Anyone with experience with the La Cornue Albertine?

16 years ago

Okay, okay, I know there are a lot of different posts concerning the difference between the La Cornue ranges and BlueStar etc... I have spent (literally) hours looking through everything I could find and get my hands on. My problem is that we have a 150+ yr old farmhouse. I have been drooling over the CornuFe ranges for 2 years while we finished other areas of the house. I cannot fit anything other than a 36" range. I love the look of the Albertine but the oven size is scaring me a bit. I have no room for a wall oven. I do have a small wall oven in the basement kitchen if I needed an extra one in a pinch. I am an avid baker and love to cook. At this point I am undecided between BlueStar and the Albertine. I love the look of the LC better than the BS (cannot fathom putting stainless steel in this house) but you can't beat the size of the oven on the BS, but its gas not electric. I am so torn and I have no more time to debate, cabinets are getting ordered in days and oven needs to be ordered pronto. ANY ideas would be greatly appreciated. I cannot spend more than $7000 on this appliance. Is there anyone out there who has cooked in the Albertine or baked in the BS that loves it????

Featured Answer

joeboldt

16 years ago

Have you considered a Lacanche? They make a model called the Cormatin. I have a burgundy red cluny and have thrilled senseless!

Joe

Here is a link that might be useful: French Ranges

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Comments (8)

andybp
16 years ago
I had a similar dilemma as you and went with the Bluestar.

We have a 136 year old Victorian and just renovated the kitchen. I was dead set against a stainless range as I felt it wouldn't work with the look of the house. I knew that the cooking capabilities of the Bluestar were far superior but was thinking I'd go with asthetics over function.

I was in love with the look of the La Cornue Cornufe ranges and was convinced these were what would work best. I had a hard time finding a place that had the Albertine in person but finally found one.
Once I saw the quality of the product I was very disappointed. In person it looked fake and poorly made.
I never had the opportunity to cook with the Cornufe Albertine so can't speak to that. I'm sure it would be as good as most high end professional ranges. I will say I love my Bluestar and am so happy I went this route. In the end it looks great in my kitchen and doesn't feel out of place. Because Bluestar ranges are so bare bones it works. The cast iron burners feel old and as they've been there for quite some time. My cabinetry and hardware all were designed to look like they'd always been there. My refrigerator and dishwasher are fully integrated so there's not a lot of stainless showing (only range and wall oven/microwave).

If you haven't seen the Albertine in person, I'd suggest you find it and decide for yourself.

I love cooking on my Bluestar (2 1/2 months so far) and know, for me, it was the right decision.

Best of luck to you.
scottielee
16 years ago
la cornue chateau is my all time dream range
but i was also disappointed when checking out the cornufe on display at williams & sonoma
the doors and knobs don't operate as smooth as expected
and the fit and finish don't look as stunning as in the pictures
i ended with a wolf dual fuel and can't be more happy
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andreamarie
16 years ago
Hi,

I don't know if you've decided, but I have a used LaCornue Chateau GC 90 gas range for sale. The color is forest green and has stainless steel finishes. The burners (4) are brass and the center of the cooktop contains a French plaque. It is 9 years old but in very good condition. If you google LaCornue, you can get the dimensions of the GC 90. Of course, there is some wear and tear on the plaque and burners, but any range over time would have this. It adds to the rustic appeal and is a very handsome range. I have no doubt that it is perfectly funcional and would gladly forward photos. It was owned previously by a person that barely used it and still looks great. I would love to sell it for $4,5oo and I live in Chicago. Let me know if interested!

Andrea
jedwards601
16 years ago
I considered a lacanche and a cornufe for my 1907 house. I eventually went with an ILVE Majestic in antique white with brass trim. I love love love it. Its very powerful and looks great in my kitchen. You can get a good idea of what it looks like by clicking below. Also you can contact EuroChef USA for information on a dealer near you who might have one to view in person.

Here is a link that might be useful: website pics
assayhouse
16 years ago
Andreamarie --

Don't know if you still have the La Cornue range or still willing to sell but I may have some interest. Please let me know. Thanks.
jlangfo
11 years ago
Your post is from 2009. What did you decide and did you like it?
John Podnewich
last year
La Cornue Oven Review: Looks Pretty, Performs Poorly

I deeply regret purchasing the La Cornue oven. While it may look beautiful in your kitchen, that's about where the benefits end. For the $13,000 price tag, I expected exceptional performance—but instead, it has been nothing but frustration.

The oven cavity is inexplicably small and can't even fit a regular-sized turkey. The burners are unreliable and often difficult to light, which makes everyday cooking a hassle.

If you're considering this oven, please take this as a warning: this has been one of my worst purchasing decisions. I’m literally considering giving it away—it’s that disappointing. A very expensive lesson learned.