Choosing between gas and electric ranges is one of the most important equipment decisions a commercial kitchen will make. The type of range you install influences how efficiently your team works, the quality of your menu items, and even your long-term operating costs.
In foodservice, where margins can be tight and consistency is everything, selecting the right range can mean the difference between smooth service and constant kitchen challenges.
Celco, a leading supplier of commercial cooking equipment in Canada for decades, recognizes that each kitchen is unique.
That’s why we offer a broad lineup of Celco cooking equipment in both gas and electric models, giving operators the flexibility to choose the solution that best matches their cooking style, menu, and operational environment.
Why the Right Range Matters in a Commercial Kitchen
Your cooking range is one of the hardest-working pieces of equipment in your kitchen. It’s the heart of daily operations, where sauces are simmered, proteins are seared, and baked goods are finished to perfection. Choosing the right type of range affects:
- Consistency – The ability to reproduce menu items with the same quality every time.
- Speed – How quickly you can bring items to temperature or respond to busy service periods.
- Energy Use – Your monthly operating costs and environmental footprint.
- Menu Execution – Certain cooking styles require specific heat control or distribution.
In short, your range must work for you, not against you.
Gas vs Electric: What’s the Difference?
Both gas and electric ranges are common in professional kitchens, but each offers distinct benefits and trade-offs.
| Features | Gas Range | Electric Range |
| Heat Control | Instant heat adjustments, high BTU output ideal for searing, stir-fry, and quick boils | Consistent, even heat that’s perfect for baking, slow cooking, and maintaining steady temperatures |
| Energy Efficiency | Some heat lost to the kitchen environment | More efficient, less ambient heat loss |
| Installation | Requires a gas hookup, possible permits, and strong ventilation | Requires adequate electrical connection, generally simpler install |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | Open burners and grates require more detailed cleaning | Smooth-top or coil styles easier to clean and maintain |
| Operating Costs | May be lower if natural gas prices are favorable | May be lower if electricity rates are competitive |
Both gas and electric ranges have distinct strengths that can shape how your kitchen operates day to day. The best choice depends on your cooking style, menu requirements, and operational priorities. By understanding these differences, you can narrow your options and invest in equipment that supports consistent quality and efficient service.
Matching Your Menu to the Right Equipment
Your menu should be the first guide in deciding between gas vs electric ranges. Different cooking styles and production demands will naturally suit one type over the other.
Gas ranges excel when quick, high-intensity heat is a priority. They’re ideal for:
- High-heat cooking, such as stir-frying, searing steaks, or rapidly boiling liquids.
- Precise visual flame control, allowing chefs to adjust heat instantly by sight and feel.
- Busy service periods, where fast temperature recovery keeps orders moving.
Electric ranges perform best when consistency is key. They’re suited for:
- Baking and pastries, where even steady heat is essential for bread, cakes, and desserts.
- Gentle cooking tasks like holding soups or sauces without the risk of scorching.
- Tighter kitchen spaces, such as those with smooth-top or coil designs, can be easier to install and clean.
In practice, this means:
- A steakhouse or Asian restaurant often favors gas for its responsiveness and ability to handle intense heat.
- A bakery or dessert café benefits from the uniform heat profile of electric ovens.
- Food trucks may choose electric for simpler hookups to generators.
- Cafés and small catering operations often select compact electric units for light cooking needs.
Operational Considerations for Canadian Kitchens
Beyond menu needs, there are other factors every operator should evaluate before deciding:
1. Availability of Utilities
Is natural gas service available in your building? In some locations, electricity may be the only viable option.
2. Ventilation Requirements
Gas ranges require robust ventilation systems to meet fire and building codes. Electric ranges may have more flexible installation options, but still require proper exhaust for safety.
3. Energy Costs
Utility rates vary across provinces. Compare the cost per BTU of gas versus the kilowatt-hour rate for electricity to determine potential savings.
4. Compliance and Food Safety
Kitchens in Canada must meet local safety and health codes. Celco’s Resources & Product Guides can help ensure your installation meets both operational needs and legal requirements.
Celco’s Gas and Electric Cooking Equipment
Celco supplies a wide selection of commercial kitchen equipment that Canadian operators rely on every day. Their Celco cooking equipment range includes:
- Gas Ranges: High-BTU burners for speed and versatility, available in multiple configurations.
- Electric Ranges: Precision-controlled ovens and cooktops are ideal for consistent heat applications.
- Combination Units: Gas tops with electric ovens for kitchens that want the best of both worlds.
All Celco equipment is designed for durability, ease of cleaning, and compliance with Canadian foodservice standards.
You can also review Celco’s blog on Selecting the Right Commercial Cooking Equipment for Your Business’s Success for additional guidance.
Making the Right Choice: A Step-by-Step Approach
To narrow down your options:
- Assess Your Menu – Identify dishes that require precise heat control versus those that benefit from steady temperatures.
- Evaluate Your Space – Check utility hookups, ventilation capacity, and available square footage.
- Compare Long-Term Costs – Factor in not only energy rates but also potential maintenance expenses.
- Consider Staff Workflow – Choose a setup that supports speed and efficiency during peak hours.
- Consult Experts – Reach out to Celco for tailored recommendations.
Choose Your Ideal Range with Celco Today
When comparing gas vs electric ranges, there’s no universal “best” option, only the one that best matches your menu, energy availability, and kitchen setup.
Gas delivers quick, responsive heat ideal for high-volume, high-heat cooking, while electric offers consistent, even temperatures for baking and steady cooking.
By working with Celco, you gain access to commercial cooking equipment designed for reliability, compliance, and the realities of running a Canadian kitchen. Explore Celco cooking equipment today and get expert help selecting the range that will keep your menu performing at its best.