Rangetops - Wolf, Bluestar Platinum, or Bluestar "regular"

11 years ago

I realize some of my questions have been covered, but I still need help :(

I am truly torn between these. I have never had open burners but think I would love them. However, I do understand the cleaning issues. Looking at the videos, though, it doesn't look that bad. I currently have a Jenn Air gas cooktop with black enamel, and I don't find that particularly easy to keep clean either. My issues are different...

For about $1000 more, the Platinum gives you the options of griddle or grill. I am quite sure I will rarely - if ever - use the grill. I would use a griddle. With that said, though, what is the difference between using their griddle and a Lodge 2-burner cast iron griddle? As neither is thermostatically controlled like the Wolf, what is the advantage? As an aside, it also doesn't seem to make sense to have a griddle over two different BTU burners (the default layout). I understand you can configure it, though. How would you configure it? The "regular" Bluestar rangetop has back to back 15 BTU burners in the center. Obviously not an issue with Wolf, as I'd either get the infrared griddle or stick with a 6 burner that has 5 15K BTU burners. Bottom line on this point, what do you see as the real advantages of the Platinum over the regular?

Now... for the infrared griddle over a Lodge. Big difference? I don't think I will use all 6 burners very frequently, but I have to wonder if the built in griddle is worth the price and the infrequent burner limitations.

And finally... those of you that have Bluestar or Wolf rangetops... are you pleased you chose what you did? Any regrets?

Featured Answer

sreedesq

11 years ago

I have 30 inch Bluestar. I must say that ordering it was a frustrating process due to long delays through the company and I'm happy nothing went wrong where I had to deal with them. It is fairly low tech and I feel confident my handier half could fix most issues if they arise, which is a plus.

Other than that, I am thrilled I went with an open burner over sealed. I have cooked on MILs Wolf and I much prefer open. I wouldn't say the Bluestar is awful to clean, but it's not easy. It does take a little strength to take off the cast iron pieces. It's a weekly chore that I am fine doing.

Regarding griddles, I purchased a separate griddle from Amazon that fits over my entire cooktop. I can bring it out as needed. It was a good option for me since I could only fit in a 30 inch unit. So, I don't have built in griddle experience, but would lean toward your option of a Lodge.

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Comments (10)

cookncarpenter
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I have the 36RNB, I looked at and considered Wolf, but was sold hands down when I saw the open burners perform at a Bluestar demo. The cast iron grates, bowls, and burners are easier to maintain than any stove I've cooked on. Once seasoned, they just wipe down as any cast iron cookware, I rarely if ever need or use or soap. The built in griddle is fantastic, very versatile and I use it daily, much prefer it to an over the burner type which I've had in the past. The built in on the RNB is thermostatically controlled, the Platinum griddle is not, which would be a deal breaker for me. The griddle is also super easy to maintain, once seasoned just a scrape and wipe with paper towel. Again, same as vintage cast iron, no soap ever...
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rivahgal1
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you both for great information. In true form, I have just complicated matters by eliminating Wolf from the line up but adding Capital Culinarian. It seems like a real toss up between the two. I know I want the open burners. I prefer the finish of the Platinum over the RNB but - if I wanted a griddle - the RNB is obviously the better choice. In speaking with BS today, they said they deliberately made the burners different BTUs on the front/back of the Platinum to allow for different temps on a griddle or grill. I am not sure I understand this, as you could still achieve different temps with identical BTUs (on the occasion that you wanted that) by altering the flame. In any event, it's a nominal upcharge to change the configuration of the burners if I wanted to do that.

Now... CC or Platinum or RNB? I am going to force myself to decide by Monday. Help!!! :)
leasterl
11 years ago
Dear riese1: Dying to know what you selected. I'm now debating between the Wolf 48" with griddle or the Bluestar (Platinum or RNB). Any advice? Many Thanks.
rivahgal1
Original Author
11 years ago
hi, leasterl. I went with a 36" rangetop. I did not get a griddle, but I did order an awesome griddle overlay. I personally do not like grilling inside. Even in cold weather, I am happy to go outside to grill. Love my overlay griddle and the fact I still have the ability to use all burner... or simply slide my pans around... which I tend to do a lot. With that said, with 48" of real estate, you can afford to do a griddle. I looked at Bluestar, but I didn't really like that the Platinum griddle is merely an overlay. Granted, I have an overlay, but I didn't pay up for it. I prefer the build quality of the Wolf, and the sealed burners are not an issue for me. Also, I originally looked at Bluestar for the superior BTUs, but the updated burners on Wolf make that difference marginal.
Ping Lady
10 years ago
I got the 36" bluestar platinum rangetop and I absolutely love it! Would recommend it to anyone who wants a reliable powerful range top.
larazb
5 years ago
@Ping Lady how is cleaning that BS rangetop?
Russell Montgomery
2 years ago
Do not buy a bluestar range. I've had nothing but issues with mine repair wise and the company will not stand behind their product. Buy some other luxury brand.
Ping Lady
2 years ago
Sorry for the late reply @larazb, didn't get notification for this thread. The BS platinum was very easy to clean. Just a quick wipe down from time to time. I liked the tray below the open burners with aluminum foil so ll I have to do is remove them and place new ones down occasionally.
Ping Lady
2 years ago
Russell Montgomery,

I'm surprised to hear that but every brand has occasional lemons. Which model do you have? And what were the issues?

We've had ours for about a decade (cook daily) and it hasn't had any problems despite the multiple times we got distracted and things boiled over.

It also matters who you purchase from. Our local store has been fantastic in terms of service for this products. They sent someone out 8 years after our purchase to help diagnose and repair a minor fridge issue.