Cooking stoves can make a huge difference to the meals we prepare. Watching cooking shows has brought a lot of awareness to the public.
Stoves are all about consistency and performance. If you wish to cook like a pro, you must have all the gadgets a pro uses.
Let me treat you to some delicious explorations of the chef’s world and tell you what stovetop they use. I will also share some insights into what they look for and why.
So grab your apron and let us dive right in.
What Stoves Do Chefs Use at Home? Key Takeaway!
According to the Propane Education and Research Council, 96% of professionals prefer cooking with gas stoves.
Induction cooktops have also been gaining popularity among professional chefs, however, most still prefer gas stoves. Not surprisingly, electric stoves are not preferred by most.
Professional chefs typically prefer these stoves as they offer high performance, precise heat control, and versatility to handle various cooking styles.
Many chefs opt for pro-style ranges that feature heavy cast-iron grates, high-Btu burners, and beefy knobs and handles for an overall improved cooking experience.
One popular option among chefs is the Thermador Pro Grand Steam, which offers seven distinct cooking options and has even been praised by legendary TV chef Julia Child.
Induction cooktops have gained popularity in recent years due to their energy efficiency and quicker cooking times.
Many chefs prefer induction stoves as they are sustainable and environment-friendly.
One example is John Horne, an executive chef at Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants in Toronto. His house came with a gas stove. He swapped it with an induction stove within weeks.
He loves the induction stovetop for the speed, and the safety it brings to his children as the surface remains cool to touch during cooking.
Below is a table that I have compiled through different sources that shows the chef’s name and the type of cooktop they prefer:
| Chef Name | Preferred Cooktop |
|---|---|
| Julia Child | Gas (Thermador Pro Grand Steam) |
| John Horne | Induction Stove |
| Jose Garces | 36-inch BlueStar Gas Range |
| Gordon Ramsay | Viking Gas Stove |
| Debra Ponzek | Gas Stovetop |
| Giada De Laurentiis | Gas Stovetop |
| Kiki Aranita | Gas Stove |
| Allison Vines | 36-inch BlueStar Gas Range |
| Doug Katz | BlueStar Gas Range |
| Loretta Paganini | Gas Stove |
| Sohui Kim | 30-inch Wolf Gas Range |
| Jonathan Kung | Induction Stove |
| Massimo Capra | Induction Cooktop |
| Liz Pietrzak | Induction Cooktop |
| Caterina Vitale | Induction Cooktop |
| Eleanor Hoh | Induction Stove |
| Christopher Galarza | Induction Cooktop |
| Tu David Phu | Induction Cooktop |
This table captures the preferences of various chefs regarding their choice of cooktop, highlighting a mix of gas and induction stovetops.
Also read: What Pans Does Gordon Ramsay Use?
Chefs That Prefer Gas Stoves and the Advantages it offers
Many professional chefs, including some renowned names, prefer gas stoves for their home kitchens.
This is due to their quick response time, superior control, compatibility with diverse cookware, easy cleaning, and cost-effective maintenance.
For example, Iron Chef and Restaurateur Jose Garces uses a 36-inch BlueStar gas range at home, while celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay opts for a Viking gas stove.
Other chefs like Debra Ponzek of Aux Delices in Connecticut and Giada De Laurentiis are also devoted fans of gas stovetops.
One of the primary reasons chefs adore gas stoves is their response speed.
Gas burners heat up and cool down much faster, ensuring that temperature adjustments are almost instantaneous.
This is especially important in professional cooking, where precise temperature control is essential.
Kiki Aranita, a James Beard-nominated food writer and chef, concluded that without the gas flame, you really do lose something.
Another advantage of gas stovetops is their compatibility with various cookware types, providing you with more culinary freedom.
Several high-profile chefs have chosen specific gas stove models for their home kitchens.
Chef Allison Vines, who runs the New Orleans restaurant MiLa, makes her baby food on her 36-inch BlueStar.
Chef Doug Katz in Cleveland selected a BlueStar gas range. Loretta Paganini, the owner of a cooking school in Chesterland, is also a fervent advocate of gas stoves.
Similarly, Sohui Kim uses a 30-inch Wolf gas range in her personal kitchen.
Gas burners can accommodate anything from the cast iron skillet to a wok, while electric stoves can be more restrictive.
Ease of cleaning and low maintenance costs are additional features that make gas stovetops an attractive option.
Grease splatters and spills are simpler to manage with gas stovetops compared to electric ones.
Moreover, gas stoves typically have fewer electronic components, which means fewer breakdowns and less expensive upkeep.
Also read: Induction Cooktop Vs Gas Cooktop – Which one is better?
Chefs That Prefer Induction
Induction cooking is becoming increasingly popular among chefs at home due to its precision and energy efficiency. Many well-known chefs have switched to induction cooktops and love their benefits.
John Horne, executive chef at Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants in Toronto, and Jonathan Kung, a chef and social media celebrity based in Detroit, both prefer using induction stoves at home.
They enjoy the precise control induction brings to the cooking process, as it uses a magnetic field to heat pots and pans directly, instead of relying on traditional heating elements.
Another chef, Massimo Capra, also appreciates induction cooking, not to mention that induction cooktops offer a great amount of versatility.
Similarly, Liz Pietrzak, head chef and owner of Soups From Me To You, and Caterina Vitale, owner of Charme & Chique Baking Company, have been using induction cooktops for over a decade.
They find it incredibly useful for various cooking techniques, such as making crepes, pasta, or grilling meat on cast iron.
Eleanor Hoh, who teaches Chinese wok cooking in Key West, Fla, also uses induction for its efficiency.
Christopher Galarza, an executive chef at Chatham University, a Pittsburgh-based institution known for its sustainable food systems, has even opted for an all-electric commercial kitchen.
Top Chef contender Tu David Phu affirms that there is no better way to sear meat than with induction.
He has worked in the kitchens of renowned restaurants like New York’s Daniel, and San Francisco’s Acquerello. He has also appeared on shows like Top Chef or Chefsgiving.
Induction cooking offers several benefits, such as speed, ease of cleaning, and environmental friendliness.
It’s not only cost-effective but also the healthiest and most eco-friendly type of range.
Since induction cooktops heat only the pots and pans, they are much quicker to cool down, making them safer and easier to clean.
Also read: 7 Advantages of Cooking with Induction Cooktop
What Features Do Chefs Look For in a Stove
Let us take a closer look at the various features chefs typically look for in a stove and why they value these particular aspects.
Intense Heat with BTU Burners
One important stove feature that chefs appreciate is high-BTU burners. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and indicates the heat output of the burners.
Having high-BTU burners enables chefs to cook with intense heat, which is essential for searing, boiling, and other high-heat cooking techniques.
High-BTU burners allow for faster cooking and better control over cooking conditions.
Continuous Grates Design
Another feature that catches the eye of professional chefs is continuous grates. These grates cover the entire cooking surface and make it easy to slide pots and pans between burners.
This design not only streamlines the cooking process but also reduces the risk of spills and accidents in the kitchen.
A Convection Oven
A convection oven is a must-have for many chefs because it uses a fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven, leading to faster and more even cooking results.
This feature is especially useful when baking or roasting food, as it promotes better browning and crisping.
Easy to Clean Surface
Easy-to-clean surfaces play a significant role in the choice of a stove for professional chefs.
Chefs understand that cooking can be a messy affair, and they prefer surfaces like sealed burners, smooth induction tops, and stainless steel finishes that can be wiped clean without much hassle.
Multiple Oven Racks
Multiple oven racks are essential for chefs who need to cook multiple dishes at once.
This feature allows for better time management and improved efficiency, as chefs can cook several items simultaneously by utilizing the available oven space.
Precision Control
Chefs also value precision control in their stoves, as it enables them to set the perfect temperature for each recipe.
This control may come in the form of gas burners, induction cooktops, or electric options depending on the stove type and the chef’s preference.
Good Size and Multiple Burners
Choosing the right stove size can make or break a chef’s home kitchen experience.
Having ample space to cook is important, so a stove with sufficient width and the option for multiple burners is often preferred.
Durable and Sturdy
Durability is another critical factor in choosing a stove for professional chefs. In their fast-paced cooking environments, chefs need appliances that can withstand the test of time and heavy use.
Stoves made from stainless steel construction or other high-quality materials are favored for their durability and longevity.
Versatile
The ability to customize a stove to suit a chef’s specific needs plays an essential role in their decision-making process.
Flexibility in terms of cooking options, such as dual-fuel ranges, interchangeable griddle/charbroiler options, and simmer burners.
These attract chefs who seek to recreate restaurant-level performance in their home kitchens.
Also read: Can You Put Pyrex on the Gas Stove?
Top Stove Brands that Chef’s Use at Home
Let us now look at some of the top stove brands that chefs use at home:
Viking Professional Custom Series
The Viking Professional Custom Series offers you the ultimate in performance and design for your kitchen.
These ranges are a popular choice among professional chefs, as they provide the power, control, and capacity needed to cook any dish.
These pro-style ranges come in various sizes, including 30″, 36″, and 48″ models, ensuring you have the perfect fit for your kitchen.
With a stainless steel exterior, they add a sleek and modern touch to your space.
The ranges are available in both gas and electric options, offering you maximum flexibility in your cooking preferences.
One of the notable features of the Viking Professional Custom Series range is the six sealed burners.
These burners provide precise heat control, allowing you to simmer and sear with ease.
The exclusive VariSimmer™ setting provides even heat distribution at low temperatures for delicate cooking tasks.
The ovens in these ranges are capable of true convection, ensuring even heat distribution for perfect results every time.
The Gourmet-Glo™ infrared broiler delivers intense heat, allowing you to achieve restaurant-quality searing and broiling. Additionally, with up to 22,000 BTUs of power, these ranges can handle any cooking task you throw at them.
Built for durability and easy maintenance, the Viking Professional Custom Series ranges feature heavy-duty cast-iron grates that support your cookware and allow for smooth movement between burners.
The grates are also easy to clean, making your kitchen experience hassle-free.
Here is a summary of the features
- Prostyle models offer a wide range of sizes
- Available in both gas and electric
- Six burners
- Stainless steel exterior
- Cast iron grates
- The vari heat simmer settings offer even heat distribution at low temperatures
- True convection oven
- Infrared broiler
- 22,000 BTU power
Watch the complete features here:
Thermador Pro Grand Steam
One incredible option that professional chefs often use in their homes is the Thermador Pro Grand Steam Range.
This range is a game-changer, offering seven distinct cooking options with four integrated appliances.
The range boasts six Star® Burners, with a powerful 22,000 BTU power burner and an ExtraLow® simmering feature designed for precise temperature control.
The control panels offer maximum flexibility, allowing you to adjust settings to suit your needs easily.
Additionally, the Thermador Pro Grand Steam Range features a scratch-resistant, Fusion-coated Griddle and grill.
It provides exceptional performance and an easy-to-clean stainless steel finish. With various widths available, you can find the perfect size to fit your kitchen space.
One of the standout features of this range is the industry-exclusive Steam and Convection Oven.
It adds a whole new dimension to cooking, offering a variety of options, including steam, true convection, broil, and more. This enables you to cook your recipes with unmatched precision while preserving the taste and nutritional benefits of your ingredients.
The oven also boasts a spacious 5.7 cubic feet cooking space and comes with a Warming Drawer to ensure every course is served at the perfect temperature.
The stunning stainless steel design not only complements your kitchen aesthetic but is also highly durable.
The cost of the Thermador Pro Grand Steam Range might be on the higher side, but it provides an unparalleled level of convenience and flexibility that is well worth the investment.
Here is a summary of the features:
- Seven distinct cooking options with four appliances
- Six-star burners
- 22,000 BTU of power
- Extra low simmering feature for precision control
- Easily adjustable settings
- Scratch-resistant and fusion-coated grill and griddle
- Stainless steel finish
- Wide range of sizes
- Steam and convection oven with 5.7 cubic feet of cooking space
- Warming drawer
Watch the video describing all the details here
Bluestar
When it comes to choosing a stove for your home, one brand that stands out for professional chefs is BlueStar.
These high-quality stoves are designed to provide the power, control, and customization you need in your home kitchen.
They are available in a wide range of sizes from 24 inches to 60 inches.
BlueStar ranges come equipped with impressive burners, reaching up to 22,000 BTUs. This means you can achieve high heat quickly for searing, sautéing, and boiling.
These powerful burners offer maximum flexibility for your everyday cooking needs.
With the choice of open burners or sealed burners, you can select the type that best suits your cleaning preferences.
The ovens in BlueStar ranges are designed to match the quality you would expect in a professional kitchen. With precise temperature control and even heating, your baked goods will turn out perfect every time.
BlueStar also offers gas ovens, which provide consistent and accurate heating for all your culinary creations.
One feature that makes BlueStar stand out among other stoves is the customization options available.
You can choose the color and trim of your stove, making it a beautiful and unique focal point in your kitchen.
Additionally, some models feature six sealed burners for added cooking flexibility and ease of maintenance.
It’s worth noting that BlueStar stoves are an investment, as their cost tends to be higher than other stoves on the market.
However, many professional chefs and home cooks alike believe the performance and quality justify the price.
Here is a summary of the features:
- Wide range of sizes from 24 to 60 inches
- 22,000 BTU
- Open/closed burner options
- gas/electric oven
- Customization for color and shape
- Six sealed burners
- Integrated griddle
Watch the video here for in-depth details of its features
WOLF
When it comes to stoves that chefs use at home, one brand that stands out is Wolf. Wolf offers a variety of ranges, including dual fuel, gas, and induction options.
These stoves are known for their professional quality, reliable performance, and stylish design.
One of the key features of Wolf stoves is their dual-stacked, sealed gas burners.
These burners provide precise temperature control, allowing you to effortlessly adjust the heat for perfect cooking results every time.
Additionally, some models come with optional extras such as an infrared charbroiler, griddle, or French top, giving you even more flexibility in your cooking.
Wolf ovens are also equipped with Dual VertiFlow™ convection technology, which ensures consistent temperatures throughout the oven for perfect multi-rack cooking.
With 10 chef-tested cooking modes, including Gourmet Mode, these ovens are designed to make your cooking experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
The seamless cooktop and continuous grates on Wolf stoves provide a sleek and modern appearance while also making them easy to clean.
Moreover, their self-cleaning functionality takes the hassle out of maintaining your stove, ensuring that it stays in peak condition for years to come.
Here is a summary of the features:
- Wide range of options including dual fuel, gas, and induction
- Dual-stacked, sealed gas burners for precise temperature control
- Infrared charbroiler
- Griddle/French top
- Dual Vertical flow convection ovens
- Multi-racks
- 10 chef-tested cooking modes
- Continuous grates
Watch all the features in the video below:
Also read: Gas Oven vs Electric Oven for Baking
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions:
What Type of Stove Do Professional Chefs Prefer at Home?
Professional chefs often prefer stoves that offer consistent and precise heat control for their home cooking needs.
Many opt for gas stoves or induction cooktops, as these options provide quick and even heat distribution.
Induction cooktops, in particular, are known for their energy-efficient operation and faster cooking times source.
What Are the Top Brands of Professional Stoves Used in Homes?
Numerous reputable brands produce high-quality professional stoves for home use.
Some top contenders include Thermador and BlueStar.
For instance, the Thermador Pro Grand Steam Range is highly praised by professional chefs like Julia Child for its versatility and performance source.
Are Electric or Gas Stoves More Popular Among Chefs?
Generally, professional chefs lean towards gas stoves for their home kitchens because of the efficient and precise heat control they offer.
However, induction cooktops have also gained popularity.
Do Chefs Prefer Induction Stoves Over Other Options?
While many chefs appreciate the energy efficiency and speedy heating of induction stoves, personal preferences vary.
Some may still prefer the tactile control of a gas stove. Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual cooking habits and priorities source.
What Ovens Do Chefs Typically Invest in for Their Homes?
Professional chefs tend to invest in high-quality, versatile ovens that suit their specific cooking needs.
When looking for an oven, factors like even heat distribution, temperature precision, and additional features like convection or steam cooking may be important considerations.
Many chefs opt for ovens from leading brands like Thermador, BlueStar, and Frigidaire Professional.
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