There’s a reason professional chefs are notoriously picky about their kitchen setups. They know that the right tools can mean the difference between an average meal and a culinary masterpiece. And more often than not, when it comes to home kitchens, pros are choosing rangetops over standard cooktops. So why?
It all comes down to power, precision, and the premium experience these appliances deliver. Learn why professional culinarians prefer to cook like a pro on a rangetop over traditional cooktops as our experts compare the two in this all-in comparison.
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Shop RangetopsExplaining the Difference Between a Rangetop and Cooktop
Before diving into why pros love rangetops, let’s clear up a common point of confusion: what is the difference between a cooktop and a rangetop? Even seasoned home cooks sometimes mix up the terminology, but there are some important distinctions.
Before we explore the difference between cooktop and rangetop, let’s touch on how both options are different from traditional ranges. First, a traditional range or stove is a freestanding unit that combines a cooking surface with an oven. It’s a one-piece solution that’s easy to install and perfect for basic cooking needs.
On the other hand, a cooktop is a drop-in appliance. It mounts directly into a countertop and features all controls on the cooking surface itself. Sleek and streamlined, cooktops are ideal for minimalist kitchen designs.
So, what is a range top, then? A rangetop is essentially the cooktop component of a pro-style range, designed to slide into cabinetry. The key difference is that rangetops feature control knobs on the front panel (or “apron”) rather than on the surface, mimicking the feel of commercial ranges. These front-facing control makes a big difference when it comes to the function and feel while cooking.
In terms of rangetop cooktop price, rangetops tend to cost more than cooktops, but are generally comparable to premium ranges. Their higher price come with commercial-grade construction and features, factors that make these pro style appliances ideal for serious cooking.
Learn More: Thermador Range Debate: Is Induction the New Gas?
3 Reasons Pros Choose Rangetops
When it comes to building a chef-worthy kitchen at home, many professional cooks bypass traditional ranges and cooktops in favor of a rangetop. Why? Because rangetops offer a unique blend of commercial-grade power, ergonomic design, and bold aesthetics that align with the performance and precision they’re used to in professional kitchens. From premium burner configurations to thoughtful control placement, there are a few clear reasons why seasoned chefs consistently choose rangetops over cooktops.
More Commercial-Grade Features
When it comes to professional cooking appliances, chefs naturally gravitate toward tools that mirror what they use in commercial kitchens. Most rangetops are produced by high-end brands like Wolf, Thermador, and Monogram, and they come equipped with performance-driven features that go far beyond the basics.
These include dual-stacked brass burners, which allow for both ultra-high heat and precise simmering. BTU output is usually much higher than what’s available on a standard range, making it perfect for high-heat searing, rapid boiling, and stir-frying.
Want versatility? Many models offer custom configurations, such as a built-in rangetop with griddle, charbroiler, or French top. The all-grate design also makes it easy to move pots and pans across burners without lifting. If you want to truly compare kitchen appliances, you’ll find rangetops far outshine cooktops in this department. In the debate of rangetops vs cooktops, these is often the clinchers for serious cooks.
Front Controls
Front-facing knobs may seem like a small detail, but they play a major role in both safety and usability. In a bustling restaurant kitchen, no one would dream of reaching across a live flame to adjust the heat. That’s why range tops are designed with ergonomics in mind, placing the controls right where they’re needed.
For home chefs who use their appliances daily, this configuration eliminates unnecessary strain and reduces the risk of burns. Whether you’re using a gas rangetop or an electric rangetop, having intuitive, front-mounted controls simply makes the cooking process smoother and safer.
The Aesthetics
Let’s not ignore the style factor. A rangetop delivers the bold, built-in look of a high-end commercial kitchen without the bulk of a full-size range. It’s a visual upgrade that instantly signals: “A serious cook lives here.”
Since they slide into place like a professional unit, rangetops blend beautifully with custom cabinetry and upscale finishes. For those looking to maximize lower cabinet space, they offer the power and design of a full-size range while keeping the footprint manageable. And because the cooking zone is pulled forward, rangetops keep the chef closer to the action, a small detail that makes both a visual and practical impact.
Learn More: Tips for Matching a Rangehood with Your Cooktop
Selecting the Best Rangetop Fuel Source
One of the key decisions in choosing the right rangetop is selecting the best fuel type for your cooking style. Each one has unique benefits, so here’s how to decide.
Gas Rangetops
Gas is the traditional favorite for many chefs and remains the gold standard in pro style appliances. Known for their rapid response and visual flame control, gas range tops deliver instant heat and professional-level output. With models offering up to 20,000 BTUs per burner, there’s no shortage of power.
This makes them perfect for searing steaks, stir-frying, and handling large pots of boiling water. However, they do require an active gas line, and their open flame means slightly more maintenance and safety considerations. For the experienced home cook who wants that commercial kitchen feel, a gas rangetop is hard to beat.
Induction Rangetops
Newer to the scene, induction rangetops offer unmatched speed and precision. Induction rangetop models use magnetic energy to directly heat cookware, meaning there’s virtually no wasted heat, and temperature adjustments are instantaneous. Bonus: the surface stays cool to the touch, reducing the chance of burns or fire and allowing users to clean messes on the spot.
They’re also energy-efficient (three times more efficient than gas) and easier to clean since spills don’t burn onto the surface. Still, for those looking for a restaurant-style experience, induction may lack the “drama” of a gas flame. And while high-end brands like Thermador are beginning to offer more induction rangetop options, these models are typically more expensive than their gas counterparts.
Electric Rangetops
Electric rangetops are by far the least popular and common fuel type, but that doesn’t mean they don’t serve a purpose. If you’re not interested in adding a gas line and don’t want to shell out the premium cost of an induction rangetop, electric models are the next best thing. The heat output won’t be as much as gas or as efficient as induction, but these are still premium appliances, and that means they offer considerable features and designs that are clearly distinct from electric cooktops.
Learn More: The Pros and Cons of Café Ranges
Explore Rangetops Recommended by Pros
For the visual learners, here’s a closer look at some of the best rangetops on the market. Follow along as our experts cover the features and designs that make each one of our picks worth considering.
Wolf 48” Pro Style Natural Gas Rangetop
This Wolf rangetop instantly adds luxury style to your kitchen, thanks to its signature red knobs. In terms of cooking power, you’ll enjoy dual-stacked, sealed surface burners for searing, boiling, or sauteing. An infrared griddle provides versatility, while flame recognition and automatic reignition provide a safer cooking experience. The porcelain-coasted cast iron continuous grates make it easy to move pots and pans across the surface as you cook up unique culinary creations.
Thermador Professional 36” Stainless Steel Natural Gas Rangetop
This Thermador rangetop is one of the most powerful on the market when it comes to heat output. The secret is the Star Burners, which are designed to deliver superior heat for any size pan. Having these specialty burners at the ready means expertly simmering delicate sauces with two exclusive ExtraLow Simmer burners. This rangetop showcases a bold design with practical, easy-to-clean components. That way, you can cook up a feast without excessive cleanup.
Café 36” Stainless Steel Gas Rangetop
This 36” Café rangetop is available in three chic finishes: Stainless Steel, Matte White, and Matte Black. It features six burners, including two griddle burners, two high-heat burners, and a multi-ring burner. The industry-exclusive Inspiral burner swirls the cooktop flame under cookware for more even heat distribution. We love the versatility of this cooktop, which empowers you to create delicate dishes or cook with high heat.
⭐Featured Cafe CGU366P2TS1 Review:
“We fell in love with the design and we have loved it every day since we got it. The amount of burners fits our lifestyle of cooking and the style meshes well with our chefs kitchen theme we are going for.”
Bertazzoni Master Series 36” Stainless Steel Induction Rangetop
Here’s our top induction recommendation! The 36” cooking surface features five induction zones that are spaced out to accommodate cookware of all sizes. The glass digital display allows you to control each cooking zone, and the bridge function enables you to use the right side of the cooktop for extra-large cookware. Made with the fine Italian craftsmanship Bertazzoni is known for, this induction rangetop is the perfect merge of traditional design and new-age convenience that’s worthy of being called luxury.
Monogram Statement Collection 48” Stainless Steel Natural Gas Rangetop
For a larger cooking surface (and luxury style), we recommend this 48” natural gas rangetop from the Monogram Statement Collection. At first glance, the solid brass blades on the knobs and brass accents on the burners catch your eye, while ring-lit knobs make it easy to tell when a burner is in use. For added versatility, utilize the built-in griddle for Sunday morning pancakes and Friday night stir fry. With a max of 23K BTUs of heat output, this is a serious cooking appliance that brings the power of restaurant cooking into the home.
Viking Professional 5 Series 36” Stainless Steel Natural Gas Rangetop
Another gas rangetop option, this Viking Professional 36” rangetop is powerful and precise. It features an exclusive burner system, the VSH (VariSimmer-to-High) ProSealed burner system with up to 18.5K BTUs of heat. It also comes with a griddle/simmer plate for nonstick cooking. Crafted with touches the BlackChrome metal knobs and SoftLit LED lighting, this setup brings the style to the kitchen along with the heat.
The cooking appliance landscape is full of exciting innovations, including rangetops for serious home chefs. If you’re ready to take your cooking game to pro level, these are the perfect place to start, and FBS Appliance is happy to help you take the first step. From our top picks to a full catalog of premium rangetops, we’re the area’s #1 selection for luxury appliances that add the spark to dinnertime you’ve been looking for.
Why Trust FBS?
FBS Appliance, formerly known as Factory Builder Stores, was formally established in 1988 and is proudly locally owned and operated. It stands as the largest contract distributor in Texas with nine showrooms spanning Austin, College Station, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine, and Houston areas. Our extensive inventory features over 40 different name-brand appliances, including premium refrigerators, professional-grade ranges, energy-efficient dishwashers, stylish wall ovens, versatile cooktops, powerful ventilation systems, compact microwaves, and innovative laundry equipment.
Built on a foundation of repeat business, we combine competitive pricing with expert knowledge and a commitment to industry excellence through partnerships with NKBA, ASID, IDS, and HBA organizations. From concept to completion, our professional team goes above and beyond to get it right the first time, making us the ultimate destination for all your appliance needs.
Shop Rangetops at FBS Appliance
At FBS Appliance, we are dedicated to providing the ultimate appliance sales experience. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen or outfitting a new home, our expert team is here to guide you through the process, offering personalized recommendations. Give us a call to learn more about rangetop models or visit one of our Texas showrooms today!
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