The difference seems to be in the engineering and quality. For instance, Blue star has seamless construction in all of its metal work whereas Five Star does not.

Note that Blue Star has issues with its ignition and burners (see threads in this forum) and is an open burner only. Five Star can be configured open or sealed.

Have you looked at American Range? IMHO For a residential application this is a better value across all models. The only thing they do not make is a French Top. Good people and a great cooking experience.

Just my POV

Psient

5-Star is the company which made Viking. Five Star, built by the Brown Stove Co., is a new improved version of the original Viking line. Brown produced the Viking line for several years and when their relationship ended, Brown Stove introduced the Five Star into the market. I have read many reviews regarding the new Viking line as being as crap. I was also told by a high end appliance store that 5-star wasn't very good quality, but he also said that Viking wasn't quality and that I should go with a GE or DCS. Since I don't want stainless (gasp! imagine!) I don't have alot of choices. Lacanche my first choice is pretty much out of my range price-wise. Viking offers colors, but they are crap now - then I'm left with 5-star. American Range as mentioned above is only gas and I want dual fuel. I think I am going with the 5-star!