As far as resale goes, I think you'll find a general consensus here that realtors and homebuyers prefer Wolf.

The decision regarding cooking preference is likely to be split.

My first priority is cooking performance, so I bought a Capital Culinarian.

By the time we're ready to sell the new house, or they plant me, whichever comes first, given what I perceived to be the nice appearance of the Capital, I don't think the difference in home sale price due to range choice ever gets out of the background noise.

I will confess, however, to buying a Sub-Zero BI-36 fridge. In that decision, performance, appearance, durability and resale were all about equal in my mind.

Good luck with your choice (but get what makes you happy - you're spending a bunch either way). :-)

Most people know the name WOLF, so maybe that's your best bet if your major concern is resale. If you want the BEST, however, go with Capital Culinarian (not Precision).

Both seem like perfectly good choices, although I've seen but never used a precision, and have used, only once, but never owned a Wolf. Same price? Same total price? (range, plus hood, plus any adjustments to the kitchen to accommodate a 30" vs. 36" range?) If you're thinking resale, I'm inclined to think that Wolf has better name recognition -- perhaps by far. But honestly, I wouldn't over-think the resale issue, especially if it's 3-5 years away and you are not planning anything terribly eccentric. For some enthusiasts, the particulars are key, but very particular. For most folks, I'm guessing that range distinctions stop somewhere around gas vs. electric and upscale vs. downscale.

Personally, I like having a 6-burner range, but most folks are plenty happy with 30" and 4 burners.

What's your concern about the handle on the BlueStar? Don't they all have steel oven door handles?

Thanks for the advice -- we have decided to go Gas and upscale -- the basic Capital 36 and WOLF 30 are the exact same price right now including range hood. Deciding 36" vs. 30" before ordering cabinets so no cost there -- need to make decision to go forward with the plans. I am a caterer by trade so performance is important -- would love the Culinarian but above the budget. Didn't think we would be looking at WOLF but their range is actually at a reduced price for the first time I have ever seen it.

If we go 30" we get the built in garbage/recycling drawer between the range and sink - lose it with the 36". The Blue star uses metal dials on the stove vs. plastic - supposedly heat up.

Anything will be a vast improvement from our current kitchen (have 70`s italian raised bungalow with bad tile and portable dishwasher.) Also have to decide on counter depth fridge if any info on that.

I have three kids, ages 4 to 8, and so far my 48" Bluestar has not lit any of them on fire. Nor the dog. Then again I believe kids should learn that things like stoves and fireplaces might be hot. That's just me!

The Bluestar does not apologize for what it is and that is what many/most of its customers appreciate. If those things concern you then you are correct to take it off your list.

-Stooxie

Is a 30" Culinarian that much more than a 30" Wolf on discount? I have a neighbor that just put in a Wolf rangetop and I can say without a doubt that both the Culinarian and Bluestar out cooks it. I've never cooked on a Precision so I can't speak to that. If you can afford it, I'd go with a 30" Culinarian over the 30" Wolf any day. Personally, I'd just take resale value off the table. Focus on what you would enjoy cooking on more for the 3-5 years before you sell. I have never heard of a buyer walking away from a house just because it had a Capital (or Bluestar, or DCS) range instead of a Wolf. Also, any difference in value, either perceived or real, disappears into noise when compared to the total value of the house.

I don't know how the BlueStar fits (or doesn't fit) your price range or other criteria, but I think you may have been misinformed about the knobs. It does have powerful open burners but I'm not sure that the top presents much of a heightened risk over, say, a sealed burner that has a lower output. 22k btu or 18k -- the kids still need to keep their hands out of the flame. The knobs on the RNB do not get hot at all -- maybe if you heat one up directly with a propane torch, but not in normal operation of the range.

My kids are well aware of kichen safety as we cook together often but my hubby is very particular and now has it in his head that the Bluestar would be an issue -- very hard to sway so please don't try -- I am just happy to be getting a new kitchenw/nice appliances but understand passion for favourite brands!!! We do have other kids over frequently (all under 4 years old) and some others aren't as kitchen friendly. The 30" culinarian is almost $1000 more than other choices due to the deals we have found.

I agree with amcook regarding resale value. In the grand scheme of things I would say that appliances are totally irrelevant. What is far more important making sure you put in the right infrastructure to support them.

For example, making sure you have a nice 3/4" gas line going to your stove is FAR more important than what it's actually connected to. An appliance is an easy swap. A gas line is not.

When we redid our kitchen I had them run a lot of extra lines. We ran gas up to the attic in case we wanted to put a dual fuel furnace/AC up there (heat pumps suck). We ran 220V to our gas dryer just in case the next owners wanted to use electric. We ran another 220V to our all-gas range just in case the next owner (or we) wanted dual fuel in the future. We put in an actual drain underneath the washer, not just a useless pan that can overflow.

In my view, those are a true selling factors. Appliances themselves, however, are such personal choices.

-Stooxie

That info does help - thanks. We actually have an experienced gas fitter for a neighbour and he'll be helping us out. It is those details that really help with going thru this process for the first time. The bills just add up so trying to balance everything and trying to stay ahead of the issues. Thanks

I discovered that AJMadison will deeply discount Capital Culinarians. Other dealers may also if they know you're leaning toward buying the Wolf instead.

As you are a culinary professional, I very much encourage to go try a BlueStar and or Capital Culinarian before you dump all that money on the Wolf. I believe you'll be MUCH happier with either of these. Both fantastic machines and I know first-hand that deals are available to those who seek them.

I ordered a Culinarian, but I tried the BlueStar and was very impressed with it as well. There is NO danger of scalding heat on the knobs or oven handle. The door got pretty warm, but the handle was fine. VERY nice machine.

Costco Canada sells the RCS model Bluestar in a 36 or 30 " range. Several people on this forum have one and are happy and the price is pretty amazing.

Here is a link that might be useful: Costco Canada, Bluestar