Need recommendation: $1.5–2.5k 'Pro Style' 30 inch Dual-Fuel Range.

5 years ago

Hi. After about a decade of procrastination, it's time to buy a new range for our kitchen. I've been researching vendor sites and what online reviews I can find on ranges, most in my price range have many pros/cons. I'm looking for and would greatly appreciate any recommendations on ranges that fit my parameters.

Budget: $1.5–2k

Type: 30 inch dual-fuel range, stainless finish

So far, I've been looking at:

• NXR

• Zline

• Cosmo

• Thor

Are there other brands in my price range I should consider? Are any of the ranges I've mentioned seriously problematic?

Featured Answer

jwvideo

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Going back to the NXR and Thor brands listed in your original post, and whether they are "seriously problematic." The answer is, it depends.

You've no doubt seen the extensive past threads here on the NXR ranges and the more recent two or three (though not so extensive) threads here on the Thor ranges. Both brands are assembled/fabricated in China by Dongguan Hyxion Works for sale to and through US based import marketing companies. Post sale support is not great. The current models are pretty much the same as the older ones except for some having features like more LED indicator lights and some models now being more "downmarket" which might be what you have been looking at. Basically, the differences between the lower priced and higher-priced versions of current model lines pretty much come down the burner size and arrangements and a few glitzy features like LED indicator lights.

I would say these are not "seriously problematic" if you are good at DIY repairs and are comfortable with scrounging generic replacement parts when needed. Have you run across the threads here where I and other NXR owners have discussed DIY fixes (See, for example, if-susan-fixed-her-nxr-oven-ignitor-u-can-2) If not, I might summarize by saying that these ranges are mostly old style designs from back when we expected to have to fiddle with and fix things much as you might do if you bought an imported knock-off of an old, manual everything Jeep. Fine if you like doing back-country rock climbs or live on a ranch where you need high-ground-clearance, need 4wd/awd, need manual-everything, and have the tools and skills to keep them running. Not so good as an urban daily driver for those who don't have both the time, skills and interest in fixing niggling things that will come up that need adjusting or replacing from time to time.

BTW, these things will need a good vent hood. Do you already have one or are you planning on installing one?

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Comments (10)

Sofia
5 years ago
Another one to consider is LG Signature Dual Fuel with double oven. Model LUTD4919SN. Price is above budget, but Costco is offering a $600 rebate right now that gets it almost within your range. Love the gas cooktop. With the smaller top oven, we ran an experiment to eliminate both microwave and toaster oven. Two years in and we couldn’t be happier.
DARREN CHING thanked Sofia
DARREN CHING
Original Author
5 years ago
@Sofia Cheers. I was wondering about double ovens, which I've never had. Have you had any issues with the LG Signature Dual Fuel?
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Sofia
5 years ago
We’ve had no issues at all with the LG. Just before we bought it, I read some reviews saying the stove knobs were accidentally turned on when people brushed against them. This gave me a moment of panic, but there were enough positive reviews to offset and we went ahead with the purchase. In our experience, the knobs have never once been accidentally turned on and I honestly can’t see how that could even happen.
This is my first experience with a double oven too and I’m a convert. Perfect for dinners that require oven for both main and side dishes. Also great when two people both need an oven at the same time (think teenager and pizza). You do lose a couple of things. One is the traditional drawer breath the oven, but I was never a fan of that anyway. The other may be a little height in the larger (bottom) oven. That hasn’t been an issue for us yet. We’ve cooked a large turkey on a roasting pan and our 8 qt Dutch oven fits as well.
DARREN CHING thanked Sofia
wdccruise
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
The LG LSD4913ST dual-fuel range is within your price range: Best Buy, Lowes.
DARREN CHING
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
@Sofia Thank you. I'm currently scrambling around looking a store websites wanting to take advantage of 4th of July sales!
DARREN CHING
Original Author
5 years ago
@User Cheers. I never said 'Pro' range, but rather 'Pro Style' range, as reflected by and generally understood by the examples I've given. I'm looking for a range for home, and understand the difference between home versions and ranges I've used in restaurant kitchens. I'm after something within my budget, which there are some options—don't want to go high end such as Capital Culinarian or Bluestar, which would surpass my needs.
DARREN CHING
Original Author
5 years ago
@jwvideo Cheers. Think I'm off the idea of NXR/Thor, concerned about post-purchase support. No, I've not read past threads here on NXR, bit will do so, I'm a new member to Houzz.
TBL from CT
5 years ago
Make sure you know the building code in your town regarding an exhaust hood for the range. If they use a BTU method to determine ventilation for safe air quality, that LG totals 54100BTUs, calculating a 540 CFM exhaust. Over 400 CFM would call for make up air, so budget accordingly. This is something that big box stores will likely not even mention, nor may the retailer of a vent hood. When the inspector shows up they will talk to you about pulling carbon monoxide into your living space without make up air. Sadly, many HVAC folks fail to address this, either.