Off the top of my head --

One thing to consider is that you haven't planned around a 60" rnage. Do you want to rework your plan? Is it worth it if the range has a life expectancy of 2-6 years (generally speaking for larger appliances -- of they were all gas, I might expect a longer life)? Could be less, could be more.

Next, do you want Viking? If not, it isn't a deal -- it's a compromise.

If Viking would be on your short list, can you talk to the person who has been servicing it? Find out how much service it has required and what kind? What would they expect it to require int he next year or two? And how long would they expect it to continue performing for you? Would they be comefortable giving you some sort of agreement on service for some period of time?

If you feel you can get a great deal in a size that you could replace down the road and it would help cash flow now, it might be worth it. If it makes something else now possible insted of living without it, it might be worth it. If you think you will love it, it might be worth it. If you'd be happier with something else and can get it now, I'd pass. It's still too much mooey to spend on something you don't love -- unless it gives you something else in return.

You said "Pro Ranges" and I am thinking you mean pro style. If these aren't residential units. I'd pass.

I looked around for used ranges when planning our kitchen, and had I found any viable options I'd have gone that route.

How much baking do you do? I think the dual fuel would be nice if the answer is "a lot".

What does the 48" come with? grill or griddle?

I have a griddle and absolutely love it. If the 48" doesn't have one that (imo) is a selling feature of the 60". The 48" is newer, comes with the hood, and is dual fuel so as long as you have some history on it (and it isn't a lemon), that would be the one I'd opt for.

By the way, i have been meaning to tell you that the pic I posted for you from that blog is in the SubZero/Wolf catalog. If I have time I will scan it for you. It looks even more amazing in their glossy catalog and is from a different angle.

I think the point about this used option freeing up cash flow for other items is a good one and obviously this might get you a range that you wouldn't otherwise consider??

I'd be much more interested in the 48: a 60 is just a bit much for most home kitchens, and the fact that it was in a commercial setting [even though not a retaurant] means that it has seen pretty heavy ussage [slammed doors, ets]. I have to say the 'monthly pro maintenence' almost sounds like a scam: other than a good cleaning, ranges don't need much in that regard. These aren't cars, where good maintenece habits can easily triple the useful life of the machine.

Seriously, if these are "professional" ranges, they very well may not be appropriately insulated for use next to wood cabinets. As in HUGE FIRE HAZARD. Just make sure they're "residential" ranges before you go any farther with this decision process.

Speaking for Malhgold without being asked ;-)...These are indeed residential ranges (the 48" is currently in someone's house) and the ad for the 60" said it was professionally cleaned every month and serviced/checked over annually. Just wanted to clear things up so any misconceptions weren't clouding the advice or leading everyone off track. Some good points have been made here, though. Mostly, if you're going to spend that much money, will you have something you will love and is it something you dearly wanted but couldn't have had otherwise? Or will it allow you to have something else you'd dearly wanted but couldn't afford if you have to buy a new range?

Before you invest, check out both ranges in person. And also go to a Viking dealer and see if you can cook on one of their floor models.

Not to bash Viking, but I will...they are pretty cheaply built. When you take them apart, you can see how flimsy they are inside.

And the ovens are notoriously inaccurate.

I had a chance to live in a guesthouse and cook on a Viking stove for several months. Never again. The flame pattern is too wide for smaller saucepans, and simmering was a joke. The griddle had hot and cold spots, because they use a single burner down the middle and a thinner metal base.

There are better brands out there. If you're going to spend 2500-4000 on a stove, check around. I prefer Wolf, for various reasons, but even there went only with a rangetop, then went with FP double convenction wall ovens.

Some of the newer pro-style cooktops and stoves by other brands are excellent.

And if it's just high BTU output you want, some of the lower end gas stoves (even Sears models) are starting to include one "power" burner, upwards of 12-15K BTU. For 450-1000 you can get a pretty cheap and remarkable stove that will give you the same performance capabilities as that Viking.

thanks guys! appreciate the comments. Decided the 60" range is out. One of the biggest concerns would be having to replace it when it died(which at 10 years already, I guess that conceivably could happen at any time). I will see the other one in person before I purchase it. $2500 was for both the 48" hood and range, which may or may not be negotiable. Not sure yet. That would be about a $5000 savings vs. buying new range and hood. I have heard that Viking may not be the "best performer" when compared to some other brands and that is part of what I'm thinking about. While $2500 is a lot of money, I'm not sure that it wouldn't be money well spent as that extra $5000 spent elsewhere (or saved) might make me happier. I guess that's what I have to figure out.

Mahgold:

If you saw the 60 inch Viking (test kitchen; Food Magazine) on Craigslist, I think it is a scam artist (not legit). Just an FYI.

I just bought a duel fuel 36 inch floor model Viking (4 burners with grill) off of Ebay from a great local seller, who promised to stand by the oven should there be any problems. $3000. So I am hoping for the best. If it works well for a decently long period of time, it is a great deal. From what I have read on this board, all ranges have their problems (yes, even Wolf - have even read numerous posts where people regretted buying their Wolf range). So if mine is somehow a lemon, at least I did not pay the $8000 new price tag for it! And, in terms of resale, I know for a fact that Viking's name is well received (the typical person has no idea what American, DCS, Capital, Thermador, those French brands, etc. are, nor do they care about flame patterns).

Good luck!

tigernyc - why do you think it is a scam artist? I recently had an experience with a different post on craigslist for a wolf range that was definitely a scam artist. The 60" Viking person said it was in a warehouse in Boonton and asked if I wanted to set up an appointment to see it.

Interesting that you just bought a Viking. I was just reading thru the appliance forum all about Vikings as there is a 48" floor model available for about $2000 less than what I seem to be finding it for on ebay. This whole range purchase is about to put me over the edge!

Just so everyone knows, Viking does not make commercial ranges/ never has. All Viking products are strictly residential.

Ah, thanks, ci lantro and rhome. Carry on :)

Dual fuels are usually more $$. While Viking isn't my fav., if its 4 yrs. old and not used much (in good shape) and comes with a vent hood, that could be a decent purchase. I'd check it out, turn both ovens on, and check the burners (make sure they all light)- if it's still installed. Find out why they are replacing it..etc.

I agree with Alexr. If everything checks out on the range & hood--and the hood is a quality brand, IMO, $2500 for the pair, dual fuel at that, is a good price. To put things in perspective, I paid $2k for a new 36'' Wolf rangetop w/ a center griddle and felt like I had gotten a bargain, as Wolf rangetops go, anyway. (This was my self-imposed Limit of One Splurge!) ;) In my search for used appliances, I found that anything over the more common 30-36'' widths tended to discounted more--probably because there a fewer 'customers' who can use a wider range/ refrig.

Hi Mahgold. I remember seeing a rash of listings on Craigslist that were all scams. I seem to recall that someone posted a warning about the Food magazine listing as well (but if the person is wiling to set up apointment, let you see oven, it may be legit). Obviously, the shady items are those where the seller wants money wired, etc.

I think many people are not satisfied with their ranges (whether they are Viking, Wolf, or whatever) or other appliances because they are SO much money at retail price. There is really no good reason to ever pay retail unless you have money to burn. There are too many good deals out there.

FYI, another good way to buy these appliances at discount is to find sellers on ebay with items you like. Instead of bidding on them call the seller directly and negotiate from there. Many of these sellers expect that and do not even list all of their items on ebay.

Cheers.

tigernyc - would you mind telling me which seller you purchased your range from. You can email me off line if you'd rather.

malhgold at optonline dot net

Thanks!

bumping this up for tigernyc!

tigernyc, are you there? Thanks!

Hey Mal - I sent an e-mail this morning. Ya get it???

can't pick up my home email from work. I'll take a look when I get home. Thanks!