1)$7870
2)Only you can decide that one.
3)$1000

We went with the self clean mostly for the rotisserie. We kind of looked at the self clean as a requirement when using the rotisserie. Ours is still on order. Our addition/renovations have just started. We just got the building permit Friday. I don't think I would buy this at ajmadison but you can get prices from their web site.

Thanks for the info. Should I be concerned that capital has only been around 10 years? Who's to say they'll even be around to support their products?

That is something that you have to decide for yourself. I look at it as a relatively low-tech appliance that is designed and built well. I don't anticipate support beyond the warrantee period. I don't think there is any custom electronics in the thing. I suppose if the door broke 20 years down the line you might be in trouble, but I think that is probably the case with any appliance.

I'm just thinking about my Weber gas grill - it's a very low tech appliance, but has required maintenance to keep it running well. If Weber wasn't around to supply parts, I would have replaced it years ago, but as it stands, I've had it for 16 years and it still runs great.

I would think the same holds true for a gas range - I expect it will work well - assuming it's as well made as everyone says (I'll have to see that for myself), but what happens when something wears out and needs replacing? Not a problem if Capital is still around and supplying parts, but if they aren't, well, that would be really annoying!

This last recession saw a lot of companies that had been around for 100+ years go belly up.

Nothing is certain.

You've got a good point and I think you have to consider that risk balanced with the rewards. I would hope an inside range would be a lot less repair prone than an outdoor grill but there always the chance. I would think the more wear prone parts (gas control valves, igniters, etc.) are manufactured by a 3rd party and would probably continue to be available even if the company disappeared. The other factor is that even if the company goes belly up, it's parts design and inventory would most likely be sold to another appliance company which would continue to provide spares as long as they can make money off of it.

Not many products are designed to last 20 years these days and I feel the only true way to protect yourself is to buy a simpler device. The less there is to break the less the chances of something breaking. That was a huge part of my decision to pick the brand I went with. No company can or will guarantee that they will fix/service products 20 years, or even 10, into the feature. Not saying they won't, of course, but unlikely.

It's also why I avoided the self clean. To me (and it's just my opinion) that IS a guaranteed way to reduce the life of your appliance. Torching itself at 800 degrees for a few hours.

-Stooxie

How computerized is the CC? I don't see any digital readouts etc, so am hoping that the self-clean which I hope to purchase this summer won't cause problems.

I've got a 25 year old set of Whirpool double ovens that I self clean about 3 times a year.... no problems yet. Of course it was pre computer.

I have a DCS range from the 90s, when the engineer now with Capital was with DCS. DCS no longer makes this model, which has open burners, and the company was sold. I can still find parts, although I'm sure they are more expensive and harder to find than say parts for a GE or even a Viking, since DCS had a slice of a niche market.
I've checked recently because I think a replacement oven igniter is in the near future.

Thanks for the info. FYI - the CC is not computerized. It's all manual control, not much to break except for the igniters and rotisserie motor. Honestly, when I buy something like this, I do expect it to last 20 year or more. Well made equipment should last as you take care of it. I still use my 30 year old snow blower and it works better than so many of the garbage models sold today.

I try to do a lot of research before laying down this kind of money on anything, and yes, I do have high expectations. I'm willing to pay more for quality products - they usually make you happier while you are using them and pay for themselves in the long run. Just my opinion.

I'm fully expecting my Culinarian to last until my move to assisted living in 30 to 50 years. Of course by that time we will all be living in space and drinking our meals from cups while reclining on hover chairs :).