Gas Ranges

[N80]

Whenever I have questions about anything I usually start here at TBN because there are lots of smart people here with a wide range of interests. But this time I may be stretching it a bit.

In any case, it looks like I might have the opportunity to move into my grandmother's house. It was built in the late 20's by my grandfather and my father was born there. It has never had any remodeling and will need a new kitchen.

I've gotten into cooking lately and have experienced the limitations of the very typical 30" electric cook top I have now. So I'm looking at getting a nice gas range. But I don't know much about them except that they are expensive. (I do know about the cooking benefits of gas in general, etc). Outrageous really. However, this will be the last house I ever live in. So I'm willing to get a good unit but don't want to spend more than I have to.

So does anyone here know anything about these things? I'm looking at a 48" model with double ovens. The brands that come to mind are Viking, Thermador, and Wolf. I've heard a few bad things about Jenn-Air. Otherwise I don't know which brands offer the best quality and/or bang-for-the-buck. I don't mind paying for quality but don't want to pay just for a name.

Thanks guys.

 

[dooleysm]

We have a gas range/oven in our house, but it sounds like you're talking about a bigger commercial type deal? We had a 4 burner model, with 2 ovens and a 36ish inch flat top in our fraternity house. I can't really comment on it because I didn't do much cooking then or have much other experience with it.

I do a decent amount of cooking now and love our gas range. My wife does lots of baking though and hates the gas oven. Possibly it's our particular oven, but I think it's moreso gas ovens in general. I don't think they provide as even and steady heat as an electric oven. They had a gas cooktop/electric oven combo when we were shopping. It was a bit more money. If we had known the cons of the gas oven we gladly would have spent the money on the electric oven.

I would love to have that flat top griddle we had in college in my house. That would be very nice for many things. I think a big breakfast is the perfect thing for that...hash browns, eggs, bacon, pancakes. I better stop, I'm starting to drool.

 

[Egon]

Aga Store: 44" Dual Fuel Range

Another brand to consider.

 

[dmccarty]

To back up Shawn, I have heard that electric OVENS are better than gas due to the more even temperature. Don't know if its true for all models/brands but I sure would verify if it is true for the brand you are going to buy.

I wonder if a restaurant supply company would have good prices on these ranges compared to Home Depot? Or buy one used from a restaurant that has closed.

Later,
Dan

 

[srs]

N80, for what it's worth I would stay away from Maytag products. The names you mention are top of the line products but we have had absolutely terrible issues with our Maytags, starting with BOTH computer boards going up in our washer and dryer. They were repaired under warranty. The freezer fan went up in the refrigerator TWICE, out of pocket expense. Door handle broke on dishwasher, out of pocket expense. Gas stove, nightmare, minor LP gas leak, had to finally write a nasty letter to Maytag, they agreed to pay labor and material for fix after I told them they would be responsible if an explosion occurred. Center burner electronic igniter stopped working months ago. The only non Maytag appliance that I have is an Amana microwave which has worked perfect from day one. All items were purchased new approximately 5 years ago. MAYTAG NEVER AGAIN!

 

[kenstrac]

I have worked on all the ones you mentioned and IMO they are way over priced
last summer my wife wanted a new kitchen,it took 3 mos to find the right stove she looks for style and convenience while I look for quality and serviceability we bought a GE cafe series gas top elect oven with a bottom draw elect.oven. the controls are very easy to use the control panel is glass not that plastic crap push button stuff, IT is a very well built stove and it cooks excellent( wish I have never bought it now put on 20 LBS and cholesterol is way up)the burners are easy to clean the oven is both reg & convection with reversing fan and is well insulated we paid about $2200 at Lowe's for it it comes with NAT orifices and reg setting at 6 inwc and the propane orifice and changeover reg is included 10 inwc .

BUY ONE YOU WILL LOVE IT!
Disclaimer not responsible for weight gain.

 

[Scooby074]

George: You named 3 great brands. Any of them would be a lifetime range.


You might also want to look at Miele or Dacor. They make great products as well. These "Gourmet" ranges are pricey though. Id sooner have a Garland commercial, minus the gadgets. But garland wont sell or guarantee their ranges in a residential setting.

 

[turbo36]

Have you considered a cook-top with separate wall ovens? With an "all in one" stove things can get very hot and crowded if you have the ovens going while you are using the cook top . We put the cook-top in an island with drawers below it to store the pots and pans - very convenient. Also, we have warming drawers under the the wall mounted ovens.

We have GE Monogram. GE Monogram Collection: Home Page

 

[polo1665]

I would also have to go along with the gas cook top and seperate wall ovens. The advantage to gas cooking on the stove top in my opinion is the ability to quickly regulate the heat. You have greater control. We have a Kitchen Aid six burner cooktop and dual wall mounted electric convection ovens (also Kitchen Aid). They have been very good to us so far. Love the convection ovens. They have a setting that proofs dough for bread baking
I am sure that the brands you mentioned would be good as well, but I have no experience with them.

Mark

 

[Bird]

It's been about 28 years or so since I was project manager on a new building that included a kitchen and the Wolf 4-burner range with griddle sure was a dandy, in my opinion, but I've no experience with any of the other commercial units.