Have you looked at DCS? Their 30" gas range is under $4K. Much better choice than a Jenn-Air or KA IMHO. It's in the same league as Wolf. Great high powered burners and you can simmer on every burner. I've owned one for over 7 years and am very pleased.

I hadn't looked into the DCS, because I can't find one in person near where I live. Sort of problematic and I don't want to purchase something that I can't put my hands on, you know? I'll try to search further - I have some time, about another month before I have to make an actual purchase - but seems to be an issue near me. If anyone knows a showroom in North Jersey please let me know!

All I can say is that for the $$ I haven't seen a better build quality range than that Aga Pro. They own Marvel here so there's service but of course it's a new item. Why not call and speak to them? Center burner is 15K down to 5K. Their simmer is amazing -- I saw chocolate melting.

Marthavila has a different Aga -- she might be able to answer questions about service.

Here is a link that might be useful: aga pro

I saw that article, it's what made me drool over the Pro and decide to put it on my list. My dealer got them in last week, right after I had visited and gone over my other choices. I'm going back this weekend to have a look, right before I head over to the cabinet place to have them draw up the dimensions that I took last weekend. I'm very psyched to see the Aga - it really fits a lot of the qualifications I'm looking for, at a good price and no less, is 36", which I can't afford otherwise. I'm hoping that it will blow me away and make this decision much easier once I view it :)

Can you post once you see the Pro+ in person? It's my top pick right now- but I havent been able to see one!

Where are you located? If you are in a remote location, you could be challenged in finding a technician knowledgeable about the Aga brand nearby. Definitely something to consider. At the same time, you can always discuss this before sale with your appliance vendor (if local) or call Aga Heartland for a check on your servicing options if needed. I happen to be a a very satisfied Aga owner with great confidence in the performance and reliability of the brand. However, I am also located in NYC, where, if needed, there are several choices of service companies here that have Aga certified technicians on staff.

The Aga website has a search function for service locations, which differ a bit from the vendor list. I'm hoping to see a Pro+ next week.
Some of the Bertazoni models might fit on your list in price and features.

Update - the Pro hadn't come into the store where I was supposed to see it yet. They thought it was coming in last week, but alas, no go. Now they tell me end April *shakes fist* This is at Top Line in Westfield, NJ.

I've added Thermador to my list, however, after visiting the store again. I kind of may take off KitchenAid and Electrolux because I do NOT want electronic controls. Also, now seriously re-thinking the need for dual fuel. After a long discussion with the sales team at the appliance store, I came to the conclusion that my style of cooking may not warrant having it. I tend to mostly cook on the stove top and almost never ever do any baking of things which would require convection, let alone the precise nature of the dual fuel. Running the extra electrical line could be problematic in the house I've purchased (nearly 100 years old) anyway - let alone the extra cost. And - get this - they also told me you don't really save all that much time in cooking with them. For instance, when making a turkey which would normally take 4 hours, it probably would come out in let's say 3 hours, 15 minutes BUT it takes 3x the time to warm the oven up, so you're really NOT saving much time there! Frankly, I'd rather have my oven heat up quicker on a daily basis since I hardly ever cook anything which takes that long!

If you don't care about electric ovens (dual fuel) you might take a look at the Bertazzoni all-gas range which has a very good price point and really good top-of-stove function. The oven is Euro-style, slightly more shallow than the pro style but it's a very steady oven.

I got a Berta and it has really good cooking control. Very happy with it and it isn't a budget buster. Different styles, too.

I'll take "another" look at the Bertazzoni. I had seen it in the show room and love the appearance of it, but had not done any research on it. Thanks for mentioning that it could be an option.

BTW, I just started a thread about the capacity of the Berta - so if anyone has something to add about that, please do. I took a look and it's a very cute stove, but I have concerns about the capacity :(