6. Brand Reliability and Support
Bosch: Known for reliability, U.S.-made, and excellent customer support.
Thermador: Features the patented Star Burner design for even heating and is highly reliable, though expensive.
GE: Offers reliable ranges with good performance, like the GE Profile series, which includes smart features for monitoring.
LG: High reliability (2.5% service rate in Yale Appliance’s 2024 report), but some repair professionals note challenges with parts availability.
Avoid Samsung and LG (for some): While LG scores well for reliability, repair professionals often cite difficulties with parts and service for both LG and Samsung, which can be a hassle for a catering business needing quick fixes.
GreenCooker. ALready professional manufacture kitchen equipment since 2010. And always supply stable quality goods with strict quality check.
7. Budget and Cost
Price Range: Countertop gas ranges for catering typically cost $800-$2,000, depending on the brand and features. The Contender 4-Burner Range Cooker is priced at £1,219 (about $1,500), offering good value for a catering-focused model.
Long-Term Value: A reliable range reduces repair costs and downtime, which is critical for catering. Investing in a slightly more expensive but reliable brand like Bosch or Thermador can save money over time.
Recommendation: Set a budget of $1,000-$2,000 for a 4-burner countertop range, prioritizing reliability over the cheapest option.
