Southbend Ranges Buyers' Guide
Southbend, a Middleby company, has manufactured high-quality commercial cooking equipment since 1898. Southbend ranges include three series—Platinum, Ultimate, and S-Series—each with multiple sizes and configurations.
Southbend Platinum Series Ranges
The Platinum Series is Southbend’s most durable and versatile line, built for high-volume kitchens that require nonstop performance.
Key Features:
- 100-percent stainless steel construction
- Water-resistant welded control panels
- Porcelain oven interior for easy cleaning and moisture resistance
- Removable doors and welded steel grates
- Standard shelf with risers
Best For: High-volume restaurants and institutional kitchens needing maximum cooking flexibility and long-term durability.
Platinum Series Model Numbers
All platinum model numbers start with "P" and are available in multiple widths, bases, and top configurations.
Widths:
12, 16, 18, 24, 32, 36, and 48 inches
Base Type:
Convection oven (A), cabinet (C), standard oven (D), no base/countertop range (N), refrigeration (R), and TruVection (T)
Top Configuration (Left to Right):
Standard burner (B), charbroiler (C), French top (F), manual griddle (G), induction hob (I), thermostatic griddle (T), graduated hot top (GRAD), hot plate (H), plancha (P), spreader (S), and Pyromax burner (X)
Southbend Ultimate series Ranges
The Ultimate Series delivers power and flexibility, featuring Southbend’s unique stainless steel burner box and a deep, 27-inch cooking surface.
Key Features:
- Stainless steel front with manual gas shutoff
- 27-inch cooking surface with 221/2-inch riser and heavy-duty shelf
- Porcelain oven interior with factory-installed regulator
- Choice of three burner types: non-clog, star/saute, or PyroMax
Best For: Chefs who need varied burner styles and versatile top configurations.
Ultimate Ranges Model Numbers
All ultimate model numbers start with "4" and are available in several widths, bases and configurations.
Widths:
24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 inches
Burner/Grate:
Standard burner with standard grates (1), standard burner with wavy grates (2), star burner with standard grates (3), standard burner with standard grates in front and star burner with standard grates in rear (4), standard burner with standard grates in front and PyroMax burners in rear (5), star burner with standard grates in front and PyroMax burners in rear (6), and PyroMax burners (7)
1st or 2nd Base Type:
Convection oven (A), cabinet (C), standard oven (D), and space saver 24-inch oven (E)
Top Configuration Index:
12-inch width (1), 24-inch width (2), 36-inch width (3), 48-inch width (4), 3 standard/standard in front and 2 PyroMax burners in back (5), 3 star/standard in front with 2 PyroMax burners in back (6), and 4 PyroMax burners (7)
Range Top Feature:
Charbroiler (C), manual griddle (G), raised griddle/broiler (R), and thermostatic griddle (T)
Orientation:
Left (L) or right (R)
Southbend S-Series Ranges
The S-Series is Southbend’s budget-friendly line, delivering dependable performance at a lower cost.
Key Features:
- Snap-action thermostat (175-550°F)
- Stainless steel front rail with polished end caps
- 221/2-inch flue riser with heavy-duty shelf
- Removable, one-piece crumb drawer for easy cleaning
- Enameled oven cavity with heavy-duty burners
Best For: Small to mid-size kitchens needing durability without premium cost.
S-Series Range Model Numbers
All S-series model numbers start with "S" and are available in multiple widths and base types.
Widths:
24, 36, 48, and 60 inches
1st or 2nd Base Type:
Convection oven (A), cabinet (C), standard oven (D), and space-saver 24-inch oven (E)
Top Configuration Index:
12-inch width (1), 24-inch width (2), 36-inch width (3), and 48-inch width (4)
Top Feature:
Manual griddle (G), raised griddle/broiler (R), and thermostatic griddle (T)
Orientation:
Left (L) or right (R)
What is a Southbend S24E Range?
The Southbend S24E is a 24-inch-wide S-Series commercial gas range with a space-saving 24-inch oven base. It’s designed for smaller kitchens needing a reliable, efficient range without the higher cost of Platinum or Ultimate models.
Southbend Range Comparison
| Feature | Platinum Range | Ultimate Range | S-Series Range |
| Price Range | $$$ (Premium) | $$-$$$ (Mid to High) | $ (Entry Level) |
| Best For | High-volume restaurants, hotels, and institutions | Full-service restaurants needing burner variety and flexibility | Cafes, food trucks, and budget-conscious kitchens |
| Available Widths (in.) | 12, 16, 18, 24, 32, 36, 48 |
24, 36, 48, 60, 72 | 24, 36, 48, 60 |
| Stainless Steel Construction | 100 percent | Front, sides, flue, and burner box | Front, sides, and flue riser |
| Open Burners BTU | 35,000 | 33,000 | 28,000 |
| Standard Oven BTU | 45,000 | 45,000 | 35,000 |
| Convection Oven BTU | 45,000 | 35,000 | 35,000 |
| Available Stockpot Burner | Yes | Yes, includes 5-burner top | No |
| Griddle Thickness | 1" | 1⁄2" standard 1" optional |
1⁄2" |
| Available Charbroiler | Yes | Yes | No |
| Available Hot Top | Yes | Yes | No |
| Available French Top | Yes | No | No |
| Available Plancha | Yes | No | No |
| Available TruVection Base | Yes | No | No |
| Available Refrigerated Base | Yes | No | No |
| Front Gas Shutoff Valve | No | Yes | No |
| Battery Spark Ignition | N/C option on oven/standard closed tops |
Standard on ovens | N/A |
| Service First Availability | Yes | Yes | No |
Service First is Middleby Corporation's parts and label warranty program. All Platinum products and Ultimate ranges qualify, while S-Series ranges do not.
Need help choosing? Contact our foodservice specialists for recommendations.
Is Southbend a Good Brand?
Southbend manufactures everything in-house in North Carolina, from raw sheet to finished unit" Southbend Vice President of Sales and Marketing told KaTom. "This makes us fast, flexible, and fully in control of quality."
Southbend, one of the leading names in commercial cooking equipment, offers products known for the following features:
- Durability: Stainless steel construction and high-BTU burners built for heavy use
- Flexibility: Multiple series (Platinum, Ultimate, S-Series) designed to fit different budgets, kitchen sizes, and menu outputs
- Innovation: Features like TruVection bases, PyroMax burners, and refrigerated bases are unique to Southbend
- Support: Platinum and Ultimate series are backed by Middleby’s Service First warranty program
Shop Top Reviewed Southbend Stoves
Southbend S24E
Southbend H436D-3G
