The mid-range burners cover the same size area as the big 22K burners, but like you noticed, with fewer holes. It provides a very smooth, even heat that will simmer lower and is probably the one I use for most everyday cooking. It gets hot enough for most things as well. My 15K burner is in front, so I find it a convenient location.

I use the small 'simmer' burner on high sometimes for smaller pots (not just to simmer).

The big burners are usually 22K, and while Bluestar makes an 18K burner, it's used only on the small 24" range, or on the RCS version (the one without convection ). A few years ago, it was their 'hottest' burner until they made the 22k.

So, you're saying that the cooktop will have just two types of burners? That's not what I saw at the appliance store.

The BS RNB has three sizes of burners on its 36" 6-burner model. The front three burners are (from L to R): 22K, 15K, 22K. The rear three burners are (from L to R): ultra low simmer (9K or 10K I think I've read), 15K, 15K.

BlueStar has 4 different burner outputs. Usually only 3 different ones are used on the stove top.
they are:

10K ( the simmer burner )with only the center circle flame
15K The mid-sized burner(Nova)
18K The old 'high' burner,(Super-Nova) still used on some stoves
22K The newer 'high' burner (Ultra-Nova)

But, my question is why? Why wouldn't you just have them be all the same power. Each burner has a power knob. Given what I saw, I can't imagine there's much of a price difference.

Short answer: That would exceed ANSI standards and would not pass UL testing.

Here is a link that might be useful: ANSI Z21 and Z83 Standard Series Product Evaluations

There IS a reason to have dinky burners too. Physically, tiny pots don't do as well on wide burners.

joe and fori are exactly right-UL test standards and the small burner (NOT a simmer burner, all Bluestar burners will simmer) is great for smaller pots. With a 1 quart pot on a large burner, much of the heat just goes up the sides.

Bluestar users - other than stir fry and boiling water, what are you using your 22k burners for? I know that sounds nuts, but I cooked professionally on a Garland for years and loved the heat. But in the home, I wonder do you need that much? (I am channeling my husband on this -- it is his question and my answer wasn't the only one he wanted to hear.)
Thanks,
Suzanne

The first answer says it best. The 15K burner is great for the lower simmer on larger pots and pans (the 22K does fine simmering when there is enough mass in the pot, but is overpowered for smaller dishes). The small burner is great for small pots.

I use the 22K all the time. I like starting most dishes on high heat, so it works well for my style of cooking.

Bump...
Placement of burners. Does anyone still have a 22k burner in the back? Do you like it? I would thinking of having a 22k in back with the simmer burner and a 22k up front with the 15k (grill in middle.)

Thoughts appreciated.

While we're on the subject...

My plan is to have this configuration (if I can get it):

[SIM] [15k] [15k] ::: ===
[22k] [15k] [22k] ::: ===

Where ::: is a griddle and === is a grill.

I don't like the idea of the burners being broken up by a grill and/or griddle. I have that now on my Thermador and it's not a good way to cook. With continuous grates, you can get better use out of the burners when they are all together.

I think you should swap griddle and grill to get the grill closer to the middle of the hood. They can get a little smoky!

Hmm - good point. I'm assuming Bluestar will do this.

Bluestar will do any moving around for a charge. I was thinking about moving around the burners, but then it is a special order with an upcharge. I am going to forgo that!

I go see the Bluestar dealer locally that has a working range this week. Yipee!