Counter Top Burners

Buying Guide: Commercial Counter Top Burners

A commercial counter top burner offers a flexible way to build a cooking station almost anywhere. Choosing the right unit means understanding burner output, ergonomics, gas/electric supply and canopy requirements under Australian Standards.

1. Height, Ergonomics & Equipment Stands

Most benchtop burners stand 300–500mm high including legs and rear flue.

• Avoid placing on 900mm benches: Total height exceeds 1300mm, unsafe for lifting pans or wok cooking.
• Use a 600mm Equipment Stand: Brings the cooking surface to the correct 900mm working height.
• Bench Load Rating: Heavy burners (40–90kg) require commercial stainless benches rated for high loads.
• Secure Placement: Anti-slip legs or anchoring recommended for high-MJ units.

2. Burner Configuration & Output

• 2–4 Burners: Ideal for cafés, food trucks and pop-up kitchens.
• 6–8 Burners: Suitable for restaurants needing extra wok or sauté capacity.
• 10+ Burners: Modular units can be banked for large continuous cooktops.

Burner Output: Typically 18–28 MJ/h per burner for boiling, frying and wok applications.

Wok Options: Many units support wok rings or high-MJ wok burners.

3. Gas vs Electric

• Gas (NG/LPG): Fast heat and strong control—LPG is standard for mobile catering.
• Electric: Even heat and simpler cleaning—ideal for gas-restricted venues.

Gas Connection: Most gas models use a 3/4" BSP inlet.

Electrical Requirements: Electric burners may require 15A, 20A or 32A depending on power.

4. Ventilation & Safety (AS 1668)

All gas burners—and any electric units producing grease, steam or smoke—must operate under a compliant extraction canopy in accordance with AS 1668.

• Canopy must cover the full cooktop width.
• Minimum 150mm overhang on all sides.
• Must effectively capture grease vapours and combustion fumes.

5. Workflow Applications & ROI

Counter top burners deliver excellent flexibility and strong return on investment.

• Pop-up events: Build temporary cooklines with minimal setup.
• Food trucks: LPG-ready and ideal for low-height benches.
• Restaurants: Expand cook capacity during peak service.
• ROI Example: Avoiding a full range saves $1,500–$3,000 in equipment cost.
• Labour Savings: Reduced walking improves service efficiency.

6. Leading Counter Top Burner Brands

• Anvil: Compact, reliable benchtop performance.
• Cobra: High-output burners for fast-paced kitchens.
• Waldorf: Heavy-duty commercial systems built for volume.
• Fagor: European engineering across gas and electric models.
• Cookrite & Gasmax: Value-driven options for cafés and food trucks.

7. Summary

Commercial counter top burners deliver strong heat in a compact footprint, perfect for food trucks, cafés and restaurants that need flexible hob capacity. Choose the right height, follow AS 1668 ventilation rules and match burner output to your menu for the best results.

Related Cooking Equipment

Explore more cooking equipment options:

• Commercial Cooking Equipment
• Commercial Burner Cooktops
• Chargrills & BBQs
• Cooktops with Oven Bases

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a stand for benchtop burners?

Yes—use a 600mm stand to maintain a safe 900mm cooking height.

Do these units require a canopy?

Yes—gas and greasy electric cooking require a compliant canopy under AS 1668.

Can these connect to LPG?

Yes—most models can be ordered in LPG or converted by a licensed gas fitter.

Need help choosing a burner setup? Call 1300 001 366.