Well, BlueStar is gas only, but I find its burner performance far superior to the Wolf, its simmer comparable to the best, its cleaning exceptionally easy, and its oven excellent (and able to hold a full-sheet pan, if that is important to you). If the pure performance of a commercial range excites you, then BlueStar is a likely good choice.

The one feature of Wolf that I have heard of (but not experienced) that makes them, in my opinion, a contender, is the top-side grill, which I have heard is more salamander style than "Weber grill" style.

To me, LaCanche is a completely different animal, which is bought by people with a very different (not better or worse, just different) set of priorities than I have.

Hi there. OK, I didn't know it was gas only. I have been reading so many posts about Viking and Wolf -- and, for me, Viking is definitely out, but I would like a little more info on Wolf. Also, any info on the Bertazzoni. I'm going to assume it's a good range, but I'm concerned about repairs. Do they have local repairmen for them?

goingtotexas:
I have a Lacanche Cluny. I would agree with sfjeff that people who buy them have slightly different priorities. That's not to say that the BlueStar is the range for the serious cook nor that the Lacanche is just a pretty face. I consider myself a pretty serious cook and I love my stove. My advice is to go read the stove specific threads. I don't know the latest on BlueStar but have noted the latest for Lacanche.

Good luck
Joe

Here is a link that might be useful: Lacanche Part 40

Check the posts here on Bertazzoni. From what I remember, while they have excellent pricing, there are some that have concerns about oven size. It also, as I understand it, has it's own funkiness related to lighting the burners.

I have an AG Wolf (with grill) and like it; were I looking today Bluestar is probably the only other brand I'd look at as we do a lot of stirfry and the 22K burner is attractive. I've worked in restaurant kitchens and wouldn't judge the Wolf burners as harshly as the above poster. Can give you some more information about our experience--what else are you curious about?

Thanks everybody. I've been reading these posts for the past couple of days and everytime I settle on a range, somebody comes along and trashes it. I was really leaning toward the BlueStar, now I am unsure again. The french ranges are gorgeous, but being reliable and getting repairs for them scares me. I just want a range that is good-looking, reliable (as much as is possible), safe, good customer service, etc. ALL of them have issues, so I guess I just have to settle for the "least problematic"! BTW, since I'm new to this posting stuff, I have another question. We are building a house and I need info on other appliances, i.e., dishwasher, refrigerator, etc. Do I have to do a post for each separate appliance? Thanks again.

I don't think you can go wrong with either Wolf or Bluestar.

The french ranges are gorgeous, but being reliable and getting repairs for them scares me.

Well, all I can say is that I have had no issues with this. Additionally, they are quite simple and therefore, to my mind, simple to repair if something goes wrong. No LED displays, etc. Seems like any appliance person worth his salt could fix one.

going2texas have you checked out American Range?

here's a link to some owners posts.
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/appl/msg1221234112968.html?6259

Here is a link that might be useful: American Range

johnnytugs1, I checked out the American Range. It looks great, but they don't have any distributors in the area of Texas we will be building. Thanks anyway. We looked at the BlueStar up close this weekend, and didn't like all the castiron. The saleswoman even told me it would not be fun keeping that looking nice. Really studied the Wolf while there, and think we might go that way. She also told me that Viking has really cleaned up their act and that all the issues they had have been fixed. Is that true?

I think you'll find the Wolf cooks better than the Viking and, from what I have read here, is more reliable than the Viking as well. I haven't hear anything to convince me that Viking has gotten any better with time.

I would also look at Capital if you are attracted to the Viking.

(Side note, as if you don't like the look or feel of cast iron, you won't like the BlueStar; the cleaning of the cast iron on a BlueStar is far easier than trying to keep sealed burners and stainless steel or enamel clean. My wife hasn't complained once about my range cleanliness since we got one, which is quite a change.)

We are building a house and I need info on other appliances, i.e., dishwasher, refrigerator, etc. Do I have to do a post for each separate appliance? Thanks again.

Going2Texas, it is best to do a separate post for each appliance or this thread will get long and muddled. Before you post, use the search function to pull up relevant threads to see what's been said already. If you can narrow it down - i.e. "looking for a great 48" fridge" instead of "what fridge is best?", you'll get more focused replies.