There is nothing understated about pro-style ranges, they are bold and stunning appliances that from a centralized culinary center in your kitchen. With heavy cast-iron grates, big bulky knobs and high-BTU burners, the pro-style range has become a dramatic focal point in the kitchen.
When you are thinking of shelling out a pretty penny for a pro range, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.
First, most pro ranges start at 30” in width and go as big as 60” wide. The larger the width, the more burners or other cooktop options, such as a griddle or grill you have available to pick from. And naturally, larger ranges have more oven capacity or sometimes two ovens.
All pro ranges are available in either all-gas or dual fuel gas options. They all have convection cooking, which is fan forced heat to maintain an even temperature in the oven. Their simmer burners can maintain a low temperature output for sauces and soups and their high output burners can vary from 15,000 BTUs to an inferno-like 22,000 BTUs.
While they may all look very similar, pro range features can vary. You can find pro ranges with 6 high-powered burners or pro ranges with only 4 power burners. They will have either large dials or touch screens for setting the oven temperature. You might expect all pro range ovens to be self-cleaning, but that isn’t the case, so make sure you ask. And range warranties also vary depending on the manufacturer.
Top Pro Range Brands.
Jenn-Air Pro Ranges
Jenn-Air is best known for their downdraft ranges and cooktops, which we’ve reviewed in a previous Laura Report. Now they’ve entered the pro range game… With their state of the art controls, Jenn-Air pro ranges have a LCD screen for clock, timer and cooking controls. It also has no shortage of specialty modes, offering pre-programed settings for all kinds of cooking and space for you to program your own recipes. Their griddle is infused with chrome, which is non-porous element so food doesn’t stick as much and makes cleaning easier. Jenn-Air ranges generally have a 1 year limited warranty, as well as 2 to 5 year warranty on certain component parts.
Monogram Pro Ranges
Monogram is the GE professional series offering a variety of products. Their professional ranges allow you to feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen. Monogram’s premium-grade stainless steel and hand-finished edges have a distinctly bold look which adds beauty to any kitchen style. They have strategically positioned LED task lights that provide a functional and theatrical touch. Halogen lighting inside the oven provides a clear view for every rack. The cooktop delivers restaurant-caliber performance with up to 126,000 BTUs of total cooking power and each burner also offers a full spectrum of simmer temperatures. Their reversible burner grates are flat on one side and convert to contoured wok holders when flipped upside down.
Thermador Pro Ranges
Thermador has been cooking up appliances for 100 years now. They’re credited for inventing the first wall oven and cooktop, as well as introducing stainless steel to home appliances. In 1948 they brought their first Pro Range for residential use to the market. Thermador pro ranges are both technologically advanced and visually refined. They offer the ultimate in design flexibility and are available in both 24” and 27” counter depths. When talking about Thermador you can’t not mention their patented Star Burner. The unique shape delivers 56% more coverage with superior flame spread and a reduces cold spots for faster and more even heating. Thermador is also known to have the lowest simmer settings – which is ideal for things like delicate sauces. They offer a limited 1-year warranty on the entire range, parts and labor.
To help celebrate their 100 years in business Thermador just introduced their 60” Pro Grand and Pro Grand Steam Ranges this past summer. This range is ideal for the avid entertainer and is the only range available with a 30” steam and convection combination oven plus a 36” full-size convection oven.
Wolf Pro Range
Wolf is considered to be state of the art in the industry due to its twin convection powered oven and dual stack simmer burners. Wolf pro ranges maintain its simmer temperature more evenly and has twin convection in the main oven for better heat distribution. They are considered to have the most cooking cycles like proofing and dehydrating. The cooktop is available with more combinations like an infrared grill and French top as well as a griddle. Wolf offers a 2 to 5-year warranty.
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