Three Tips for Selecting an Electric Range from Middleby

Choosing the right electric range for your commercial kitchen is no small task. As a cornerstone of any foodservice operation, ranges dictate how efficiently your team can cook, how flexible your menu can be, and even the overall atmosphere in your kitchen. The challenge comes with balancing performance, kitchen needs, and long-term investment. To simplify the decision, we previously outlined the considerations for purchasing a restaurant range. Now, it’s time to help operators who are selecting an electric range.

Consider Electrical Standards

Electric ranges are a compelling choice for commercial kitchens, offering superior energy efficiency, safety, and simplified maintenance compared to their gas counterparts. These benefits make them particularly appealing for operations aiming to reduce costs and prioritize sustainability. However, understanding the electrical infrastructure required is crucial before making your decision.

Commercial kitchens must ensure that their electrical systems can handle the demands of high-wattage appliances, which may require upgrading circuits or adding dedicated power lines. Additionally, compliance with local electrical codes is essential for safety and operational reliability. It’s advisable to consult an electrician familiar with commercial kitchen requirements to assess your site’s readiness.

Beyond infrastructure, electric ranges provide operational benefits. They produce less ambient heat, helping maintain a cooler kitchen environment, and their flat surfaces are easier to clean, contributing to improved hygiene and efficiency. Induction models, a subset of electric ranges, stand out for their rapid heating capabilities and precise temperature control, addressing some of the traditional limitations of electric ranges. These features make them a versatile choice for kitchens that require speed without sacrificing energy efficiency.

[Further Learning: Electric Pro Series and Electric Spec Series from Imperial]

Know the Different Types of Electric Range Tops

With an electric range, there can be many ways to configure the cooking surface. Whether it’s a griddle top, hot top, a French plate, or even an induction burner, operators can typically work with manufacturers to configure electric ranges to meet output demands and menu execution.

Griddle Tops: Perfect for cooking pancakes, eggs, or burgers, griddle tops provide consistent heat across a flat surface, streamlining breakfast and brunch menus.

Hot Tops: Ideal for precision cooking, hot tops offer an even heat distribution, making them great for delicate dishes like sauces or custards.

French Plates: Typically found on electric ranges, these plates distribute heat evenly and simplify cleaning, making them a staple for chefs prioritizing efficiency.

Matching the range top to your menu ensures efficiency and better food quality. Consider how your chefs will use the equipment day-to-day.

[Further Learning: Explore Electric Range Top Options from Lang]

Select a Base Configuration 

Beyond the cooking surface, the base of your range can add significant functionality to your kitchen. Do you need storage, baking capabilities, or refrigeration? The right base can help streamline your workflow and maximize space efficiency. Here are some bases to consider when building out your commercial or institutional kitchen.

Standard Ovens: These 26-inch wide ovens accommodate full-size sheet pans and are the go-to choice for most kitchens.

Convection Ovens: These ovens use interior fans to cook food faster and more evenly, making them ideal for high-volume operations.

Space-Saver Ovens: Compact yet capable, these ovens maximize functionality in tight spaces.

Storage Bases: Perfect for holding essential cookware and tools within arm’s reach.

Refrigerated Chef Bases: Keep ingredients close and ready for action with these bases.

A well-chosen base configuration can transform your electric range into a multifunctional powerhouse. Anticipating future needs is a great way to optimize the unit’s lifetime value.

[Further Learning: Explore configurations from Southbend]

Try Before You Buy: Visit a Middleby Test Kitchen

Selecting an electric range doesn’t have to be daunting. By focusing on electrical standards, top configurations, and base options, you can ensure your choice aligns with your operational needs and long-term goals. Middleby’s family of brands, including Imperial, Lang, and Southbend, offers solutions for every type of kitchen.

One final step in selecting the right range is always testing out one unit versus another. That’s why we open our test kitchens across the country, including The Middleby Innovation Kitchens (MIK) in Dallas, Texas. The MIK and our conveniently located kitchens across the country offer hands-on demonstrations with various Middleby electric ranges. Explore the latest models, test different configurations, and get advice from industry professionals to make an informed decision.