If you are fitting out a commercial kitchen or replacing ageing cooking equipment, the choice of gas range oven is one of the most important decisions you will make, but with so many options on the market, it’s sometimes hard to know which one is best for your setup.
Two brands that consistently come up in conversations about commercial gas ovens in the UK are Lincat and Falcon. Both are well-regarded, both are widely used in professional kitchens, and both produce reliable equipment, but they are not identical in their strengths, positioning or best-fit applications.
So, which is better: Lincat or Falcon gas oven? The honest answer is that it depends on what you need from the equipment and the environment it is going into.
About Lincat
Lincat is a Leicester-based manufacturer that has been producing commercial catering equipment since 1972. The brand is known for producing reliable, practical, energy-efficient equipment which is well-made without being unnecessarily complex. Lincat gas ovens are a popular choice across a wide range of commercial kitchens, from school and care home catering to pubs, restaurants and cafés, because they balance quality and value effectively.
Lincat's range of gas ovens includes models across multiple capacities and output levels, with a focus on durability, ease of maintenance and energy efficiency. A Lincat gas oven is generally well-regarded by kitchen operators who value practical performance and straightforward operation over premium specification.
About Falcon
Falcon is one of the most established names in commercial catering equipment, with a history stretching back more than 200 years. The brand is positioned at the higher end of the commercial market and is widely associated with heavy-duty, high-performance cooking equipment used in demanding professional kitchen environments. Think high-volume restaurants, hotels and establishments where the equipment is expected to perform under sustained pressure for extended periods of time.
Falcon gas ovens are built to a heavy specification, with a focus on robustness and output capability. The brand is trusted in professional kitchens where high throughput and long operating hours are the norm.
Comparing The Two: Key Differences
1. Build And Specification
Falcon equipment is generally built to a heavier commercial specification than Lincat. If your kitchen is running long service hours, cooking at high output consistently across multiple services, a Falcon gas oven is likely to be the more appropriate choice in terms of build quality and long-term resilience. Lincat equipment is well-made but is more typically specified for mid-range commercial use rather than the most demanding high-volume environments.
2. Price Point
Lincat sits at a more accessible price point than Falcon for comparable specifications. For kitchens where budget is a significant consideration and the operational demands do not require the heaviest-duty specification, Lincat represents strong value. Falcon equipment commands a premium, which is reflected in the build quality and the brand's market positioning.
3. Parts, Support And Longevity
Both brands are widely supported across the UK, with good availability of spare parts and qualified service engineers familiar with the equipment. This matters a great deal in a commercial kitchen, where downtime is costly. Falcon's longer market history and premium positioning mean it has a very established UK service network.
4. Energy Efficiency And Running Costs
Lincat has made energy efficiency a priority across its range, and its gas ovens perform well in this regard, which is an important consideration given the rising cost of energy in commercial operations. With energy prices showing no signs of falling, it has to be considered when running a high-energy-output operation like a commercial kitchen.
Falcon equipment is designed for performance and output capacity, and while not inefficient, energy optimisation is not the primary design driver in the same way it is for Lincat. If one of your main drivers is energy efficiency, the Lincat may be the more suitable option.
5. Range Compatibility
Both Lincat and Falcon produce a matching range of equipment, including hobs, griddles, fryers, and chargrills, which allows operators to build a coherent cooking suite. If you are specifying a full range set-up, it is worth considering the broader equipment range from each manufacturer and how it fits your menu requirements.
Which Should You Choose?
For a high-volume restaurant, hotel kitchen, or any establishment running long, demanding service hours with heavy cooking output, Falcon is the more appropriate specification. For a mid-range restaurant, pub kitchen, school or care home environment where reliable performance and value are the priorities, Lincat gas ovens is an excellent choice that will serve the kitchen well for many years.
The decision in the Lincat vs Falcon debate comes down less to which brand is objectively better and more to which is the right specification for your specific operation.
Ready to explore the options? Browse our range of commercial gas ovens.
