If you’re in the market for a new stove the term “BTU” may turn up frequently in your research. You may find yourself asking, “What are stove BTUs, anyway?” or “How many BTUs do I need for my gas range?” We’ll help answer what are BTUs on a range by detailing what the term means and how many you really need for your next range purchase.
What Are BTUs on a Range and What Does That Mean for Me?
It’s easy to believe that bigger is always better. But considering a stove BTU rating that’s very high involves more than admiration of its power. Understanding what are BTUs on a range also includes comprehending if that power suits your daily cooking needs.
What is a BTU?
BTUs are how we measure the heat output of a gas burner. The term “BTU” is short for British Thermal Units, with 1 BTU raising the heat of 1lb of water by 1°F. The higher the BTU measurement of a burner, the more heat it’s able to generate quickly.
What is the Best BTU for a Gas Range?
The best BTUs for a gas range aren’t a particular number. Rather, it’s about the range of BTUs a stove provides. Most home cooks require burners that are ideal for simmering and low-heat cooking as well as searing and rapid boiling. For this reason, typical BTUs of a gas stove are between 3,000-12,000 BTUs, while a commercial stove’s BTUs can reach up to 22,000.
A range with a high BTU output was historically just used in restaurants, where multiple dishes must be prepared rapidly at the same time. However, commercial-level stoves with high BTUs have become increasingly available for residential use. We suggest these additional considerations if you’re thinking about a commercial-grade stove for your home:
- Will I be able to easily control the power and heat output of a commercial-grade stove?
- Can my cookware withstand commercial-level BTUs without sustaining damage?
- Does my vent hood have the capacity to handle increased BTUs?
Does Higher BTU Use More Gas?
Understanding what are BTUs on a range also includes awareness of how much gas a commercial-grade stove uses. A stove with higher BTUs will require more gas than a typical residential range for the higher heat output it provides.
It’s important to understand what are BTUs on a range so that your stove purchase truly serves your cooking needs and preferences. The professionals at Just-in Time Appliance can help answer any range question as well as address any range repair!
