Southbend Ranges Buyers' Guide
Southbend, a Middleby company, has manufactured high-quality commercial cooking equipment since 1898 and is headquartered in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. Southbend ranges include three series – Platinum, Ultimate, and S-Series – and these ranges are available in several configurations for operators to choose from.
Southbend Ranges: Platinum, Ultimate, & S-Series
The Southbend Platinum series is designed to withstand the frequent use many commercial kitchens require. These ranges feature a stainless steel exterior with water-resistant welded control panels and a durable, fully porcelain interior that resists damage from external moisture. Platinum ranges have removable doors, welded steel grates, and a shelf standard with risers.
Platinum Series Model Numbers
- P: Platinum Series Range
- 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 ranges are manufactured with a stainless steel burner box and front manual gas shutoff. Ultimate ranges include a 27-inch-deep cooking surface and standard 22.5-inch flue riser with a heavy-duty shelf. These units feature a factory-installed regulator and porcelain interior. The Ultimate series gives operators the choice between three types of burners – non-clog, star/saute, and PyroMax.
Ultimate Ranges Model Numbers
- 4: Ultimate Range
- 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)
- Top Feature: Charbroiler (C), manual griddle (G), raised griddle/broiler (R), and thermostatic griddle (T)
- Orientation: Left (L) or right (R)
The Southbend S-Series range contains a highly efficient snap-action thermostat that can be adjusted from 175 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. This range features a stainless steel front rail with closed, welded, and polished end caps, and these units have a 22.5-inch flue riser with a heavy-duty shelf and removable one-piece crumb drawer. The S-Series also has an enameled oven cavity and heavy-duty burner.
S-Series Range Model Numbers
- S: S-Series Range
- 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)
Choosing a Southbend Range
| Southbend Range Comparison | Platinum Range | Ultimate Range | S-Series Range |
| Footprints Available (in inches) | 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 Base BTU | 45,000 | 45,000 | 35,000 |
| Convection Base 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. Certain equipment qualifies for the Service First benefits, including all Platinum products and Ultimate ranges. S-Series ranges do not qualify for Service First.
