Professional Ranges For A Kitchen Remodel

By Author: Hall Robinson
Total Articles: 147
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Undertaking a kitchen remodel requires a great deal of planning and choosing the right appliance is key. If you desire a high end kitchen then a professional range can be the centerpiece, so much thought should go into it. You will want an appliance with features and styling desired by chefs and cooks in top restaurants. When looking for professional ranges, here are a few options to keep in mind.

Fuel Type

This seems obvious at first but you must consider whether you want a gas or electric range. This is dependent of course upon what utility services are available to you. Most professional ranges are gas fueled but electric ones are also available. If you like both versions a duel fuel professional range may be the best option.

Appearance

Standard ranges are 30 inches wide but a professional ranges can be up to 48 inches wide. Consider in your remodel what size range you will need, six burners rather than four or two ovens rather than one, and design your kitchen appropriately. To make things easier choose a manufacturer that makes a variety of sizes, giving you flexibility should you change your ...
... mind. As for color, while white and black are commonly available finishes the general consensus is that stainless steel gives appliances a professional look. Many manufacturers make ranges only in this finish.

Ease of Controls

This is difficult to judge without trying one out but professional ranges should have easy to use, highly visible burner knobs. Professional ranges will indicate, usually with a light, which burners are currently on. Having a dynamic range of flame settings allows one more heat control, from a gentle simmer to a rolling boil. A well placed oven display will help you make sure your oven is up to the proper cooking temperature. Make sure that such a display is angled properly so that you will not have to bend down each time you check the oven temperature.

Ease of Use

A professional range should have small extras that make cooking easier. Safety features such as illuminated burner knobs and automatically relighting flames are a bonus. Continuous burner grates allow for easy movement of pans off of and onto a burner as needed. Having the option to insert a griddle or a wok holder in place of a burner grate allows you to increase your cooking repertoire. Consider ease of cleanup when looking at ranges, and look for a range that has removable burners and an easy to clean catch pan beneath. As for the oven a large window and built in probe thermometer are bonus features that allow a cook to keep an eye on cooking without opening the oven. Finally, convection ovens are an important part of a professional range and allow for even cooking and more predictable cooking times.

Choosing the right professional range almost always comes down to the manufacturer. While many manufacturers create the look of a professional kitchen appliance that does not mean the appliance is up to professional standards. Make sure to choose a manufacturer with a history of and dedication to making appliances for the professional cook.

Rachael Sluder is a full-time mom and a part-time caterer. For more information on professional ranges, visit Dacor.com.