Question for LaCanche Owners

19 years ago

I tried posting this in the LaCanche Part 37 thread, but it went unnoticed, so I'm going to try again here. Please excuse me if this has been answered in one of the previous 37 threads. I've tried to read as much as I can, but I couldn't find anything that addressed the issue. I really like the cooktop possibilities of the LaCanche Volnay. BUT -- I am concerned about committing to a range that no one in my area can repair.

I have considered both the Volnay and the Aga 6-4 (also the CornuFe). I really like the accessories that the LaCanche provides best (the griddle and grill, baking sheets, etc.). I also like the flexibility with the burner layout, and that warming cabinet is so cool! The Aga has a dealer within driving distance, so I think we should be okay should it need special attention down the road. What are the options for servicing a LaCanche in the US (we're in So. Cal. -- Orange County)?

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Comments (6)

north40mom
19 years ago
Sarschlos,

I live in Western Canada and recently bought the first Lacanche hereabouts. Before buying, I was assured by the folks at Art Culinaire that if it needed servicing during the warranty period, they would locate a qualified service provider in my area. I'm sure there would be no problems finding someone in So. Cal. Also, I gather from my research that the guts of the stove are pretty basic, and working on them, if need be, is pretty straightforward. Having said that, my beautiful blue cooker is still in the crate in my garage, awaiting our cabinets' completion. So I can't say I have actual experience calling AC on the warranty or with a local servicer. Good luck with whatever you decide!
sarschlos_remodeler
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks, North40mom. That was very helpful. I'm very tempted by the LaCanche, even though it is priced higher than I had ever planned to spend on an oven. It seems to have more of what I want than the CornuFe, but I've never seen either IRL, so I'm just going off of the pretty pictures and internet info at this point. Since you are the first to purchase in your area, were you able to see one IRL before you ordered?
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north40mom
19 years ago
Sarchslos--

No, I didn't see one IRL before ordering, I just drooled over the web pictures and the brochures, and then my obsession got worse when I began lurking on gardenweb and the finished kitchens blog. The Cluny served a practical need I had too-- I wanted two ovens but had limited vertical space due to my window situation. And then there were the beautiful color choices... I ended up ordering sight unseen (French Blue), and having opened the crate, I am not disappointed in looks or feel, but not having hooked it up yet, can't comment on performance (though many here have and I'm not worried). I, too, briefly considered the Cornufe, and was able to look at it in person (beautiful), but my research suggested the Lacanche performance would be superior, and the Art Culinaire folks were reassuring about any future service issues, so that's how I went. No regrets, so far. Again, good luck (and happy hunting).
momto4kids
19 years ago
Sarschlos remodeler-
The Lacanche ranges are very simple machines. There is no electronic gadgetry to worry about. A "low tech" electrician should be able to do any work the range may need. A plumber whould be able to assist with any gas issues.

AC has a list of service providers with whom they've dealt. Check the link to see who is in your area. You could also call an appliance dealer in your area.

I recently had a thermostat replaced in a warming cabinet. I called the electrician from the list linked below. It was a great experience. No issues. The electrician was thrilled to see how "simple" the work was!

I have a Sully +2 and did not see a Lacanche IRL prior to ordering! I just went on "hearsay" from these long-running threads!

Hope that helps!

PS The warming cabinets ARE cool!! Far more practical than traditional warming drawers!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Servicers...click on the link
igloochic
19 years ago
Mom24 answered your questions well. I was worried myself (We're in Alaska) but I talked with AC and they put me in touch with qualified repairmen here. They are basic machines (part of the great thing about them) and most qualified repairmen can handle the work easily.

I did see the Lacanche IRL because I flew down to look at as well as a Molteni and La Cornue (and CornueFe). The Lacanche was a much prettier product than the Cornue family of products (and CornueFe didn't do much for me). I did like the Molteni, but given the size I needed, I got much more out of the Lacanche. The warming cabinet is a wonderful space saver. :)

They're beautiful stoves. I wish you great luck in choosing, but if you're worried, call AC and ask who to chat with in your area. I'm sure they can stear you in the right direction easily.
sarschlos_remodeler
Original Author
19 years ago
Momto4kids, I checked the servicers link and there is a servicer in our area code (not close, but possibly doable) so I'm going to give them a call.

Igloochic, I went to look at the CornuFe at the local Williams Sonoma over the weekend (not a demonstration model, just on display). Like you, I found the CornuFe to be pretty but it didn't call to me the same way the LaCanche Cluny does. So I've requested the pricing brochure. I'm hoping we'll be able to work it into our budget! Hopefully, with my smallish kitchen (14X16), I can splurge a bit more on the range. :-)