A few months ago, we wrote a video titled How to Buy a Professional Range,
the definitive guide, evaluating various features,
including griddles, grills, French tops, and induction options.
We also discuss the different types
of convection and compare gas versus dual fuel ranges.
However, what we didn't do is say
which was best because no single brand can excel in every category.L
It's simply not possible.
But one may be better for the way you cook.
Given I can ask you directly about your
cooking preferences, you'll see the best brands for each type
of cooking and the reasons why you should consider each.
If you want to learn more about ProRanges and other types of appliances,
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Okay, back to pro ranges.
For the best burner output for a pro range,
Blue Star has the highest burner output in dual fuel and all gas cooking.
Their dual fuel ranges feature 25,000 BTU and 18,000 BTU burners
while they're all gas gas combine at 25,000, 18,000, 15,000 BTU burners.
Thermal is extra low and SKS is ultra-low offer precise simmer at 100 BTU allowing
you to melt chocolate without compromising its texture.
Wolf stands out with the 350 BTU simmer
capacity on all their burgers rather than just two for SKS and Thermador.
Here's a pro tip.
If you want a range with a really good simmer, induction is the best.
You can find induction on pro ranges such as SKS, Fisher & Paykel, and Thermador.
Many brands also offer 36 inch all
induction pro looking ranges such as Wolf, Fisher & Paykel, and Dacor.
What you should look for in a grill or griddle is the infrared burner.
It's a direct heat.
The top choices for infrared output are Miele, Monogram, and Wolf.
With the infrared,
there's also less to clean because infrared evaporates the drippings.
Interestingly enough,
grills have become a popular outdoor trend for outdoor cooking with Traeger,
Blackstone, and Weber promoting their flat top griddles.
These are gas powered and they run on propane.
However, you want a better griddle experience.
Opt for a Wolf monogram and Miele,
thanks to their hotter and more focusing fray burners.
BlueStar and Wolf are the leading brands,
or the only brands, offering French tops for professional ranges.
Think of them as an opposite of a griddle.
While griddles provide consistent
heat across the entire cooking surface, French tops are designed to deliver
varying temperatures across the heating surface.
This allows you to cook various foods
at different temperatures as the power heats from the middle,
radiating out what's resulting in varying heat levels along the surface.
French tops are typically available in larger sizes such as 48 to 60 inches
wide and also in European and French style ranges like La Cornue as well.
Now, let's pause for a minute to talk
about the importance of proper ventilation.
Ventilation is the crucial feature in your kitchen when you have a pro range.
Without adequate ventilation,
harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, monoxide, nitrous dioxide,
and formaldehyde can be emitted into your kitchen and home.
It can be covered ventilation or blog,
but you can download our free ventilation guide for more information.
However, it's worth noting if your ventilation system exceeds 400 CFM
and it probably will the pro range, you must incorporate a fresh air return.
This can be done either through the HVAC system or by creating a hole
in the opposite side of the stove, at least 10 feet away in your kitchen.
What if you can't plan for a make up air
return but still want a professional range without worrying about admissions?
In this case, the SKS range is my only recommendation.
If you're looking to meet minimum
ventilation requirements, only one set of professional burners,
this range reduces the need for extensive ventilation.
Additionally, induction and SUV cooking methods require less ventilation as well.
However, if you frequently cook, you should consider additional ventilation.
For the best baking results, the top choices are Miele and Wolf dual fuel.
Dual fuel ranges feature a gas cooktop
and an electric oven, providing drier, more precise heat, ideal for baking.
Wolf stands out with its blower style vertical cross convection,
delivering superior air flow compared to standard fans.
Miele, on the other hand,
offers master chef functionality, allowing bursts of steam to harden crust
and enhance the browning of food such as bread.
When it comes to roast,
a gas oven offers moisture heat, making it the preferred option.
BlueStar and SKS provide pure convection, where heat is blown in from the rear
instead of below and then recirculated like the other brands.
Miele and Thermador are the easiest pro ranges to clean.
You can place Miele's oven grates in the dishwasher and conveniently leave
the racks in the oven during the self cleaning process.
As for Thermador, their star burners are raised allowing for easy cleaning
underneath unlike traditional steel burners.
BlueStars have a 1,000 color with 10 trim choices for a pro range.
We have a bunch in each of our stores, by far the most for a pro range.
La Cornue offers 52 colors and 6 trim
choices with their finished metal and color application process,
giving their ranges of furniture like appearance.
Viking in collaboration with Benjamin Moore, offers 17 finishes.
Miele's Master Chef
and Wolf's Gourmet Guided cooking systems are the best for intuitive controls.
Miele's Master Chef simplifies the cooking
process, allowing you to select the food, specify the weight, and choose the desired
cooking method, and the oven takes care of the rest.
The steam functionality in Miele's range
enables easy bread baking along with other functions with a touch of a button.
The Wolf Gourmet Guided cooking system operates similarly to Miele's Masterchef,
but goes the extra mile by recommending the best rack position.
An honorable mention
goes through the Monogram which integrates the HestanCue system with the ranges
of incorporating step by step recipes for cooking.
Monogram is the most generous rebate program on top of its reasonable prices.
Thermador obviously deserves an Honorable Mention for its rebate program.
They're a one two free promotion allowing
you to receive a free dishwasher when you purchase the range.
Additionally, if you add a refrigerator to your range, Thermador offers a free hood.
However, remember that hood may take some time to ride,
so consider applying the rebate to another Thermador appliance purchase.
Thermador and SKS offer full steam ovens in a larger range is utilizing steam as
a cooking method that adds moisture and preserves nutrients.
Thermador's warming draw keeps food warm up to three hours without dehydrating it,
making it ideal for households if you cook and then serve at different times.
Miele features a speed oven on their 48
inch dual fuel ranges allowing you to cook using as a microwave or an oven.
The combination of speed settings ensure better tasting food by primarily
using convection with a partial microwave boost.
Remember when I said you couldn't buy the best for every feature?
I was mostly right.
Every feature is available in a La Cornue.
You can even customize it to your specific requirements.
Larger ranges provide gas and electric ovens with the arch top to providing
natural convection without drying your food from a rear fan.
You can choose various cooktop options,
including induction, wok, grill, griddle, and French top.
However, it's worth noting that La Cornue is significantly more expensive than
others on the market, up to three times more expensive.
We service what we sell,
so we don't have any contact with any outside service agencies.
Wolf takes service more seriously
and invest more in the service side and support side of their business
compared to other premium appliance manufacturers.
Haier is the parent company of GE and GE Monogram.
They bought Monogram though their GE
service network, has the most extensive service for any major brand.
Now that you have a general idea of each company's best options,
consider how they align with your cookie needs and preferences.
Additionally, don't underestimate the importance
of repair and maintenance issues such as burner igniter problems may arise.
So factor in the reliability
and the availability of repair service before deciding.
So what do you think?
Which range is best for you? Leave it in the comments below.