Proper Cleaning and Maintenance of Commercial Ranges in Busy Kitchens

Commercial ranges are among the hardest-working pieces of equipment in any professional kitchen. In high-volume operations, consistent cleaning and routine maintenance are essential—not only for performance and food quality, but also for safety, sanitation, and equipment longevity. Establishing a repeatable cleaning process helps prevent breakdowns, reduce fire risk, and extend the life of your range.

Download our Commercial Range Cleaning and Maintenance Checklist

Daily Cleaning Best Practices

These steps should be completed at the end of each service day:

• Wipe down all exterior surfaces to remove grease, spills, and food debris

• Clean grates, drip trays, and burner pans to prevent grease buildup

• Scrape carbonized residue from cooking surfaces while still warm (never hot)

• Check burners for clogged ports and clear debris as needed

• Empty and clean grease drawers or collection trays

Weekly and Periodic Maintenance

In addition to daily cleaning, schedule deeper maintenance on a regular basis:

• Remove grates and burners for thorough degreasing

• Inspect gas connections and burner flames for consistency

• Clean oven interiors to prevent smoke and uneven heating

• Verify that knobs, valves, and controls are functioning smoothly

• Look for early signs of wear, corrosion, or misalignment

Tools and Supplies to Keep on Hand

Having the right tools readily available makes proper maintenance faster and more effective:

• Commercial-grade degreasers (foodservice-approved)

• Grill bricks or scrapers designed for commercial equipment

• Non-abrasive scrub pads and wire brushes (for burner ports)

• Microfiber cloths and disposable wipes

• Heat-resistant gloves and basic hand tools for light adjustments

Why Consistency Matters

Regular cleaning and inspection help avoid costly downtime and emergency repairs. Just as importantly, a clean, well-maintained range promotes safer working conditions, better cooking results, and compliance with health and fire codes.

A simple, consistent maintenance routine—supported by the right tools—goes a long way toward keeping your kitchen running efficiently, even during the busiest service periods.