Commercial Stove Sizes
Commercial stove sizes vary to suit kitchens of all types, ranging from compact 24-inch models ideal for food trucks and cafes to expansive 72-inch stoves designed for high-output restaurants. The 36-inch-wide stove remains the industry favorite due to its ample burner space and oven capacity without overwhelming standard cooking lines. Finding the right size for your operation depends on your menu, production volume, and kitchen layout.
Stove Size Chart
| Size | Width | Burners/Oven Bays | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Stove | 24 in. (61 cm) | 4 burners | Food trucks, coffee shops, small kitchens |
| Standard Stove | 36 in. (91 cm) | 6 burners | Mid-size restaurants |
| Large Stove | 48 in. (122 cm) | 8 burners or burner-griddle combo | High-volume restaurants, catering |
| Extra-Large Stove | 60 in. (152 cm) | 10 burners or custom tops | Banquet services, hotels |
| Heavy-Duty Stove | 72 in. (183 cm) | Multiple cook zones | Institutions, industrial kitchens |
Standard Stove Sizes Explained
Compact Stove (24 inches)
At 24 inches wide, these compact models typically provide four open burners with a single 20-inch-wide space saver oven bay or a storage base. They're ideal for food trucks, kiosks, and tight cooklines where space is limited.
Standard Stove (36 inches)
This 36-inch-wide stove layout usually includes six burners and one full-size oven. It balances output and footprint for cafes and mid-size restaurants.
Large Stove (48 inches)
A 48-inch platform commonly features eight burners or a combination of heat sources. For example, you can find models with four burners and a 24-inch griddle or charbroiler with one to two oven bays. Choose this size for broader menus or opt for a specific style when you need to use multiple cooking techniques at once.
Extra-Large Stove (60 inches)
For use in hotels and banquets, 60-inch-wide units are built with up to 10 burners and can feature custom tops (griddle, plancha, broiler) and one to two ovens, depending on its configuration. High-throughput operations benefit from the stove's added space and parallel cooking zones.
Heavy-Duty Stove (72 inches)
Ideal for institutions and industrial kitchens, these 72-inch-wide stoves typically feature reinforced construction, multiple heat zones, and expansive tops for simultaneous cooking tasks. These stoves streamline continuous, high-volume production.
How to Choose the Right Stove Size
- Menu & Volume: Match the stove's width and burner count to your cooking demands; larger menus or multiple chefs benefit from more cooking zones
- Available Space: Measure your kitchen layout, accounting for ventilation, clearance, and surrounding equipment to ensure a proper fit and temperature control
- Utility Type: Remember that gas and electric models may differ in overall size, connection requirements, and ventilation needs
- Future Growth: Plan ahead by selecting a stove that can adapt as your menu or service volume expands over time
Types of Stoves
- Open-Burner Gas Stoves: Provide rapid heat response and precise control; ideal for sautéing and high-heat cooking
- Griddle-Top Stoves: Feature a flat cooking surface for breakfast foods, sandwiches, and all-day menus
- Combination Stoves: Combine burners, griddles, or broilers for flexibility across multiple cooking methods
- Hot Plate Stoves: Compact, portable alternatives to full ranges; great for supplemental cooking or small spaces
Stove Sizes FAQs
What stove size do chefs prefer?
Most chefs prefer a 36-inch commercial stove because it balances burner capacity with available space. It provides plenty of cooking zones for multitasking while fitting comfortably in small- to medium-sized spaces.
What's the most common commercial stove size?
The standard commercial stove size is 36 inches (91 centimeters) wide. This size offers six burners, a single full-size oven, and a versatile design for restaurants, cafes, and catering operations.
What size stove is best for a food truck?
A compact 24-inch-wide stove is ideal for food trucks and concession trailers. It provides four burners in a space-efficient design, leaving room for prep equipment and ventilation systems.
Do gas and electric stoves differ in size?
Gas and electric stoves are generally available in the same widths, but their installation needs vary. Electric models may require additional clearance for wiring, while gas stoves need proper ventilation to remove combustion byproducts and proper gas line access.
How wide is a heavy-duty stove?
Heavy-duty commercial stoves usually measure between 60 and 72 inches wide. These large units include multiple cooking zones or specialty tops, making them useful for hotels, institutions, and high-volume kitchens.
Shop All Stove Sizes at KaTom
KaTom offers a wide range of standard stove dimensions, from compact 24-inch-wide models built for tight spaces to 72-inch heavy-duty units for high-volume service. Whether you're outfitting a small cafe or an institutional kitchen, find the perfect fit for your operation and cooking setup here.
