You are probably reading this post because you are a chef/cooking enthusiast or perhaps you have a large family. Either way, you have to prepare big meals for more than a few people.
However, you do not need to buy a professional range for high outputs anymore. Regular ranges have at least one high output burner and many times multiple burners. For example, this Frigidaire Professional range ($1,599) pictured below has a 18,000 BTU burner.
You can buy a professional with all high output burners, but many ranges are available for far less money if you need just one or two burners.
We will look at professional ranges and then the individual products and manufacturers.
Professional style ranges have a commercial look with cooktop and oven controls on the front. Many professional ranges come with a wide array of burner configurations, griddles, grills, and accessories. The Professional range is UL approved and insulated to be placed next to cabinets.
Gas ranges can either have sealed burners or open burners on the cooktop surface.
The majority of professional ranges in the household appliance market have sealed burners meaning that the burner is sealed to the base of the cooktop for easy clean up.
Open burners are more common in commercial settings such as restaurant kitchens because air underneath the burner gives it a very hot flame.
Although many people like the open burner construction for overall heat, you have to clean underneath for spills.
The power of gas ranges is measured in British Thermal Units, more commonly referred to as BTU's. This unit measures the amount of heat for the surface burners.
Total Power: 54,200 BTU
Power Burner: 15,000 BTU
Features:
Wolf is the second largest family owned appliance company in the world. They are known for producing high quality professional cooking products and their signature feature is the red knobs you see in many high-end cooking designs.
Although Wolf has a fantastic simmer, their power burner only has a maximum of 15,000 BTUs.
Total Power: 65,000 BTU
Power Burner: 18,000 BTU
Features:
Viking is an American manufacturer in Greenwood, Mississippi. They are best known for their cooking products. They are the self-proclaimed industry leaders introducing commercial–type appliances into the home. Their products make a statement and have a distinct professional appearance. Viking was recently acquired by Middleby of Ohio, a commercial cooking supplier.
Viking has reconfigured their maximum burners at 18,000. The new range also has a 12,000, 9,000 and 8,000 BTU burner.
As you read this, power is only one consideration to buying a range. Reliability is another, and Viking still has not recovered from their pre-Middleby issues. You should be careful before buying their products.
Total Power: 72,000 BTU
Power Burner: 18,000 BTU
Features:
Thermador is a brand owned by the BSH Corporation, one of the largest appliance manufacturers in Europe. BSH also owns the Bosch and Gaggenau appliance brands.
Thermador is a premium appliance brand with the easily recognized star shaped burner. Their star burner design places more even heat on the cookware.
Thermador periodically runs very good package promotions, so if you are looking for a new kitchen you may want to consider this brand. At time of writing, buy this range and a refrigerator and receive a free dishwasher as well as a hood.
If you are looking for power, then consider this range with all 18,000 BTU burners. Great simmer as well.
Total Output: 69,000
Power Burner: 19,000
Features:
Miele is the largest family owned appliance manufacturer in the world. Pro ranges are new for Miele as they were introduced first in February 2015. They are known for their reliability and are considered the most dependable appliance in the world.
Total Power: 55,000 BTU
Power Burner: 20,000 BTU
Features:
Jenn-Air is part of the Whirlpool Corporation (along with KitchenAid, Maytag, Whirlpool and Amana). The range is affordable at $3,999 with a free dishwasher (like Thermador). It has a sophisticated clock and timer as well as twin convection for more even cooking.
I like the Jenn-Air with a powerful 20,000 BTU output and two 15,000. It drops to a 5,000 after that.
Total Power: 92,000 BTU
Power Burner: 23,000 BTU
Features:
This would be number 1 with 4 volcano like 23,000 BTU burners. Output is the highlight of this range. It is an open burner with no clock or controls.
Total Power: 68,000 BTU
Power Burner: 25,000 BTU
Features:
BlueStar is a bit of an unknown in the industry. Originally, it was the residential Garland range, but faded and are only sold by a few dealers.
All seven of these ranges will be a BTU upgrade to your current range...and then some. However, there are many other reasons to buy a range like simmer and evenness of cooking.
In terms of reliability, Thermador, Miele and Wolf will be your best bet. Jenn-Air is your best value with the free dishwasher with BlueStar being the most powerful.
One last thought: Powerful ranges now abound in the industry. You do not have to spend $5,000 for a high output range.
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about Pro Ranges? Download the Yale Professional Range Buying Guide with BTU ratings on every range, features and detailed profiles of every brand. Well over 125,000 people have read a Yale Guide.
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