Unpacking the Atosa ATO-24G2B and Its Siblings: Which Range Reigns Supreme?
Why the Atosa ATO-24G2B Matters for Your Commercial Kitchen
The ato 24g2b was a discontinued 36-inch commercial gas range from Atosa/CookRite that featured 2 open burners, a 24-inch griddle, and a standard oven, delivering 125,000 BTU total output. If you're looking for this model, it has been replaced by the CookRite AGR-2B24GL-NG, which offers similar specifications and updated features.
Key Facts About the ATO-24G2B:
- Status: Discontinued
- Replacement Model: CookRite AGR-2B24GL-NG
- Dimensions: 36"W x 32.63"D x 56.38"H
- Total BTU: 125,000
- Configuration: 2 burners + 24" manual griddle + standard oven
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
- Certifications: cETL and ETL-Sanitation
- Construction: Stainless steel; cast iron burners and grates
The right commercial range is crucial for kitchen efficiency. You need equipment that delivers consistent results without wasting space or budget. The ATO-24G2B became a workhorse because it packed versatile cooking surfaces into a compact 36-inch footprint.
While the ATO-24G2B is discontinued, understanding what made it popular helps you evaluate its successor and other Atosa ranges to find the perfect fit for your menu and workflow.
I'm Sean Kearney from Charbroilers.com. With over a decade of experience helping restaurant owners with equipment decisions, I'll break down the specs and performance of Atosa's combination ranges so you can invest confidently.
Essential ato 24g2b terms:
The Legacy Model: A Deep Dive into the Atosa ATO-24G2B
The ato 24g2b earned its reputation by delivering consistent results in demanding commercial kitchens. It was built for the daily grind, from breakfast rushes to dinner service. Its key advantage was packing versatility into a 36-inch footprint: two powerful open burners, a generous 24-inch griddle, and a full oven. For restaurants with limited kitchen space, this combination was ideal.
Key Features and Specifications of the ATO-24G2B
In commercial kitchens, specifications matter. The ato 24g2b measured 36"W x 32.63"D x 56.38"H, fitting into most standard layouts.
The range delivered a total of 125,000 BTU/hr. Each of the two open burners provided 25,000 BTU for rapid boiling, while the standard oven offered 27,000 BTU for even baking and roasting.
Its 24-inch manual griddle featured a 3/4-inch thick polished steel plate, which ensures excellent heat retention and distribution, preventing hot spots. The manual controls gave experienced cooks precise command over the cooking surface.
The construction quality reflected the demands of a commercial environment. A stainless steel front, sides, and back provided durability and resistance to corrosion, while heavy-duty cast iron top grates supported heavy stockpots. The oven included two adjustable chrome racks and a 100% safety shut-off for the pilot light.
The ato 24g2b was available for Natural Gas or Liquid Propane and carried essential cETL and ETL-Sanitation certifications, which are required to pass health inspections and meet safety codes in the US and Canada.
The Successor: Why the AGR-2B24GL Replaces the ato 24g2b
The ato 24g2b has been discontinued, a common practice as manufacturers refine their product lines. Atosa replaced it with an improved model, the CookRite AGR-2B24GL-NG.
This direct successor maintains the winning combination of two open burners, a 24-inch manual griddle (left side), and a standard oven in the same 36-inch width. If your kitchen layout was designed for the ato 24g2b, the AGR-2B24GL will fit perfectly. The model name is logical: AGR (Atosa Gas Range), 2B (two burners), 24G (24-inch griddle), and L (griddle on the left). Like its predecessor, it includes a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
To learn more about the benefits of this configuration, see our guide: Griddle Me This: Why the Atosa 24 Griddle is a Must-Have. It explains the efficiency that made this setup popular, which applies to both the discontinued ato 24g2b and its replacement.
Meet the Family: Comparing Atosa's 36-Inch Combination Ranges
Atosa's 36-inch lineup offers specialized configurations to match different kitchen workflows. Choosing the right model depends entirely on your menu. Let's compare the main players in Atosa's 36-inch family.
The AGR-2B24GL, successor to the ato 24g2b, offers balanced versatility. With two 25,000 BTU burners and a 24-inch manual griddle, it handles both griddle work and pot cooking. This configuration is ideal for kitchens that do a bit of everything, from griddling burgers to sautéing vegetables.
For kitchens focused on traditional stovetop cooking, the AGR-6B provides six open burners and up to 180,000 total BTU. This setup allows for maximum cooktop flexibility, perfect for simmering soups, boiling pasta, and sautéing multiple dishes at once. It's the "burner boss" for kitchens where pots and pans are the priority. For more on high-heat cooking, see our guide: "Unleash the Flavor: Your Guide to Atosa ATCB Charbroilers".
At the other end is the AGR-36G, which dedicates the entire 36-inch cooktop to a griddle surface. This is the griddle master's choice for high-volume breakfast and lunch service, eliminating bottlenecks by allowing pancakes, eggs, and burgers to cook simultaneously. Learn more about dedicated griddles in "Mastering the Flat Top: Why the Atosa ATMG-36 is Your Next Kitchen Essential".
All these 36-inch models share the same standard oven base, providing consistent baking and roasting capabilities regardless of the cooktop. For more on griddle types, see "The Ultimate Atosa Griddle Guide: Manual, Thermostatic, and Beyond". Matching your range to your menu is key to setting your team up for success.
For the Griddle Master: The AGR-36G
The AGR-36G is for operations where flat-top cooking is central to the menu. It transforms the entire 36-inch cooktop into a continuous griddle surface, delivering 100,000 to 120,000 BTU. This model is perfect for high-volume breakfast and lunch service, allowing you to cook pancakes, eggs, bacon, and burgers simultaneously without fighting for space. It also excels at making quesadillas, grilled sandwiches, and fajitas. The large surface allows for different temperature zones—a hot zone for searing, a moderate one for cooking, and a cool one for holding. Maximize your flat-top efficiency with tips from "Mastering the Flat Top: Why the Atosa ATMG-36 is Your Next Kitchen Essential".
For the Burner Boss: The AGR-6B
If your kitchen relies on pots and pans for soups, sauces, and sautés, the AGR-6B is your workhorse. With six independent burners and a total output of 150,000 to 180,000 BTU, it provides maximum cooktop flexibility. This configuration is essential for complex menus that require multiple dishes to be prepared with precise timing. Heavy-duty cast iron grates support large stockpots, and the high BTU output ensures rapid heating and quick recovery times. This burner-heavy setup is ideal for French, Italian, or Asian cuisines that depend on intensive stovetop cooking. To explore complementary equipment, read our guide "Unleash the Flavor: Your Guide to Atosa ATCB Charbroilers".
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Essentials
Proper installation, operation, and maintenance are critical for the longevity and safety of your commercial range.
Installation is not a DIY project. Commercial gas ranges must be installed by a licensed technician to ensure safety and compliance with local codes (like NFPA 54 in the US). Key installation requirements include:
- Ventilation: The range must be under a proper commercial hood system to exhaust heat, smoke, and grease.
- Clearances: Maintain at least 6 inches of clearance from combustible surfaces. The unit must be leveled on a non-combustible floor.
- Gas Supply: A technician must verify the correct gas type and pressure, and perform a leak test. The standard inlet is 3/4" NPT.
Upon delivery, inspect the range for shipping damage and ensure all accessories are present.
For initial startup, ensure all knobs are off. Light the oven pilot by pressing the safety valve button while igniting, holding for 15 seconds until it stays lit. Turn burner knobs to ignite them from their pilots. Allow the range to preheat for 15-20 minutes. Some smoke is normal during the first use as protective oils burn off.
Daily and Weekly Cleaning Routine
A clean range performs better and lasts longer. Always turn off the gas and let the unit cool before cleaning.
- Daily: Wipe down all stainless steel surfaces with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Scrape and clean the griddle surface, and empty and wash the drip tray.
- Weekly: For heavy soil, remove cast iron grates, soak and scrub them, and dry them completely to prevent rust.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Before calling for service, check these common problems:
- Pilot light won't stay lit: Check for adequate gas supply or if the pilot flame is too low and needs adjustment.
- Uneven heating: This often relates to the air-to-gas mixture, which can be adjusted via dampers (consult your manual or a technician).
- Yellow flames/black smoke: This indicates incomplete combustion. Verify you are using the correct gas type (NG vs. LP) and that nozzles are not clogged.
- Burners won't light: Check for sufficient gas pressure or clogged nozzles.
When to call a technician: Immediately call for service if you suspect a gas leak. Do not attempt complex repairs involving gas lines or valves yourself. An annual professional inspection is recommended.
Daily Safety Checks: Before each use, confirm the unit is level, check for gas leaks, ensure the ventilation system is on, clear flammable materials, and check that grates and drip trays are properly in place.
Frequently Asked Questions about Atosa Ranges
Here are answers to common questions about Atosa ranges, including the ato 24g2b and its successors.
What is the standard warranty on an Atosa commercial range?
Atosa provides a 1-year parts and labor warranty for their commercial cooking equipment. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship and is valid for commercial use only; it may not apply to residential installations. All service and claims must be handled by authorized service technicians to avoid voiding the warranty.
Are Atosa ranges configured for Natural Gas (NG) or Liquid Propane (LP)?
Atosa ranges are factory-configured for Natural Gas (NG) with a standard 3/4" NPT gas inlet. Most models can be converted to Liquid Propane (LP) using a conversion kit. This conversion must be performed by a qualified, licensed technician to ensure safety and proper operation. Always specify your required gas type when ordering.
What do the ETL and cETL certifications mean?
These marks are critical for passing health inspections and meeting building codes.
- The ETL Listed mark certifies that the product meets US national safety standards.
- The cETL Listed mark indicates compliance with Canadian safety standards.
- The ETL-Sanitation mark (or NSF compliance) ensures the equipment is designed for safe food handling and can be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Equipment without these certifications can fail health inspections, so they are essential for any commercial kitchen.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Atosa Range for Your Kitchen
The ato 24g2b was a reliable workhorse, but it has been discontinued. Its successor, the CookRite AGR-2B24GL-NG, carries on its legacy of versatile performance in a compact 36-inch footprint.
Choosing the right range means matching the equipment to your menu.
- For balanced versatility, the AGR-2B24GL-NG offers a combination of burners and a griddle.
- For high-volume flat-top cooking, the AGR-36G provides a full 36-inch griddle.
- For kitchens focused on pots and pans, the AGR-6B offers six powerful burners.
Each Atosa 36-inch range is a long-term investment in your kitchen's efficiency. The right choice will streamline workflow and empower your team to deliver consistent quality.
At Charbroilers.com, we understand this is a significant decision. We offer financing options specifically for food service operations to help you get the equipment you need without straining cash flow.
Ready to find your kitchen's next workhorse? Browse our selection today. To learn more about expanding your cooking line, check out your complete guide to commercial charbroilers for your restaurant.