March 11th, 2025 | 14 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect cooking products with our Pro Cooking Buying Guide
Choosing a rangetop should be simple.
After all, it’s just half a range.
You don’t have to worry about deciding between dual-fuel or all-gas systems, single or twin convection, or any of the other features that come with full ranges.
Instead, your focus narrows to the essentials: whether you want all burners, a grill, a griddle, a French top, or one of the latest innovations.
But that’s where things get tricky.
Each brand offers unique features, with its own advantages and drawbacks.
And I don’t think there’s one "best" brand that has everything.
That’s the problem with articles that praise every product. They make it seem like everything is perfect.
It’s just not the case.
I’ve owned Wolf and Thermador cooking appliances, so I can give you real insight into what works and what doesn’t.
In this article, you’ll learn how to choose the best rangetop for your lifestyle and cooking style.
By the end, I’ll introduce you to something completely new - something that might just blow your mind.
If you’re also considering a 36-inch or 60-inch rangetop, this guide will help with that too.
Let’s get started.
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The Best 48-Inch Professional Gas Rangetops for 2025
Below is a list of the best 48-inch rangetops for 2025, showcasing various features available in 36-inch sizes.
Most Versatile: Wolf SRT484CG ($7,230)
Review
Wolf is a family-owned company based in Wisconsin.
Many of the innovations we see today - like the infrared grill and griddle - originated with Wolf.
Simply put, Wolf does everything well.
Key Features of the Wolf Wolf SRT484CG
Burner Output
Wolf’s rangetop includes a high-output burner at 20,000 BTU, two burners at 18,000 BTU, and one at 15,000 BTU.
Simmer Output
The dual-stack burner allows for precise simmering, with a low output of 340 BTU.
Grill & Griddle Options
Both the grill and griddle use infrared heat for superior performance. The griddle reaches 15,000 BTU, while the grill operates at 16,000 BTU.
French Top Option
The French top lets you cook multiple items at different temperatures simultaneously.
As mentioned earlier, you simply leave the food on the stovetop and let the heat distribution do the work.
Wok Burner
Wolf offers the hottest wok burner on the market, delivering 35,000 BTU - about three times the power of an average gas burner.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔️Industry-leading burner performance with high heat and low simmer control
✔️Infrared grill and griddle for even cooking and superior searing
✔️Powerful 35,000 BTU wok burner, the hottest available
✔️French top for multi-zone cooking
Cons
❌No induction or sous vide options
Most Affordable: Monogram ZGU486NDTSS ($5,400)
Review
Monogram is the premium division of the GE appliance group, now owned by Haier, a Chinese company. However, Monogram is still produced in the U.S.
At $5,400, it’s the most affordable professional 48-inch rangetop available.
Key Features of the Monogram ZGU486NDTSS
Burner Output
Newer brands like Monogram and SKS offer hotter burners, and Monogram delivers with a powerful 23,000 BTU sealed burner.
It also includes two 18,000 BTU burners and two 15,000 BTU burners.
Griddle Option
The griddle is made of stainless steel and aluminum and features an 18,000 BTU burner. Fun fact: griddles can cook just about anything.
If you prefer more burners, Monogram also offers an all-burner version with six total burners instead of a griddle.
Wi-Fi Connectivity & Remote Access
I haven’t talked much about smart features, but Monogram’s SmartHQ platform is the best. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and just about every other smart assistant.
This rangetop is also compatible with Hestan Cue smart pans, which automatically adjust the flame for precise cooking.
(Just don’t lose the sensor on the pan like I did.)
Brass Hardware
Monogram looks good, too, with its brass accents. The brass burners are also a bit more durable than standard ones.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔️Most affordable 48-inch professional rangetop at $5,400
✔️High-powered 23,000 BTU burner for intense heat
✔️Best-in-class SmartHQ platform for Wi-Fi connectivity and remote control
✔️Works with Hestan Cue pans for automatic flame adjustment
✔️Stylish brass accents and durable brass burners
Cons
❌Limited configuration options - what you see is what you get
Easiest to Clean: Miele KMR 1354-3 G CTS ($5,899)
Review
Miele is the largest family-owned appliance manufacturer in Germany, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and reliable products.
Miele’s rangetop stands out for its easy cleaning and powerful griddle and grill options. The grill and griddle even come with covers to help keep them clean.
Overall, it’s a solid all-around rangetop- though it does have a couple of drawbacks.
Key Features of the Miele KMR 1354-3 G CTS
Grill & Griddle Options
The infrared grill delivers 19,000 BTU of power. For comparison, the high-performance sear burners on outdoor Pro Lynx grills are 23,000 BTU, so you can seriously grill on the Miele.
The griddle also uses infrared heat, reaching up to 14,300 BTU.Plenty of power for making breakfast - or really, anything.
8 Burners
Miele is one of the few brands that offers an eight-burner rangetop. The burner grates are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup incredibly easy.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔️Infrared grill and griddle provide strong performance for high-heat cooking
✔️One of the only rangetops with eight burners
✔️Burner grates are dishwasher-safe for effortless cleaning
✔️Comes with grill and griddle covers to help keep the surface clean
Cons
❌The cooktop is the least powerful, with only 19,500 BTUs in the front and 12,500 BTUs in the back
❌Simmering is not as precise, with a low of 1,500 BTUs (compared to 100-500 BTUs in other brands)
❌Limited configuration options - no induction, French top, or sous vide features
Most Popular: Thermador PCG486WD ($$5,549)
Review
Thermador is part of BSH Home Appliances Corporation, a fully owned subsidiary of BSH Bosch. They offer an excellent mix of burners.
Key Features of the Thermador PCG486WD
Star Burner
Thermador’s Star Burner is unique in the industry. It’s larger than a standard round burner, and they claim it distributes heat more evenly.
I’m skeptical. After all, the burner heats the pan, and the pan cooks the food.
However, unlike a conventional round-sealed burner, the Star Burner is raised off the base, making it much easier to clean underneath.
Griddle Option
Thermador’s six-pass, 1,630-watt electric griddle provides even heat for consistent cooking. It can also be converted into a grill with an optional accessory.
Simmer Output
Thermador offers an extra-low simmer at 100 degrees on two of its burners—great for delicate cooking.
Rebates
Thermador’s One-Two-Free rebate program gives you a free dishwasher or range hood with qualifying purchases, making it a solid value.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔️Unique Star Burner design, raised for easier cleaning
✔️Extra-low 100-degree simmer on two burners for precise control
✔️Strong rebate program with free appliances on qualifying purchases
Cons
❌Only one 48-inch rangetop and two 36-inch rangetops available
❌Max burner output is 18,000 BTU, while other brands go higher
❌Electric griddle instead of gas
❌No additional configurations—only available with six burners and a griddle
Most Unique: SKS SKSRT480SIS ($5,999)
Review
Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS) is a highly publicized, heavily marketed upscale brand and a subsidiary of LG.
Korean companies like LG and Samsung are known for their technology-first approach, and this rangetop is no exception. It offers features you won’t find in other brands.
Key Featuresof the SKS SKSRT480SIS
Sous Vide
If you’re a fan of sous vide cooking, SKS is the only rangetop with built-in sous vide capability.
I’ve seen it in action, and it really works well.
Burner Output
SKS includes two 23,000 BTU burners and two 15,000 BTU burners, making it the second most powerful after BlueStar and tied with Monogram.
100 BTU Simmer
One advantage of launching a new brand is borrowing the best ideas from competitors. SKS has done just that with an ultra-low 100 BTU simmer, a feature taken straight from Thermador.
Induction Burners
As much as you may love cooking with gas, you’ll likely use induction more. It delivers higher heat output, a better low simmer, and is incredibly easy to clean.
Griddle
The 18,000 BTU chromium-infused griddle provides excellent heat distribution and is the easiest to clean in the industry.
Warranty
SKS offers the best warranty available—three years parts and labor.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔️Only rangetop with built-in sous vide
✔️Second-most powerful gas burners (23,000 BTU)
✔️100 BTU simmer for precise control
✔️Induction burners provide higher output and better simmering than gas
✔️Chromium-infused griddle for easy cleaning
✔️Best-in-class 3-year parts and labor warranty
Cons
❌No grill option - strange, considering it includes sous vide
❌Limited configurations - only one available option
Most Powerful: BlueStar RGTNB486GV2
Review
BlueStar is an American manufacturing company based in Pennsylvania, known for being the closest thing to a restaurant-style range for home kitchens.
If you want options, BlueStar has more configurations than any other brand, including a double grill, griddle, and French top.
Platinum Series Rangetops
BlueStar offers two rangetops, but the Platinum Series is the most powerful.
- It features a maximum burner output of 25,000 BTU.
- It includes eight burners, plus a removable grill or griddle option for flexibility.
- BlueStar’s burners are designed to deliver direct heat to the pan, reducing heat loss.
The removable griddle/grill cartridge is useful because of the high heat, but it won’t provide the same consistency as an integrated built-in griddle.
For burner configuration, the Platinum Series includes:
- Two 25,000 BTU burners
- Two 22,000 BTU burners
- One 18,000 BTU burner
- Two 15,000 BTU burners
- One simmer burner
This makes it the most powerful rangetop on the market.
RNB Series Rangetops
The RNB Series offers slightly lower output with:
- Two 22,000 BTU burners
- A built-in gas grill, French top, and griddle
One key difference: BlueStar uses open burners instead of sealed burners.
That’s good news and bad news.
- The downside: If you spill, you’ll need to clean underneath the cooktop.
- The upside: You can remove and wash everything in the sink, including burner pans, instead of scrubbing the rangetop like other brands.
Key Features of the BlueStar RGTNB486GV2
Grill & Griddle Options
The grill and griddle are straight gas, not infrared, so you won’t get the same searing power as an infrared system.
They also require more cleanup because infrared burners evaporate most drippings, while gas burners do not.
Color Options
If you want a custom look, BlueStar offers over 1,000 colors and 10 knob and trim options.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔️Highest burner output on the market, with burners up to 25,000 BTU
✔️More configuration options than any other brand
✔️Removable grill and griddle cartridge for flexibility
✔️Easy-to-clean open burners, with removable burner pans that can be washed in the sink
✔️Over 1,000 color choices with multiple knob and trim options
Cons
❌No induction or sous vide options
❌Uses open burners, which require more cleanup under the cooktop
❌Gas grill and griddle lack infrared heating, making them less effective for searing
Quirkiest: Fisher & Paykel CPV3-485GD-N ($4,949)
Review
Fisher & Paykel offers three rangetop configurations:
- Eight burners
- Six burners with a griddle
- Five burners with a larger griddle
Key Features of the Fisher & Paykel CPV3-485GD-N
Burner Output
Fisher & Paykel’s burners are more modern, similar to Monogram and SKS, with 23,500 BTU and 18,500 BTU outputs.
The dual-stack sealed burners allow for extra-low simmering on all burners, with the lowest setting at 140 degrees.
Backlit knobs provide a visual alert if a burner is left on.
Affordability
These rangetops are priced under $5,000 while still delivering strong burner performance.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔️High-output burners (23,500 BTU and 18,500 BTU)
✔️Extra-low simmer on all burners (140 degrees)
✔️Backlit knobs for safety alerts
✔️More affordable than other premium brands
Cons
❌Stainless steel griddle—harder to clean than chromium-infused options like SKS
❌No grill, sous vide, or induction options
Speaking of induction... get ready for your mind to be blown.
Most Stylish: AGA AEL481INRTABSS ($5,999)
Review
Yes, this rangetop is all induction - and it’s beautiful.
The AGA Elise 48-inch rangetop comes in six colors with cruciform knobs. Knobs are standard in Brushed Nickel, with an optional Antique Brass upgrade.
Key Features of the AGA AEL481INRTABSS
Customizable Design
- Available in six finishes
- Optional Antique Brass Handle Stanchions and Knobs (must be specified at ordering)
All Induction Cooking
- Faster heating - two to three times quicker than gas
- Energy-efficient with precise control
- Easy to clean - glass stays cool, preventing splatter buildup
- Minimal ventilation needed - no gas fumes or excess heat
Pros & Cons
Pros
✔️Sleek, stylish design with multiple color options
✔️All-induction cooktop—fast, efficient, and easy to clean
✔️Safer than gas and easier to vent
Cons
❌No grill option
❌Only five cooking zones and no bridge burner, so you can’t use a griddle
❌Induction won’t work during a power outage—unlike gas, you can’t light it with a match
Still, it’s an interesting cooktop.
Rangetop vs. Cooktop: What’s the Difference?
Before choosing a 48-inch rangetop, it's important to understand the difference between cooktops and rangetops.
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different appliances.
A cooktop is the top portion of a standard stove, while a rangetop is the cooking surface of a professional-style range.
Here Are the Key Differences:
Size:
- Cooktops come in 12, 15, 24, 30, and 36-inch sizes, with 30 and 36 inches being the most popular.
- Rangetops are available in 24, 30, 36, 48, and 60-inch widths, with 36 and 48 inches being the most common.
Cooking Options:
- Cooktops only offer burners - no additional built-in features.
- Rangetops can include a built-in grill, griddle, French top, induction zones, and even sous vide capability, depending on the model.
Installation:
- A cooktop is installed into your countertop, with knobs positioned on the top surface.
- A rangetop is installed on top of base cabinets, with knobs positioned on the front panel like a professional range.
- You can install a wall oven beneath a cooktop, but not under a rangetop.
Price:
- Rangetops are typically $1,000 to $3,000 more expensive than comparable cooktops.
Burners & Performance:
- A rangetop will have higher power burners and better simmer control on all burners.
- A cooktop may include one or two high-output burners and a simmer burner, depending on the brand.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are great options, but the right choice depends on your cooking needs:
- Rangetops offer more power, flexibility, and professional-style features but come at a higher cost and require more space.
- Cooktops are less expensive, easier to install, and better suited for kitchens with a wall oven, but they have fewer high-output burners and no specialty cooking options.
Your decision should always be based on how you cook and what features you’ll actually use.
Read More: How to Choose Between a Wall Oven and Cooktop vs. a Range
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Key Features to Consider When Buying a 48-Inch Professional Rangetop
Now that you’ve seen the top 48-inch professional rangetops, let’s break down the key features that matter most when choosing the right one for your kitchen.
Infrared vs. Gas Heat
One of the biggest differences you’ll notice among rangetops is whether they use infrared or gas for the griddle and grill.
- Gas burners spread heat over a wider area.
- Infrared burners provide direct, intense heat, similar to a laser compared to a flashlight.
Why does this matter?
- Faster heating and better searing – Infrared delivers higher temperatures more quickly.
- Easier cleaning – Infrared burners burn off grease and residue.
- More even cooking – No hot or cold spots like traditional gas burners.
If you want consistent high-heat performance, an infrared grill or griddle is worth considering.
Induction vs. Professional Gas Heat
Some professional rangetops now include induction burners, offering a modern alternative to gas.
Why choose induction?
- Faster than gas – Boils water in half the time.
- Better simmer control – Maintains low heat without fluctuations.
- Requires less ventilation – Produces no open flames or gas emissions.
- Safer for families – Induction only activates with metal cookware, so the burner won’t get hot if turned on accidentally.
If you’re open to cutting-edge cooking technology, induction is an efficient, powerful, and safer alternative.
Sous Vide
Sous vide might sound high-tech, but it's actually a precise, foolproof way to cook.
Food is placed in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooked in a temperature-controlled water bath (typically 120-165°F) until it reaches the exact internal temperature.
The result? Perfectly cooked meals every time.
Why sous vide?
- More flavor – Food absorbs seasonings better.
- Tender, restaurant-quality texture – Never overcooked.
- Nutrient retention – Keeps more vitamins and minerals.
- Reheats beautifully – No drying out or loss of moisture.
If you love precision cooking, SKS is the only brand that offers built-in sous vide.
French Top
A French top is a flat, circular cooking surface with one central burner that radiates heat outward, creating multiple temperature zones.
Why choose a French top?
- Cook multiple dishes at once – Sear in the center, simmer on the edges.
- Versatile for different heat levels – No need to adjust burner settings.
- Perfect for sauces, soups, and delicate foods – No direct flame contact.
Unlike a griddle, you cook with pots and pans on a French top rather than placing food directly on the surface.
Final Thoughts on Features
As mentioned earlier, choosing the right rangetop features depends on how you cook.
- If you want high-heat grilling, go infrared.
- If you prefer precision cooking, consider induction or sous vide.
- If you need versatility, a French top might be the best fit.
No matter which features you choose, investing in a 48-inch professional rangetop ensures powerful performance, premium design, and restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen.
Which 48-Inch Rangetop Is Right for You?
There isn’t a single best professional rangetop. It depends on your cooking style and needs. Let’s break it down.
Best Rangetop for Sous Vide and Induction Cooking: SKS
This one is easy.
SKS is the only rangetop that includes built-in sous vide and induction cooking.
Induction is faster than even the 25,000 BTU BlueStar burner and provides better simmer control.
Best Rangetop for Burner Output: BlueStar
If you need raw power, BlueStar’s eight-burner Platinum Series delivers 25,000 BTUs per burner.
For sealed burners, SKS and Monogram offer a maximum output of 23,000 BTUs.
For wok cooking, Wolf’s wok burner reaches 35,000 BTUs, making it the most powerful single burner.
For speed and consistency, AGA’s induction rangetop is faster than any gas burner except Wolf’s 35,000 BTU wok burner.
Best Rangetops for Simmer Output: Thermador, SKS, and Wolf
- Thermador and SKS feature an ultra-low 100 BTU simmer on two burners.
- Wolf maintains consistent simmering across all burners.
- SKS, AGA, and Thermador’s induction models offer even lower, more precise simmering than gas.
Best Rangetop with a Grill: Miele
Miele’s infrared grill is the most powerful at 19,000 BTUs.
Best Rangetop for Frying with a Wok: Wolf
Wolf’s dedicated wok burner delivers an unmatched 35,000 BTUs.
Best Rangetop with a Griddle: Wolf, Fisher & Paykel, and SKS
- Wolf: 15,000 BTU infrared griddle—delivers the highest direct heat.
- Fisher & Paykel: 24,000 BTU griddle—highest total output.
- SKS: 18,000 BTU chromium-infused griddle—easiest to clean.
Best All-Around Rangetop: Wolf
Wolf offers grill, griddle, and French top combinations, with strong burner performance and excellent simmer control.
Best 48-Inch Professional Rangetops: Key Takeaways
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all best rangetop.
Choose the features that best match your cooking style.
- If you want versatility, look at Wolf or SKS.
- If you need power, BlueStar and Wolf’s wok burner are top choices.
- If precise simmering is a priority, Thermador, SKS, and Wolf stand out.
- If you prefer easier maintenance, SKS and Miele are the best options.
Other key considerations:
- Always check for reliable repair service. Some retailers consider the sale final once the purchase is made.
- Ventilation matters. Make sure you have the right setup to handle your rangetop’s heat output.
How to Vent a Rangetop, Pro Range, or Any Other Powerful Cooktop
Proper ventilation is essential for any high-powered rangetop or professional cooktop. There are four key factors to consider when choosing a ventilation system.
(For a more in-depth breakdown, check out our dedicated Ventilation Buying Guide.)
4 Key Factors for Choosing the Best Ventilation
1. CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute)
CFM measures the blower speed or how much air the hood can move per minute.
- For a 48-inch rangetop, you’ll need at least 1,200 CFM for proper ventilation.
- Higher CFM is better for removing smoke, grease, and cooking odors efficiently.
2. Capture Area (Hood Depth)
Many range hoods don’t extend far enough to cover the front burners, which reduces their effectiveness.
- For a high-powered cooktop, choose a hood with a minimum depth of 23 inches to ensure proper coverage.
3. Venting Direction
The direction of your venting affects how efficiently smoke and heat are removed.
- The best venting setup is a duct system that runs straight out or straight back to minimize airflow resistance.
4. Duct Size
The size of the duct impacts how well air is moved out of your kitchen.
- Use a minimum 8- to 10-inch round duct for optimal airflow.
- Avoid narrow ducts or excessive bends, as they reduce efficiency.
A well-designed ventilation system will keep your kitchen air clean, grease-free, and comfortable, even when using high-output burners or a grill.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Ventilation & Range Hoods
Can You Place a Downdraft Behind a Rangetop?
This could be the worst idea for your home.
This is number one on my list of kitchen renovation mistakes to avoid.
A downdraft, even with a maximum CFM of 1200, cannot handle the output of a professional range. It has no capture area.
Then, it reverses gravity and adds an elbow to lessen effective CFM on top of it. Even if your designer is adamant, don't do it.
Ditto with ceiling blowers, over-the-range microwaves, and slide-out hoods.
You want that smoke, grease, and emissions blown out of your house.
Additional Resources
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
