OP
N80
Super Member
Thanks guys.
Shawn, I have also heard that the gas ovens aren't that great. All of these major brands have "dual fuel" models which have gas stoves and electric ovens, which sounds perfect. But for some reason which I cannot fathom, the dual fuel models are 10-20% more expensive. That just seems insane.
Stanley, I've heard that same thing about Maytag and everything they make. That's a shame, they used to be considered the very best, even by Consumer Reports.
kenstrac, I agree. These things do seem overpriced to me. With the big names like Viking, the quality is supposed to be there, but I think several things drive the price up. First, these things are fashionable in high end kitchens. I know people who don't cook at all who put these monsters in their 'show' kitchens. Second, there's a lot of gee-whiz features on these things that I can't imagine wanting or needing, especially on the stoves. Third, I'd guess these are low volume sales with high margins.
As for a cook top with wall ovens, I agree that that would be the ideal set up. Unfortunately, even though this kitchen is decent sized, it has 4 doors and two windows which severely limits cabinet and counter space. And the old existing electric range is right about 48" wide and already has hood venting over it. So a freestanding range is about the only option if we elect not to start knocking out walls and changing floor plans which I don't want to do and can't afford to do. There is not sufficient room for an island of any size.
Jason, you seem to have experience here. What do you have? And I agree, it would be ideal if I could find a no frills commercial model. I have no desire to spend money on trendy names and flashy appliances. And I'll admit, that in the past I've scoffed at people buying these things and I think many times it is for show. But I know now, that if you cook seriously, a 30" 4 burner electric stove is a MAJOR limitation. And, I'm willing to admit that no matter how this plays out the 'new toy' aspect of the purchase is there.
But, here's the thing. I love this kitchen. It is on the back left corner of the house behind a single swinging door. In other words, it is the opposite of the popular "open floor plan" that people rage about. I hate open floor plans. I live in one now and at this very moment I'm sitting in the den and can hardly hear myself think over the running dishwasher in the kitchen. The reason that I'm saying this is that we are not going to remodel this kitchen like a show room. We want it to be plain and functional and thats it. If it looks like a commercial kitchen, that's fine....of course I think that is a popular 'look' now too. Bottom line is, the looks don't matter and the brand doesn't matter as long as its good quality and user friendly.
The things I want are, two ovens, 6 burners that are all flush (continuous level grid), griddle, good quality. That's about it.
Shawn, I have also heard that the gas ovens aren't that great. All of these major brands have "dual fuel" models which have gas stoves and electric ovens, which sounds perfect. But for some reason which I cannot fathom, the dual fuel models are 10-20% more expensive. That just seems insane.
Stanley, I've heard that same thing about Maytag and everything they make. That's a shame, they used to be considered the very best, even by Consumer Reports.
kenstrac, I agree. These things do seem overpriced to me. With the big names like Viking, the quality is supposed to be there, but I think several things drive the price up. First, these things are fashionable in high end kitchens. I know people who don't cook at all who put these monsters in their 'show' kitchens. Second, there's a lot of gee-whiz features on these things that I can't imagine wanting or needing, especially on the stoves. Third, I'd guess these are low volume sales with high margins.
As for a cook top with wall ovens, I agree that that would be the ideal set up. Unfortunately, even though this kitchen is decent sized, it has 4 doors and two windows which severely limits cabinet and counter space. And the old existing electric range is right about 48" wide and already has hood venting over it. So a freestanding range is about the only option if we elect not to start knocking out walls and changing floor plans which I don't want to do and can't afford to do. There is not sufficient room for an island of any size.
Jason, you seem to have experience here. What do you have? And I agree, it would be ideal if I could find a no frills commercial model. I have no desire to spend money on trendy names and flashy appliances. And I'll admit, that in the past I've scoffed at people buying these things and I think many times it is for show. But I know now, that if you cook seriously, a 30" 4 burner electric stove is a MAJOR limitation. And, I'm willing to admit that no matter how this plays out the 'new toy' aspect of the purchase is there.
But, here's the thing. I love this kitchen. It is on the back left corner of the house behind a single swinging door. In other words, it is the opposite of the popular "open floor plan" that people rage about. I hate open floor plans. I live in one now and at this very moment I'm sitting in the den and can hardly hear myself think over the running dishwasher in the kitchen. The reason that I'm saying this is that we are not going to remodel this kitchen like a show room. We want it to be plain and functional and thats it. If it looks like a commercial kitchen, that's fine....of course I think that is a popular 'look' now too. Bottom line is, the looks don't matter and the brand doesn't matter as long as its good quality and user friendly.
The things I want are, two ovens, 6 burners that are all flush (continuous level grid), griddle, good quality. That's about it.
