We are going to begin a massive kitchen renovation and I *think* I would like a 48" pro-style range. However, they are soooo expensive and there are so many to choose from that I just may go nuts before I pick one out.
Does anyone have any experience with these?

Do I need a dual fuel or will gas do just fine (dual fuel can add a lot to the price)?

I would like one that has a grill or charbroiler and griddle option, but maybe can be converted to regular burners when I need to.

I won't need to buy it for two months or so, but I want to start doing research and what better place than here .

Thanks,
Ame

By Yjja123 on Thursday, February 15, 2007 - 06:16 pm:

I would think it all depends on how much of a cook/chef you are. My daughter wanted a Viking but has to make do with our Whirpool. LOL.

By Amecmom on Thursday, February 15, 2007 - 08:58 pm:

LOL! No, I'm at the point where I can certainly treat myself to a high end range. I have to keep researching them, but from what I've found so far, they are all very good, once you reach a certain level. I like the DCS, the Wolf and the Thermidor. The reviews seem to indicate that a really good gas range will cook just as evenly as an electric, so dual fuel may not be necessary.

I was just hoping someone here had some experience with these.
Ame

By Tsa on Thursday, February 15, 2007 - 11:59 pm:

So, I just went through this. It came down to a Viking, and Wolfe. I am a HUGE HUGE cook--not chef. I grew up and always had a gas range and wouldn't change it for anything. However, some of my friends who cooked on electric and then switched to gas had a real hard time. Gas cooks quicker and you have more options as far as temperature goes. You are more in control over how much heat is on the pan. So, I never even thought of duel fuel-sorry. I ended up with the wolf and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have friends with both ranges and the choice ended up being the ease of cleaning. I don't think you can go wrong with any of those choices. Good Luck.

By Amecmom on Friday, February 16, 2007 - 07:12 pm:

Thank you!
Now, I'm thinking I'll go for a high-end cooktop with the features I want and then two full size wall ovens, maybe one that is LP and the other electric - I just have to check out the capacity of the wall ovens. I bet going that way I end up spending less and really getting what I want.
Ame