Running a restaurant isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re constantly balancing big-picture decisions with the nitty-gritty details that keep everything running smoothly. Among those critical decisions are one that can shape your kitchen’s efficiency, your team’s workflow, and even your bottom line: choosing the right one: gas vs. electric ranges? It’s not just about preference, it’s about what’s best for your specific needs.
This isn’t a decision to rush. Think about the role your range plays in your kitchen. Every plate of pasta, every pan-seared filet, every fragrant soup that leaves your kitchen starts here. And the type of range you choose can impact everything from how your food tastes to how quickly your team moves during a busy dinner service.
Over the years, we’ve worked with all commercial food businesses, five-star restaurants in Vancouver, bakeries in Montreal, family diners in Halifax, and trendy cafés in Toronto. The one thing they all have in common? They need commercial equipment that works as hard as they do. With that in mind, let’s break down the case for gas and electric ranges so you can make the most informed choice for your business.
Why Your Electric vs Gas Range Choice Matters
Close your eyes for a moment and picture your kitchen. It’s not just a room filled with stainless steel and buzzing appliances, it’s the heartbeat of your restaurant. Every dish, every flavour, and every happy customer starts here. And when it comes to making your decision between gas vs. electric ranges. The type of range you choose can impact how evenly your sauces simmer, how quickly your pasta water boils, and how consistently your steaks sear.
That’s why this isn’t just about choosing the trendiest option or following what other restaurants are doing. It’s about finding the solution that fits your space, your team, and your menu. That’s where we come in. At Canada Food Equipment, we’ve spent more than three decades helping restaurateurs across Canada equip their kitchens with ranges that deliver on performance, durability, and value. Whether you’re outfitting a large commercial kitchen or upgrading your small café, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
The Case for Gas Ranges Over Electric
For many professional chefs, the debate between gas vs. electric ranges has been settled. There’s a reason why gas ranges for restaurants are so popular—they’re powerful, precise, and incredibly reliable. But is gas right for your restaurant? Let’s look at the key benefits.
Why Chefs Prefer About Gas Ranges
- Precision You Can Feel
Gas gives you complete control over your cooking. The ability to adjust the flame instantly means you can go from a rolling boil to a delicate simmer in seconds. This kind of control is essential for fine-tuning your dishes—whether it’s reducing a sauce to perfection or keeping a soup at just the right temperature. - Instant Heat, On Demand
One of the biggest advantages of gas is how quickly it gets to work. There’s no waiting for burners to heat up—it’s ready to go as soon as you ignite the flame. When your kitchen is at full tilt during the lunch rush, that speed can make all the difference. - Handles High-Heat Cooking Like a Pro
Whether you’re wok-frying noodles or searing a perfectly marbled ribeye, gas can easily handle high-heat tasks. It delivers consistent, intense heat that chefs trust for even cooking. - Reliable, Even During Power Outages
In parts of Canada where winters can be unpredictable, power outages aren’t uncommon. Gas ranges don’t rely on electricity, so they can keep your kitchen running even when the lights go out. - Cost Savings Over Time
In cities like Calgary, where natural gas is often cheaper than electricity, gas ranges can be a more cost-effective choice. This is particularly true for kitchens with high-volume cooking needs, where energy costs can add up quickly.
What to Consider Before Choosing Gas
Gas ranges aren’t without their challenges, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons:
- Ventilation is a Must: A gas range requires a proper ventilation system to meet safety standards and keep your kitchen comfortable for your staff. While this adds to the installation costs, it’s a crucial investment for long-term safety.
- More Time for Cleaning: Gas burners and grates are functional but can be a bit of a hassle to clean. If you’re looking for something with less maintenance, electric might be worth considering.
- Higher Initial Costs: High-quality gas ranges tend to cost more upfront, but their durability and performance often make them worth the investment. Plus, at Canada Food Equipment, we offer financing options and a wide selection of used commercial ranges to help you stay within budget.
The Case for Electric Ranges
Commercial electric ranges are becoming increasingly popular, especially in modern kitchens where energy efficiency and simplicity are valued. They’re ideal for establishments like bakeries, cafés, and restaurants focusing on precision cooking.
Benefits of Electric Ranges
- Even Heat Distribution
Electric ranges are perfect for tasks requiring consistent heat, like baking or simmering delicate sauces. - Energy Efficiency
These ranges convert more energy into heat, reducing waste. This is particularly valuable for energy-conscious kitchens. - Easy to Clean
With their smooth, flat surfaces, electric ranges are a breeze to clean—ideal for fast-paced kitchens where every second counts. - Space-Saving Options
Many commercial countertop ranges are electric, making them a great fit for smaller kitchens. - Modern Design and Simplicity
Electric ranges bring a sleek and professional look to your kitchen, complementing other equipment.
Drawbacks of Electric Ranges
Electric ranges aren’t perfect for every kitchen. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Slower Heat Response: Electric burners take longer to heat up and cool down, which can impact cooking speed.
- Dependent on Electricity: If you experience frequent power outages, this could be a limitation.
- Potentially Higher Energy Costs: Depending on your location, electricity might cost more than gas.
Gas vs. Electric: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a quick snapshot to help you decide:
| Feature | Gas Ranges | Electric Ranges |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Control | Instant and precise | Even and steady, but slower to adjust |
| Operating Costs | Lower in areas with cheap natural gas | Lower energy loss but higher electricity costs in some regions |
| Cooking Techniques | Ideal for high-heat methods like stir-frying and searing | Great for baking, slow cooking, and delicate recipes |
| Installation Requirements | Requires gas hookup and ventilation | Simple installation but needs a reliable electrical supply |
| Cleanup | Requires cleaning burners and grates | Smooth, flat surface is easy to clean |
| Power Outage Usability | Operates without electricity | Non-functional during power outages |
Gas vs. Electric Ranges: Which Is Right for Your Restaurant?
Your Menu
Your menu plays a big role in determining the right range. If you’re making stir-fries or grilled dishes, gas is the way to go. On the other hand, bakeries and dessert-focused kitchens often prefer electricity for its even heating.
Location and Utility Costs
Utility costs vary across Canada. For example, natural gas is often cheaper in Calgary, while electricity may be more economical in Montreal.
Budget and Financing
At Canada Food Equipment, we offer flexible options like restaurant equipment financing and a wide selection of refurbished kitchen equipment to help you find the perfect solution without breaking the bank.
Trusted Brands for Every Kitchen
We only stock the best brands to ensure your kitchen performs at its best. Some of our top recommendations include:
- Vulcan: For gas ranges, fryers, and griddles.
- Omcan: Known for versatile equipment like meat grinders and slicers.
- Hobart: A favourite for high-performance mixers and food prep machines.
- Cambro and Rubbermaid: For storage and prep solutions.
Let Us Help You Decide The Best Ranges For Your Kitchen
Choosing between gas and electric ranges is a big decision, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Canada Food Equipment, we’ve been helping restaurant owners across Canada make informed decisions for over 30 years. Whether you’re interested in high-performance gas ranges or the sleek design of electric ranges, we’ve got you covered.
Visit our 150,000 sq. ft. Toronto showroom, or give us a call now. Let’s build a kitchen that works as hard as you do.