What to Know About Professional Style Ranges

Even the best home cooks in the world are only as good as their tools, and most will tell you that the buck stops with a high-quality oven and range. Until the 1980s, home cooks were somewhat limited in their choices of oven ranges, but the introduction of professional, restaurant kitchen-grade ovens changed all that. While the first generation of pro-grade ranges were rather imposing and even prone to safety hazards, today’s professional-style ranges are able to offer professional performance in a more compact and functional package.

Prospective buyers may be initially inundated with details and considerations when embarking on the quest to find the right professional-style range for their kitchen. If this appliance is something that you are looking to move off your wish list and into reality, then keep reading to discover what you need to know about professional-style ranges.

Pro Range FAQ

What are the size options?

Professional-style ranges typically come in widths of 30, 36, 48, and 60 inches. The wider the range, the more options a customer has in terms of burner style and placement, including grills and griddles.

How much do pro-style ranges cost?

The price range of professional-style models can vary considerably, depending on the size, features, and heat source (gas versus electric). Prices can range from under $4,000 to over $20,000. The more complex the appliance, the higher the price tag.

Are there warranties?

Most ranges will come with a standard limited warranty. While these appliances are remarkably sturdy and reliable, there is always the chance that something could malfunction. For this reason, most manufacturers offer an extended warranty that homeowners may want to strongly consider.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

There are a number of things that homeowners should consider before buying and installing a professional-style range. Here are some items that should be considered before finalizing your purchase.

Check the ventilation

If you are upgrading from a standard oven range to a pro-style model, your ventilation may need to be upgraded as well. Higher BTU burners mean more heat, fumes, and smoke. Widening the current range vent and/or upgrading the cubic feet per minute of the vent fan may be necessary to counterbalance the increased heating power of these appliances.

Verify supply line accessibility

When making a simple switch from a standard gas oven to a gas pro-style model, you may not need to make any major adjustments. However, always consult a professional, as the width of gas lines required by a pro model may differ than what is currently installed.

If you are switching from electric to a gas model, then the proper gas connections will need to be installed. In addition, a pro-style range that includes a steaming chamber will require a dedicated water line.

Plan for delivery and installation

The entryway width of a typical American home is approximately 36 inches. If you are planning to purchase a very wide unit, it will be important to consider just how the delivery people will get the appliance into your residence. Also, keep in mind that some units can weigh almost a half ton, so be ready for a multi-person team to be involved in the installation. Floor joists underneath the unit may need to be reinforced to handle the increased load.

Take it for a test drive

The nice thing about investing in an oven range that costs more than a compact car is that the dealers typically let you test these units in the store. If there are certain cooking actions you practice often and hold in high regard, this offers a great opportunity to field test the perfect range for you before making the significant investment.

No matter what style range your home has, it is possible you will need to call in a range repair professional at some point. Once your appliance is past it’s warranty, keep Diamond Appliance on speed dial. We are the greater Kansas City area’s preferred provider of expert stove repair services. Give us a call today to get started.