I replied to your post on the Kitchen forum, but I wanted to add that you should get the appliance or combination of appliances that fit how you cook, not just what someone else thinks looks good. Appearance is important, but I think the way your food tastes is even more important.

Have you ruled out a dual-fuel 48" range?

I currently have a dual fuel. I really would like an all gas range. Just wondering if I will need the electric wall oven, and if the 2nd oven on the range is an adequate size for a 2nd oven? Am curious as to what others have found once they work with the 48".

I had an all gas 48" Viking in my last kitchen and loved it. I found the size of the smaller oven just fine and used it all the time for regular family dinners (we are a family of 4). I used the big oven when I entertained and made larger dishes or when I just wanted to cook two things at once. I never felt like I needed a third oven and we cook and entertain a lot. I am rebuilding my house now and am getting another all gas 48" - this time a capital all burners. I guess your needs would depend on how much and how many you cook for.

Thanks gryane, that is just the kind of info I am looking for. I am also going to get the Capital..was thinking about 6 burners and an griddle, though. Do you really use 8 burners at once?

gharborwa - I don't have the range installed yet so I can't tell you if I'll use all 8 burners at once :)

But I will say that my Viking before had six burners and the griddle. There were times when I did use nearly all those burners at once. We used the griddle a lot but found it to be kind of on the small side. This time I figured getting all 8 burners would make the range more flexible. I plan to get a griddle that I can place on top of the burners - it will be larger and easier to clean than the built in one. I also like the look of all burners.

Are you going for the new Capital Culinarian? We are getting the Precision (got a great deal at my local scratch and dent and it's brand new without a scratch!)

Over the years, I have found the BlueStar to cook very even, and decided on a griddle model, since I have never needed over 4 burners at any given time- I use the griddle for alot of pan cooking as well- since I'm able to cook very very delicate items as well- When I noticed that many restaurants use griddles to cook most of a menu

bcstoveguy:I'd be interested to know what all you cook on your grill..I think I'll have fun playing around with this.
gryane: what a great deal! I'm getting the Culinarian, but I wouldn't be able to pass up that deal, either.