Commercial burner gas cooktop price and buying guide for kitchens

Looking to buy a commercial gas cooktop? This complete Australian buying guide covers costs, top brands, energy use, compliance, and what to look for before you install.

Key takeaways

• Price range: Expect to pay between $600 and $5,500 for commercial gas burner cooktops in Australia, depending on size, burner configuration, and brand.
• Cooktop types: Choose from open burners, wok burners, griddle/hotplate units, or combination cooktops based on your kitchen’s output and menu needs.
• Gas usage: Average burner consumption is 25–40 MJ/hour, while high-output wok burners can exceed 100 MJ/hour.
• Installation requirements: Must be installed by a licensed gasfitter, and meet AS 4563 standards for commercial gas appliances.
• Finance options: Business equipment finance starts from approximately $14–$50 per week, depending on unit price and lender terms.
• Maintenance: Routine cleaning and quarterly servicing can extend lifespan to 8–12 years, particularly for high-quality brands.

Introduction

For Australian kitchens handling high-volume service, a commercial burner gas cooktop is an essential asset. Whether you're running a restaurant, café, food truck or catering service, choosing the right unit can impact your kitchen's efficiency, safety, and profitability. This comprehensive guide explores the types, costs, maintenance needs, and compliance standards you need to consider when buying a commercial burner gas cooktop in Australia.

Types of commercial burner gas cooktops

Choosing the right cooktop depends on the cuisine you offer and the volume of cooking you handle:

• Open burner cooktops: Designed for flexibility and speed, these feature individual burner control and cast iron trivets. Ideal for most commercial kitchens handling multiple dishes at once. Prices usually range from $900 to $4,000+.
• Wok burner cooktops: Built for rapid, high-temperature cooking and suited to Asian restaurants. These units often come with recessed wok rings or spigots. Expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,500.
• Combination cooktops: Offer multiple burner types (e.g., standard + wok), and are perfect for kitchens requiring diverse cooking zones. These units cost around $2,000 to $6,000+, depending on size.
• Griddle or hotplate cooktops: Best for breakfast menus and grilling tasks. These have flat metal surfaces and are easy to clean. Pricing typically sits between $1,200 and $3,800.

Commercial cooktop price breakdown

Cooktop pricing is driven by size, burner count, build quality, and brand reputation. Here's a quick guide:

• Smaller units (1–2 burners) usually cost $600 to $1,200.
• Mid-range models (2–4 burners) typically cost between $1,200 and $2,500.
• Larger cooktops (4–6 burners or more) range from $2,000 to $5,500 or higher, particularly for combination or wok models.
  

Stainless steel construction and features like flame failure protection add to cost but improve durability and compliance.

Operational considerations and energy use

Commercial cooktops are high-energy appliances, so understanding ongoing energy usage is critical.

• Typical burners consume 25–40 MJ/hour.
• Wok burners, known for intense heat output, may consume up to 120 MJ/hour.
• Energy-saving tips include using lids to retain heat, cleaning burner ports regularly, and matching pan size to burner diameter.
  
  

Running costs will depend on gas prices in your region and the hours of operation in your kitchen.

Maintenance and servicing requirements

Routine maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your cooktop and ensures food safety.

• Daily tasks include wiping down stainless steel surfaces, cleaning drip trays, and ensuring burner caps are debris-free.
• Weekly checks should include inspecting gas hoses, burner ports, and ignition function.
• Quarterly or biannual servicing by a licensed technician is recommended to check valves, seals, and safety controls.
  
  

Common replacement parts include:

• Burner heads – usually priced between $60 and $150
• Ignition switches – from $30 to $80
• Trivets or grates – costing $70 to $250
• Thermocouples and pilot assemblies – priced at $50 to $120

Warranties and after-sales support

When purchasing a commercial cooktop, always check the warranty coverage:

• Most brands offer a 12 to 24-month warranty as standard.
• Consider extended warranty options if your kitchen runs long hours or is in a remote location.

Compliance and certification requirements

To legally install and operate a gas cooktop in a commercial kitchen in Australia, strict compliance standards apply.

• All units must comply with AS 4563 – Commercial Catering Gas Equipment.
• Installation must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter, adhering to AS/NZS 5601 gas installation standards.
• The unit should carry a certification sticker and ideally be listed in the AGA (Australian Gas Association) database.
• Some states, such as NSW and Victoria, require a Gas Compliance Certificate upon installation.
  
  

Non-compliant installations can result in fines, insurance issues, and safety risks.

Financing commercial cooktops in Australia

Financing can make purchasing a commercial gas cooktop more manageable, especially for new or growing businesses.

• Chattel mortgages, equipment leases, and low-doc loans are all available options.
• If you're buying a unit priced around $1,500, expect repayments of about $14 per week over three years.
• A $3,000 unit might cost around $27 per week, while a $5,000 cooktop could cost $45–50 per week, depending on interest rates and lender terms.
• Many lenders require only 6–12 months of trading history for approval, especially for low-doc loans.
  
  

Always compare lenders on total loan cost, balloon payments, and early repayment penalties.

Installation and fit-out considerations

Installing a commercial burner gas cooktop in your kitchen isn’t just a plug-and-play job — there are several technical, safety, and regulatory factors to prepare for to ensure a compliant and efficient setup. Getting this right early can save you thousands in retrofits, downtime, or non-compliance penalties.

Here’s what you’ll need to plan before installation:

• Ventilation requirements
• Most commercial gas cooktops must be installed beneath a compliant exhaust canopy or ducted ventilation system to manage heat, steam, and combustion gases. The canopy should meet AS 1668.2 requirements and have adequate airflow capacity (measured in L/s or m³/h) based on the burner’s megajoule output. Inadequate ventilation is a common compliance failure and can also trigger excess heat buildup in your kitchen during service.
  
  
• Clearances from walls and flammable surfaces
• Gas cooktops must have minimum clearances from adjacent walls and equipment, particularly if nearby surfaces are combustible. Where close installation is necessary, use stainless steel splashbacks or heat shields to reduce fire risk. Refer to the manufacturer’s clearance diagrams and ensure they align with AS/NZS 5601.1 guidelines for gas appliances in commercial premises.
  
  
• Gas line connection specifications
• Commercial cooktops require a dedicated gas connection — either natural gas (NG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Pipe sizing, regulator pressure settings, and shut-off valve placement must be compatible with the cooktop’s consumption rating. For example, a 6-burner cooktop consuming 180 MJ/h may require a 20mm or larger copper pipe, depending on run length. Your licensed gasfitter will determine specifics, but knowing your cooktop’s gas requirements upfront helps avoid costly connection upgrades.
  
  
• Mounting type: benchtop or freestanding?
• Decide whether your cooktop will sit on a stainless steel bench, come with its own legs or stand, or be built into a full cooking suite. Freestanding models may require floor anchoring for safety. Benchtop units must sit flush and allow for under-bench ventilation and access for cleaning. Factor in your kitchen’s ergonomic flow and cleaning regime when choosing the setup.
  
  

Proper planning ensures your new cooktop fits your kitchen both physically and operationally, meets Australian gas safety regulations, and sets you up for faster approval from your local health and building authorities.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licensed professional to install the cooktop?

Yes. Australian regulations require that all commercial gas cooktops be installed by a licensed gasfitter. This ensures safety and legal compliance.

Can I use a domestic gas cooktop in my commercial kitchen?

No. Domestic units do not meet the performance, durability, or safety standards required for commercial operations.

Can I switch between LPG and natural gas?

Many commercial cooktops come with conversion kits or can be converted. However, this must also be done by a qualified gasfitter to ensure safety and compliance.

How long does a commercial cooktop last?

With proper care, commercial cooktops generally last 8 to 12 years, though premium models may last longer.

Are there hidden costs?

Yes. Installation can range from $300 to $1,000, depending on complexity. Compliance certificates, servicing, and gas supply upgrades may also incur additional expenses.

Conclusion

A commercial burner gas cooktop is more than just a cooking tool — it’s an investment in your kitchen’s productivity and safety. By understanding your operational needs, energy use, maintenance responsibilities, and compliance obligations, you can make a confident and financially sound purchasing decision.

Whether you're opening a new kitchen or upgrading an existing setup, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to evaluate your options and plan your budget effectively.