It’s no secret that the kitchen is responsible for the highest consumption of energy in nearly every restaurant: up to 2.5 to 3 times more per square foot than a typical commercial space, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Which is why restaurateurs and building owners are always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing performance. Whether it’s a switch from propane to natural gas or investment in commercial kitchen upgrades, by leveraging natural gas in commercial foodservice, it’s easy to make significant gains in energy efficiency while delivering food that will delight diners every night of the week.
The right cooking equipment can drive efficiency. Here are the top 5 natural gas appliances to lower energy consumption while boosting performance:
1. Natural Gas Convection Oven
Natural gas convection ovens deliver bakers and chefs cooking speed and consistency to go along with lower energy consumption. Convection cooking is one of the easiest ways to streamline your workflow and get baked meals out of the kitchen faster. Plus, new models combine advanced burner systems with intelligent airflow and insulation for even greater efficiency and evenly cooked foods.
- Programmable controls allow for precise, repeatable cooking
- High-efficiency natural gas burners reduce energy use
- Improved airflow delivers faster, more even results
- Upgraded insulation retains heat and lowers standby energy use
- Modern designs featuring smaller footprints save space without compromising capacity
- ENERGY STAR® certified models are available, which can save businesses about $1,500 on utility bills over the product’s lifetime when compared to a standard model
2. High-Efficiency Natural Gas Griddle
While many chefs might think “electric” when they hear the word griddle, the truth is that high-efficiency natural gas griddles offer all the same energy savings but with faster heat-up times and more accurate temperature control. Natural gas griddles are a valuable upgrade for high-volume kitchens as they feature a large cooking area, help reduce idle time, and deliver consistent cooking performance across the full surface.
- High-output burners maximize heat transfer
- Zoned temperature control prevents energy waste
- Fast preheat and recovery improve line speed
- Even heat distribution ensures consistent cooking
- Look for ENERGY STAR® certified models, which can save businesses around $200 per year and an average of more than $1,600 on utility bills over the product’s lifetime when compared to standard models
3. Natural Gas Combi Oven
Multi-function kitchen equipment makes your menu more versatile while clearing up room to move. Natural gas combi ovens combine steam and convection cooking in one unit for flexibility, speed, and energy savings. To maximize energy efficiency, look for a model featuring smart controls and precise temperature management.
- One compact natural gas appliance allows for multiple cooking modes
- Programmable cycles reduce waste
- Precise humidity and temperature control optimize energy use
- Lower overall energy use compared to separate appliances
- ENERGY STAR® certified models available for top-tier efficiency and performance, and can save businesses about $500 annually and $4,600 on utility bills over the product’s lifetime when compared to a standard model
4. Natural Gas Deep Fryer
Just like every other natural gas appliance, natural gas deep fryers have evolved to better serve energy-conscious business owners and customers. Modern natural gas deep fryers include energy-saving features that reduce fuel use while maintaining consistent oil temperatures. Enjoy better heat retention, faster recovery times, and smarter controls to further cut down on waste.
- Advanced heat exchange technology lowers gas consumption
- Improved insulation maintains heat while reducing standby loss
- Auto-shutoff and timers help prevent unnecessary energy use
- ENERGY STAR® certified models are available, which can save businesses around $560 per year and an average of more than $4,400 on utility bills over the product’s lifetime when compared to standard models
5. Natural Gas-Powered Steam Cooker
Natural gas steam cookers bring speed, precision, and energy savings to kitchens, thanks to features like connectionless design, closed systems, and top-tier insulation. They cook efficiently, cut water usage dramatically, and streamline kitchen operations without sacrificing output.
- Fast, even steaming preserves food quality and reduces cook times
- Connectionless designs minimize water and energy use
- Precise temperature control ensures consistent results
- Durable construction supports heavy-duty, high-volume use
- ENERGY STAR® certified models are available, which can save businesses around $780 per year and an average of more than $6,200 on utility bills over the product’s lifetime when compared to standard models
Natural Gas Appliances Boost Efficiency and Performance
Investing in modern natural gas appliances for your commercial kitchen goes beyond saving money and making your operation more sustainable. By providing staff with the latest in advanced or multi-function kitchen equipment, your team can work faster and smarter, delivering perfectly cooked meals to hungry customers quicker.
Start by replacing the equipment that gets used the most, consumes the most energy, and causes the most disruption to your workflow. Look for high-efficiency models offering programmable controls, efficient heat distribution, and improved insulation.