Prostyle ranges have become something of a trend in the last few years. We’re talking about professional or industrial style stoves similar to those that you’d find in a catering kitchen or restaurant.
Is a pro-style range worth the money?
These are bigger in size than your average stove and usually have at least five or six burners, and even options for stovetop griddles and grills.
Pro-style ranges usually measure in size from 30 inches to 60 inches, and they’re generally designed to be more robust and withstand heavier use.
However, these ranges don’t come cheap and can cost anywhere between $3,500, to upwards of $20,000. Therefore, it’s understandable if you find yourself wondering whether or not they’re really worth it.
Let’s break down some of the good points:
Benefits of pro-style ranges
- 6 burners featuring high power 18,000 BTU and low power 6,000 BTU German made single-stack burners, 10,000 BTU broiler burner, 22,000 BTU oven burner
- Easy to clean black porcelain drip pan
- Extra-large 5.5 cu. ft. oven capacity. Extra-large oven window provides better visibility and allows better monitoring so oven temperatures can be kept steady without opening the door
More cooking space
If you’re part of a big family, you’ll know how frustrating it is when people are trying to cook several dishes at the same time, or if you’re trying to prepare a big meal for family and friends and you simply do not have enough burners to accommodate everything.
This can result in you having to stick to strict shifts and time management, and even then, it’s likely something will end up going cold.
Pro-style ranges have extra burners – usually double the amount of a normal range – so you’ll have plenty of space.
Better durability
Pro-style ranges are designed to last for years to come, and they’re built to a high standard to endure frequent, heavy usage.
So if you’re someone who cooks a lot, a pro range won’t be subject to the same wear and tear that a regular range would be.
They’re a lot sturdier, stronger, and are generally less flimsy.
Gives your kitchen a focal point
While some people won’t like the cold, industrial look of a pro-style range, others will love this aesthetic. Plus, they look great installed atop a kitchen island and can make a great focal point for your kitchen.
If you have a kitchen island you’d like to make better use of, a pro-style range is a great way to do so.
Adding a broad hood over the range will also add to the aesthetic value, and if you’re somebody who loves to cook, it’s surely only right that your range is the focal point of your kitchen.
Save space with a range top
If you’re worried that you don’t have the space for a full-sized, pro-style range, why not consider a range top instead? This way, you can reap the benefits of a pro-style range while also saving additional cabinet space below.
Drawbacks of a pro-style range
The price
Let’s face it, this is the main reason why you’re uncertain about whether or not a pro-style range is for you, and these ranges definitely don’t come cheap.
It’s one thing installing a pro-style range in a restaurant or professional kitchen, but if you’re installing one in your home, you need to have the spare cash – and space – in order to afford one.
They’re bulky
Like we said previously, pro-style ranges are designed to be more robust and durable than your average range, and so while their hardiness is a positive for some, the size of these ranges is not for everyone.
If you have a small kitchen, a pro-style range is going to take up a big proportion of that kitchen space, and it’ll probably look out of place in there too.
You have to ask yourself whether you have the space – and the need – for such a big range.
The aesthetic isn’t for everyone
While some of us love that industrial aesthetic, the coldness of a huge, pro-style range isn’t for everyone, and these ranges are built more for practicality and durability than they are for style and design.
For some people who love the minimalist decor, this is likely to be a selling point, whereas others who like a little more character or flare are probably not going to be too keen on the aggressively plain nature of a pro-style range.
Final Verdict
As you can see from the pros and cons we went through above, one point will be a benefit for one person, and a drawback for another – it really does depend on your space, the amount of money you’re willing to spend, and what you’re looking for in a range.
Pro ranges aren’t for everyone, they’re large, super durable, and pretty plain in appearance, and while these are all selling points for some.
The expensive price tag that comes with these appliances means that you should think carefully about whether you really need a pro-style range.
If you have a big kitchen and a big family to cook for – it’s likely that you’ll get a lot of use out of a pro-style range for many years to come. Otherwise, you might be better off with a regular, but high-quality, range.
