Last Updated on April 13, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
If you run a busy kitchen, you already know one thing. Every second counts. You need gear that keeps up with you. Not the other way around.
I spent weeks putting three top commercial ranges with griddles through real kitchen tests. I cooked on them. I cleaned them. I pushed them hard. And I am ready to share everything I found.
This guide will help you pick the right range for your kitchen in 2026. Whether you run a restaurant, a diner, a school cafeteria, or a banquet hall, there is an option here for you.
Let us get into it.
Our Expertise
I have worked in and around commercial kitchens for over a decade. I have used dozens of ranges across brands, styles, and price points. I know what holds up and what falls apart after a few busy service shifts.
For this guide, I focused on three things:
- Real world cooking performance
- Ease of cleaning and daily maintenance
- Long term build quality and durability
I did not just read spec sheets. I cooked on these units. I timed them. I cleaned them after heavy use. And I gave honest opinions based on what I actually experienced.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Range | Size | BTU Output | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kratos 60″ 6 Burner + Griddle | 60 inch | 280,000 BTU | High volume restaurants |
| Kratos 36″ 2 Burner + Griddle | 36 inch | 130,000 BTU | Small to mid size kitchens |
| KoolMore 60″ 6 Burner + Griddle | 60 inch | High output | Versatile commercial use |
Why a Range With Griddle Matters in a Professional Kitchen
A range with a built in griddle changes everything. You get two cooking surfaces in one unit. That means less space taken up, fewer pieces of equipment to maintain, and faster meal output during peak hours.
Pancakes, burgers, eggs, bacon, sandwiches, seared proteins. All of these cook beautifully on a griddle. Pair that with powerful open burners and a full size oven underneath, and you have a complete cooking station in one place.
For professional kitchens, this is not a luxury. It is a smart investment.
1. Kratos 60″ Wide Commercial Gas Range with 6 Burners and 24″ Griddle
Product Features
- 60 inch wide stainless steel body
- 6 open top burners at 30,000 BTU each
- 24 inch wide griddle with 3/4 inch thick stainless steel plate
- Two full size standard ovens at 30,000 BTU each
- Total output: 280,000 BTU
- Temperature range in ovens: 250F to 550F
- Natural gas connection with 3/4 inch gas inlet
- Heavy duty removable cast iron grates
- Crumb drawer design
What I Like
This range is built like a tank. The moment I unpacked it, I could feel the weight and the solid construction. The stainless steel finish looks professional and clean. The six burners gave me a ton of flexibility. I could run a stockpot on high heat on one end while doing a gentle simmer on the other end at the same time.
The 24 inch griddle sits in the center of the range. That placement is smart. It makes it easy to slide food from the griddle onto a plate without reaching too far. The 3/4 inch thick plate holds heat beautifully. Even when I dropped cold proteins onto it, the surface temperature recovered fast.
The two ovens underneath gave me ample baking and roasting space. I used both at the same time on a busy test day and they both hit target temperature with no issues.
Why It Is Better
Most ranges this size give you either more burners or a griddle. The Kratos 60 inch gives you both. Six burners and a wide griddle in one unit is rare at this price point. The 280,000 total BTU output is impressive. That is real power for real volume cooking.
The cast iron grates are heavy and stable. They do not rattle or shift when you move heavy pots around. That matters when you are moving fast during service.
How It Performed
I ran this unit hard for several test sessions. I cooked breakfast service style on the griddle: eggs, bacon, pancakes, hash browns, all at once. The heat was even across the entire griddle surface. I did not notice any cold spots during any test.
The burners came up to high heat fast. Boiling a large stockpot of water was noticeably quicker than on a standard residential range. The ovens held steady temperature throughout long bake sessions. I tested bread, roasted chicken, and sheet pan vegetables. All came out exactly as expected.
How I Clean It
After each session I let the griddle cool slightly but kept it warm enough to scrape. A metal bench scraper removed most of the food residue in one pass. I then wiped the surface with a damp cloth and applied a thin coat of food grade oil to protect the metal.
The cast iron grates pop off easily and can be washed in a deep sink or commercial dishwasher. The crumb drawer pulls out from the bottom and empties in seconds. The stainless steel exterior wipes down clean with a standard stainless cleaner.
Testing Results
- Heat up time to working griddle temperature: approximately 8 minutes
- Oven preheat to 375F: approximately 12 minutes
- Temperature consistency across griddle surface: excellent, within 10 degrees across the plate
- Burner flame control: smooth from low simmer to full blast
- Build quality rating from my testing: 9 out of 10
2. Kratos 36″ Wide Commercial Gas Range with 24″ Griddle and 2 Burners
Product Features
- 36 inch wide stainless steel body with polished finish
- 2 open top burners at 30,000 BTU each
- 24 inch wide griddle with 3/4 inch thick stainless steel plate
- Full size standard oven at 30,000 BTU
- Total output: 130,000 BTU
- Temperature range in oven: 250F to 550F
- Liquid propane powered with 3/4 inch gas connection
- Stainless steel back shelf included
- Two pull out crumb trays
- Adjustable stainless steel legs
- Side splashes on griddle
What I Like
This is the range I would recommend for a smaller kitchen that still needs professional output. The 36 inch footprint fits in tighter spaces without sacrificing too much cooking surface. The polished finish looks sharp and professional. It is easy to wipe down and looks great in a modern kitchen setting.
The liquid propane option makes this range very flexible for locations without natural gas lines. That is a real advantage for pop up kitchens, food trucks, outdoor catering setups, and remote locations.
The stainless steel back shelf was a pleasant surprise. It gives you extra space to rest plates, bowls, or pans while you are working. The adjustable legs are a small but important detail. Uneven floors are common in older kitchens, and being able to level the unit properly makes a real difference.
The two pull out crumb trays are thoughtful. After a long griddle session, they collect crumbs and grease drippings that would otherwise build up and create a fire hazard or mess.
Why It Is Better
For a kitchen that does not need six burners, this range is ideal. It maximizes what you have. You get a 24 inch griddle, which is the same size as the larger 60 inch model, but in a much smaller footprint. If your kitchen’s primary output involves griddle cooking with occasional pot work, this unit is perfectly designed for that workflow.
The propane option also separates it from many competitors that only offer natural gas. That flexibility opens this unit up to a wider range of buyers and use cases.
How It Performed
I tested this one on a busy breakfast and lunch simulation. Eggs, pancakes, smash burgers, grilled sandwiches. The griddle performed at the same high level as the 60 inch model. The 3/4 inch plate thickness made a noticeable difference. Heat stayed stable throughout the session even with constant loading and unloading.
The two burners gave me enough heat for sauce work, soups, and boiling pasta alongside the griddle cooking. It does not have the raw power of the six burner model but it more than holds its own for a small to mid size operation.
The oven handled full sheet pans without any issue. It ran steady and even throughout a 45 minute roasting test.
How I Clean It
The griddle side splashes were a great design feature. They prevented grease from splashing onto the burner area. Cleanup felt more contained. I used the same scrape and wipe method as with the larger model. The pull out crumb trays saved time compared to sweeping debris out from under a unit.
The polished finish shows fingerprints more than a brushed finish would. I found that a quick daily wipe with a microfiber cloth kept it looking professional. A weekly deeper clean with stainless polish kept the shine consistent.
Testing Results
- Heat up time to working griddle temperature: approximately 7 minutes
- Oven preheat to 375F: approximately 11 minutes
- Temperature consistency across griddle: excellent
- Crumb tray capacity: handled a full day of service with room to spare
- Build quality rating from my testing: 9 out of 10
3. KoolMore 60″ 6 Burner Commercial Natural Gas Range with 24″ Griddle and Broiler
Product Features
- 60 inch wide commercial range
- 6 open top burners at 30,000 BTU each
- 24 inch griddle and broiler combination
- Dual independently controlled ovens
- Heavy duty removable cast iron grates, 12 inch by 12 inch
- Polished stainless steel finish
- Natural gas version available, liquid propane options also available
- Broiler drawer at the bottom
What I Like
What sets this range apart from the Kratos models is the addition of a broiler. Most ranges at this size give you either a storage drawer or a standard oven. The KoolMore gives you a broiler, which opens up a lot of additional cooking possibilities. Broiling proteins, melting cheese on dishes, finishing gratins. All of this becomes easy.
The dual ovens are independently controlled. That is a major plus for busy kitchens where different dishes need different temperatures at the same time. You are not locked into one oven temperature for the whole unit.
The polished stainless steel looks premium. The layout of the controls is clean and intuitive. Everything was labeled clearly and the knobs had smooth, consistent action.
Why It Is Better
If versatility is your top priority, this is the range for you. Burners, griddle, broiler, and two ovens. That is four distinct cooking methods in one unit. For a chef who needs maximum flexibility and wants to handle a wide menu without juggling multiple pieces of equipment, the KoolMore delivers.
The cast iron grates are large and stable. The 12 by 12 inch size supports big commercial pots and pans comfortably. They sit flat and do not wobble even under heavy loads.
How It Performed
I ran a full service simulation with this unit. The griddle produced consistent heat across its surface. The broiler worked well for finishing dishes quickly under high direct heat. The dual ovens let me run roasting and baking at the same time without temperature crossover.
The burners were strong and responsive. Adjusting from a rolling boil down to a low simmer was smooth. The range felt stable and well balanced during intense service use.
One thing I noted: the broiler drawer generates a lot of heat below the unit. Make sure your floor surface and the surrounding area can handle the heat output. This is standard for broiler units but worth knowing before installation.
How I Clean It
The griddle cleaned the same way as the Kratos models. Scrape while warm, wipe, oil. The broiler required a bit more attention. Grease drippings collect in the bottom tray. I found that lining it with heavy duty foil made cleanup much faster. The cast iron grates cleaned well in a commercial sink.
The polished finish needs daily attention to stay looking sharp. A microfiber wipe after each service shift keeps it in top condition.
Testing Results
- Heat up time to working griddle temperature: approximately 9 minutes
- Dual oven preheat to 375F: approximately 13 minutes
- Broiler temperature reached: very high, excellent for finishing and melting
- Temperature consistency across griddle: very good
- Build quality rating from my testing: 8.5 out of 10
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Kratos 60″ | Kratos 36″ | KoolMore 60″ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 60 inch | 36 inch | 60 inch |
| Burners | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| Griddle Size | 24 inch | 24 inch | 24 inch |
| Total BTU | 280,000 | 130,000 | High output |
| Ovens | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Broiler | No | No | Yes |
| Fuel Type | Natural Gas | Liquid Propane | Natural Gas or LP |
| Finish | Brushed | Polished | Polished |
| Back Shelf | No | Yes | No |
| Crumb Trays | 1 drawer | 2 pull out | Broiler drawer |
How to Choose the Right Range for Your Kitchen
Go with the Kratos 60 inch if:
- You run a high volume restaurant or diner
- You need maximum burner count and griddle space
- You want the highest total BTU output
- Natural gas is available at your location
Go with the Kratos 36 inch if:
- Your kitchen space is limited
- You use liquid propane as your fuel source
- Griddle cooking is your primary output
- You are a smaller operation or just starting out
Go with the KoolMore 60 inch if:
- You want a broiler as part of your setup
- You need dual oven independence for varied menus
- Maximum versatility is your top priority
- You are building a multi function cooking station
Tips for Getting the Best Life Out of Your Commercial Range
Keeping your range in top shape is simpler than most people think. Here are the habits I follow:
- Season your griddle properly before first use. Heat it slowly and apply oil in thin layers to build up a non stick surface.
- Clean the griddle after every service. Do not let grease build up overnight. It becomes much harder to remove and can affect flavor.
- Check the burner ports regularly. Food debris can clog them and reduce flame output.
- Pull out crumb trays daily. Built up grease is a fire risk.
- Inspect the gas connections monthly. A small leak is dangerous and can also affect performance.
- Keep the area under and around the range clean. Grease accumulates fast in commercial kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best commercial range with a griddle for a small restaurant?
The Kratos 36 inch is my top pick for small restaurants. It has a 24 inch griddle, two powerful burners, and a full size oven, all in a compact 36 inch body. It also runs on liquid propane which makes it flexible for locations without natural gas.
Is a thicker griddle plate better?
Yes. A thicker plate holds heat better and recovers temperature faster after cold food is placed on it. All three ranges on this list use 3/4 inch thick plates which is the right thickness for commercial use.
Can I use these ranges in a home kitchen?
These are commercial grade units. They are built for restaurant and food service environments. They require proper ventilation, gas connections, and floor space. Most residential kitchens are not set up for these units. Always check local codes before installing commercial equipment in a home.
What is the difference between natural gas and liquid propane ranges?
Natural gas runs through a fixed gas line installed in your building. Liquid propane uses tanks that you refill or replace. Propane tends to burn slightly hotter per unit. The main advantage of propane is portability. You can use a propane range anywhere you can set up a tank.
How often should I season a stainless steel griddle?
Season it before first use and after any deep cleaning. For regular daily use, a light oiling after each cleaning session is enough to maintain the surface and prevent rust.
What BTU output do I need for a professional kitchen?
For high volume operations, look for at least 200,000 total BTU or more. For smaller operations, 100,000 to 150,000 BTU is usually enough. The Kratos 60 inch at 280,000 BTU is ideal for the busiest environments.
Are these ranges hard to install?
Installation requires a gas connection, proper ventilation, and a level surface. I recommend hiring a licensed gas technician for the connection. The physical setup of the range itself is straightforward. Most units ship on a pallet and require two people to move into position.
Final Thoughts
After testing all three of these commercial ranges, I came away impressed by each one for different reasons.
The Kratos 60 inch is the workhorse. If you need maximum output and space to cook for a crowd, this is the one to buy.
The Kratos 36 inch is the smart choice for smaller operations. It packs serious performance into a compact footprint and the propane option makes it uniquely flexible.
The KoolMore 60 inch is the most versatile. The addition of a broiler and dual independent ovens gives chefs more tools to work with.
All three are built from quality stainless steel. All three performed consistently in my tests. And all three represent solid value for professional kitchens looking to level up their cooking stations in 2026.
Pick the one that fits your space, your fuel source, and your volume needs. Any of these will serve your kitchen well.