Looking for high end kitchen range?

Question

What is the best brand?

Pro and cons between regular vs. high end range?
Dual fuel or single fuel?
Any other suggestions or websites?

Answer 1

My hubby used to be a professional cook, and we have a Viking stove. He loves it. I'm clueless about them.

Answer 2

Biggest pros of commercial ranges are hi BTU output -- you can't really use a wok on a standard range, for example. Most also have ultra-low simmer settings which are a huge help with sauces, etc.

Dual fuel is better - electric oven better, more even heat. Convection helps tho not all foods do well in a convection oven.

Other nice stuff on pro ranges are the relatively continuous surface provided by the oversize grids on the burners, so you can drag pots around the top easily and flexibly. Many 36" ranges have larger ovens than mid-grade stoves. Probably worth looking into new entrants: Electrolux Icon, Kenmore Pro. Wolf and DCS are at the lower end of the price range for true commercial-style ranges, and have solid reputations but not as many frills. Jenn-Air and other medium-grade lines have added commercial-style features and design, though check your specs to make sure you are really getting what you want in terms of BTUs, oven capacity, etc.

And hotter stoves with bigger tops means better range hoods. Downdrafts are attractive and sleek but don't pull much air. You need a nice big hood if you are going to really crank the thing up, and big can mean loud -- check into mounting the fan motor at the vent (outside the house) rather than in the hood. Many now offer this option. (It's an option on Broan hoods, but you have to specify it or you'll get an inside-mount motor and all the noise.)

Good luck and bon appetit!

Answer 3

For appliances, you can't bet smeg in my opinion, despite the unattractive name. For cupboards check out the german brands. I bought a german kitchen for a house I was reforming and even the cheapest range was superb quality.