If it weren't for the Wolf dual fuel's porcelain issues, I would recommend that. That is the only dual fuel range that I've heard raves about the oven performance. Unfortunately because of the chipping issues I could not recommend it currently. Since I'm not aware of any other dual fuel ranges that are universally liked I don't have any specific recommendations, sorry. It seems like most of the ovens on the market lots of people really like are wall ovens.

All I can say is that since this is for a business you really want to make sure whatever you buy works well. If I were in your position I would be sure to try baking in the range before you buy. Often it can be hard to find "live" ranges - but try your best.

If I were in your position I would look at GE Monogram, Electrolux Icon, KitchenAid, JennAir, Dacor, and Thermador.

I did wedding cakes for 11 years out of my home (retired 2 years ago). I have a GE glass top electric stove (circa 1995) and it held 18" rounds. I really never had any trouble baking my cakes in it. I also have an older (gold!) GE range in my basement that I used for wedding cakes (one set in upstairs oven, one set in basement oven). Worked well for me. We are changing out or stoves right now. Putting the GE flat top in the basement, getting rid of old gold, and putting a Bluestar 30"RNB in the kitchen with a 30" Bluestar electric wall oven. Both of these ovens hold a FULL sheet pan (only ovens in the industry). Although I don't do cakes as a business any more, I'm totally excited about the size of these ovens!

This post was edited by deb52899 on Thu, Sep 4, 14 at 8:28

Thanks SO much for your assistance. I am not completely convinced that I need dual fuel. . .I've read a lot of comments that lead me to believe that I don't need to fear a gas oven. Based on that information, is there something else you would recommend?

Deb52899, it sounds like you have some exciting baking in store!! I wish I could consider wall ovens, but alas I can't afford that much construction. So my "given" is that whatever range I choose must be 36" and fit in the hole my old one occupies.

If you get all gas you will need to have a new outlet put in... shouldn't be too expensive though. I personally think electric ovens are slightly better in terms of even-ness and precision than gas. Since you already have the hookups, I figure why not. Gas ovens work well also though.