Where are you located. I may be able to help

BlueStar ranges fall under UMRP -- it's fixed pricing, and you're not going to find prices that are lower than a certain level.

However, the price quote you got is definitely higher than UMRP. Find someone else to deal with...

Here is a link that might be useful: RCS at Universal

Hey, thanks for the link! Didn't realize you could order online.

djh64 - I'm in Central Florida.

When comparing prices, be sure to include shipping. Like this company (I don't know if they're any good--just using for a price check) charges more but the price includes shipping.

I don't know what it costs to ship a BS, but it can't be cheap!

Here is a link that might be useful: another online vendor

Yes. I didn't include that link as a recommendation, just merely passing along a cheaper quote. Always get a complete quote including shipping...

Eurostoves is another online vendor -- they have a retail store in Massachusetts and are a major retailer for Bluestar. I bought my 2 Bluestar ranges from them (kosher kitchen) and have been very happy with their customer service. No idea what their price is for the model you want.

I am going to get a Bluestar. Thank you very much for the on-line sources. I talked to someone at Select Appliance and they seemed very knowledgeable. There is a dealer reasonably close to where I live but it looks like I can get a better price having it shipped to my door from Select, so I may do that. I am trying to decide about the island trim right now.

Good to see we have more options. Thanks for the leads!

Despite the,uh, comments, against Eurostoves, this is where I bought my BlueStar and all my other appliances. I had a bunch of minor problems with the BlueStar and Eurostoves were VERY helpful in resolving them. Eurostoves also ate an incidental cost.

My minor problemms were:
1) Feet were missing. FedEx'd and arrived the next day. Unfortunately, the "white glove" delivery obviously didn't get it off the pallet. Grunt.
2) Tiny gas leak after installation. Thought it was in the plumbing, so I called the plumber. Eurostoves ate the approximately $70 plumber bill to find the leak in the regulator.
3) Tiny gas leak persisted, but went away. Not sure if this was a tiny leak that the pipe dope subsequently sealed or what. Hasn't come back.
4) Simmer burner caused continuous clicking and rear burner missing one hole (the hole that emits the gas that the ignitor lights. Parts sent and installed.
All service was done by a "multi-brand" service company (Vesco, in the Boston area).

I found both Eurostoves and Bluestar receptive to my comments about quality control. Eurostoves actually wanted a e-mail from me detailing my issues, which they forwarded to BlueStar, and Trevor spoke with BlueStar's president about quality control.)

The end result is a great stove (cooks superbly, looks very good (but not superb)).

I was polite in my interactions and both companies were apologietic and responsive.

BOTTOM LINE: If my best friend were buying appliances, I'd send them to Eurostoves.

So how do you check for gas leaks once everything is installed?

You have the range installed by a licensed plumber or an installer who's licensed for gas. He will check for any leaks as part of the installation process.

Melbeach -- The RCS model at Universal is not the same model you are looking for. It only has 15k burners and no window. Eurostoves has a promotional model 30" RCS that was $2500 a few months ago. It has the 18k burner, 2 15k's, 1 simmer, window, 6" backsplash, no convection. I got a local price of $3100 also. I was set to purchase this model from Eurostoves but when I spoke to someone about getting service in Oregon he said they didn't have anyone here. Eurostoves did say they would be able to get it fixed, and it sounds like they just might foot the repair bill. This ambiguity led me to work with my local dealer. They didn't lower the price of the range, but since I also purchased a dishwasher and hood they lowered the price of those a little. Plus delivery was included from my local dealer, including placing in the kitchen and unpacking and removing the packing materials, whereas Eurostoves was about $150 for curbside drop off. Overall I probably paid about $100-200 more but I feel good about having a local dealer and distributor to work with if a problem arrises.

The other thing you should check if how close your local vendors are. From what I understand, BlueStar is really strict about having customers buy locally unless they have no other option--which may make a difference if anything goes wrong with your range.

Melbeach- After the Bluestar was installed and hooked up, I smelled a tiny bit of gas in the morning on those nights when the windows were closed. I could not smell it during the day. The plumber, which was here for something else, tried to find the leak with bubble stuff and an open flame (no danger since the leak was so slight). It didn't seem to be in any of his fittings, nor did he find it within the range itself.

The problem persisted, and he (well, actually a different guy, but they work together) came back with an electronic sniffer. He eventually found the leak in the regulator. It was very slight, but if you put your nose right up to the right spot, you could smell it.

I had the regulator replaced, and smelled gas again for a day or two. I don't know if this is a leak (since the range had to be disconnected in place to replace the regulator) or a pocket of left-over gas from the hookup, or whate, but the problem went away and there is no leak now.

I don't want to think about what I'd have to do if the leak were within the walls / ceiling. Shudder. You would find it by drilling holes and sticking the sniffer into the wall cavity, I think.

Thanks for all the great info! I didn't realize there were different versions of the RCS304. I definitely want the 18k burner and a window would be nice. So $3110 sounds like the standard price for the 18k windowed version. Eurostoves only lists the RNB models. I don't see any RCS models, so they must have sold out. I have one other FL dealer I can check with. I'll see what they say.

Eurostoves still lists their promo 30" RCS model on the site. Just look up the 30" Bluestar and scroll to the bottom. They don't list the price, you have to call, but it says:

NEW! 30" Range with 1 x Simmer. 2 x 15k burners. 1 x 18k burner. Includes 6" backsplash. NO CONVECTION

Here is a link that might be useful: 30

I too bought my Bluestar from Eurostoves. They gave me a great price and free shipping. Also, Trevor and his staff were very helpful to answer questions, get me installation references locally and the like. Their follow through was impeccable and I highly recommend them.

>>> I was set to purchase this model from Eurostoves but when I spoke to someone about getting service in Oregon he said they didn't have anyone here. Eurostoves did say they would be able to get it fixed, and it sounds like they just might foot the repair bill.

abd1 - I was wondering what you meant here. Were you speaking hypothetically or was there something on the unit that actually needed to be fixed (as in being a floor model)?

Thanks!

Just wanted to point out that Bluestar has greatly expanded the dealer network recently. Last year, my nearest was in Kent, Washington. Now there are 3 right here in SW Montana.

So I'll be dealing locally for the sake of service...

After reading a lot of Bluestar posts I got concerned about what if I needed service and bought the range from ES (eurostoves)? I wanted to know before I purchased what the process would be like. I spoke to my local distributor and he threw a lot of scare tactics at me about how I wouldnt get service because I didnÂt buy from the assigned distributor/dealer, etc. I didnÂt really believe him, so I called ES. A rep from ES assured me I could get it fixed and gave me a number for a guy named Pete who was the service manager at Signature Marketing (ESÂs distributor). He said Pete could explain to me how I would get service if I needed it. When I spoke to Pete he said they didnÂt have anyone in Oregon to fix it and pretty much said to call Prizer and they would tell me who to contact. I didnÂt like the sound of that, but I was still thinking of buying from ES, also because I didnÂt like the scare tactics of the local distributor, and because of other posters positive experiences with ESÂs service calls. Its seems ES is PrizerÂs biggest dealer (IMO) and they have a larger internet business, so its in their best interest to make service issues go away quickly even if it comes out of pocket. I know thereÂs one poster on GW with a longstanding issue re a fridge, but I think the distributor/manufacturer is more at fault than ES  and thatÂs another topicÂ. Anyway, I was still leaning towards ordering through ES, but since we decided we needed a new hood and dishwasher I thought my local dealer might be able to give me a "bundled price." BTW, my local dealer is a builder and contractor supplier. They are open to the public but they do not market or advertise to consumers. Their consumer business is strictly word-of-mouth and even thought they carry all the top-line brands, their prices are usually 20% lower than the big box retailers  and no haggling or special sales etc. So, when my sales rep told me $2988 was his price I knew that was his best price, and since IÂm seeing the standard price is 3100, it was a good price. However, like I posted earlier, he did lower the price of the other appliances and include delivery to close the deal so I decided to get it locally. However, I was prepared and expecting to purchase through ES, and their 30" RCS comes with the 6" backsplash, whereas the one I got comes with the island trim (IÂd prefer the 6"). Through my DD I did find out why ES has the 30" RCS for $2500. Their distributor ordered a large quantity of specÂd out 30" and 36" RCS models as promo models. I had the specific model number and when I asked my local distributor about it, and it was $2500 at ES, he told me Bluestar told him it was an older discontinued model. ES told me it was a current model. I had my distributor forward the email he got from Bluestar. The email said the model was no longer available, not that it was old and discontinued  again scare tactics. The reason it was unavailable is because itÂs a specific model number for the units produced for Signature Marketing, supplied to ES. They ordered a large quantity, configured a certain way, and got a discount. ThatÂs also why the price is lower for the ES model, but once I added shipping and got the bundled price locally it was a wash and I went local.

HereÂs a link to an earlier post I had when looking into this; thanks to alexr:

Just for the record...

The local SZ/Wolf dealer was at our new house 2 weeks ago installing the wall oven/fridge/etc. One of the installers asked what range I was using and I said Bluestar (no local dealer close) ordered in from Eurostoves. He asked how I was going to have it installed and I asked if he took side jobs which he did.

He showed up 2 days later to install the Bluestar and was amazed at the range. He said he liked it very much. When I mentioned no local dealer presence for service, he confirmed my previous opinion on that issue. He said, all of these pro-style ranges are basically the same as to working parts. Only the design differs (burners, aesthetics etc). He then proceeded to remove test and inspect the various burners top, oven and broiler. He removed parts like it was just routine. He cranked up the 22K burners and said "MAN, what power! These are the best designed burners I have ever seen."

So far so good! I checked the pre-heat to 400 and 500 during the burn in. It was about 15 minutes to 400 and another 5-10 to 500.

Hey thanks abd1 for the detailed post. It's pretty clear now. I just have to make up my mind which way to go. Only problem now is the hankering I'm getting for that 22k burner. Must resist!

EvergreenDan:
I think we have the same tiny gas leak on our RNB 36" range. We sometimes notice an exceedingly slight gas smell, again when the windows are closed, and the smell appears to be at the back left corner of the range--where the regulator is.
You said Eurostoves "ate" the $70 plumber charge for the repair. I don't want to have to deal with the hassle of explaining why they need to pay me for a plumber, and I'd like to do this the right way. Did you end up calling ES directly, or did you go though Signature Marketing, or did you perhaps call BlueStar directly? Any pointers would be appreciated.

esq166 -- I hope that I did not imply that Eurostove would eat your plumber's bill, but rather to cite this of an example of them going above-and-beyond. (Bear in mind that I purchased an entire kitchen (and Miele W/D) from them.)

The only reason that I had the plumber's bill is because I thought that the plumber had the leak, which he didn't. So he charged me.

If you remove the burner pans and grates, you can see the regulator at the rear left. Put your nose right up to it in, say, the morning after the range hasn't been used for a while. I could clearly smell gas -- slight, but distinct. You could also try sniffing the nearby joints.

Eurostoves will help set up a warranty service call. They did that for me, but then I made direct contact with the parts person at BlueStar, and I ordered parts from them after Eurostoves had gotten me going.

I would suggest that your first call be to Eurostoves. Everyone that I've spoken with there has been helpful, so if someone other than Trevor wants to help you (Karen, for example) by all means let them.

If you buy your Bluestar from someone like Eurostove, then the service is paid for by their distributor. This creates 2 problems, one, they don't know who is good at repairs in your area, and two, they may not be able to get a decent price to repair the range, since there is no quantity of repairs they can sign a contract on. The local distributor, on the otherhand, knows the local repair folks, and has better leverage to offer them more work. Also, some distributors are probably better than others. If Signature (Eurostove's distributor) doesn't seem helpful then you are better off looking locally.

Also, for the RCS, all the new one's from Prizer now have the window and an 18K and simmer burner. Any of the distributors can get a better price if they pre-order and pay for a bunch at a time. You might find out who your local distributor is and call them and see if they are offering any promotions on the RCS.. the local retailer may not know and it quoting from a book.

alexr - I believe that the manufacturer (Prizer-Painter aka BlueStar) pays for service. They shipped parts to my service company (Vesco here in Boston) and/or me directly. Vesco wanted a service authorization from BlueStar, but it wasn't needed. I had the customer service person at BlueStar call them to tell them that. I didn't speak with Signature at all.

If I had a good local dealer, I would buy from them and I would pay some extra for that. If they serviced themselves, I'd pay a bit more. Eurostoves was MY local dealer, even though they have a big internet business. I would have preferred that they serviced themselves, but I was comfortable that other service providers would take care of me in a large metro area like Boston.

I don't believe that distributors feel it is their role to speak with and help end users directly. I believe they feel they should support and supply the dealers. (Opinion, not stated as a fact.)

One of the reasons I bought from Eurostoves is that when I went to look at the BlueStar and mentioned that I wanted to saute mushrooms without having the water run out of them, Trevor whipped out some mushrooms, sprouts, chicken breast, a wok, and a saute pan, and set me off to cooking. I considered that great customer service. I did feel very strange eating a small meal in the middle of the store!

A bit later, the cooking demonstration room filled with little kids (about around 8 or so) all taking a cooking class. They all had little chef's hats and their mise en place. Too cute! My wife and I were cracking up.

Bluestar distributors no long have anything to do with the servicing of Bluestar Appliances.

Bluestar now has a dedicated service center to cover ALL warranty claims.

Where you live and where you purchase your Bluestar appliance from makes no difference when it comes to Bluestar servicing your appliance.

I believe that Prizer has taken charge of getting Bluestars serviced without going through the distributors. Pete at Prizer is evidently setting up service people across the USA and was happy to hear that for several years I have used an independent repair person in whom DH and I have confidence: the Appliance Doctor in Baltimore/Pikesville, MD. Had I purchased from the local authorized dealer, Cummins Appliance in Pikesville, Cummins would have handled any repairs because they service what they sell.

I purchased my 2 Bluestars from Eurostoves because they were flexible and creative in dealing with an unusual situation -- despite a hefty deposit, another local store (not Cummins) never put in my order and I needed a cream-colored 30" RNB quickly. Eurostoves arranged for Signature (the distributor) to send a stainless one, and a few months later Prizer sent a cream door skin and kickplate. The Appliance Doctor will get to swap out the door skin and a DOA ignitor on the 30" and locate a pinpoint gas leak on the 24".

We have been very pleased with both Eurostoves and Prizer -- and also with the range itself!

Trevor, I missed your post! Even back when I told you that I was purchasing from another source, you and Karen took time to answer my questions. And when that other source (not an authorized dealer as it turns out) messed up, you were great in getting our range(s) here when we needed it, a task that required considerable ingenuity. One couldn't ask for better customer support. Thank you!

"Bluestar distributors no long have anything to do with the servicing of Bluestar Appliances."

What? since when??
Oh, how I wish I had known this! (would have gone with Eurostoves in a heartbeat.)

Nice to know there are lots of Bluestar people out there.I am ordering my Blue star from Eurostove partly because of the way they are so helpful and partly because when I priced my local dealer they were $1000+ over Eurostove! What is it with VT and the high prices?

Thanks Trevor, I stand corrected, the change over took place August 1st 2007. The distributor is no longer involved with service work. Time will tell how this policy works out.

i think i've also seen posted that signature's service manager, pete, is now holding down the same position for prizer since the change.