Analysis Paralysis...Gas Ranges

5 years ago

This topic has be discussed a gazillion times, I know. I'm bleary eyed from reading all of the posts. But I'm still having a hard time choosing a gas range.

My dilemma...I don't mind paying $$$$ for a high end appliance if the features and aesthetics are worth it but so many of the mid level ranges now have high BTU, dual stacked burners and nice looking designs. There are no real bells and whistles to add to a gas oven except an infrared burner. Can anyone tell me why it's better to go for a high end range? I need to make a choice soon. Thanks!

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Comments (5)

wdccruise
5 years ago
"Can anyone tell me why it's better to go for a high end range?"

From Consumer Reports summary of so-called pro-style ranges tests:

"Pro-style ranges make a statement. But despite their high price, they aren't the best ranges we've tested. We cover both gas and dual-fuel ranges, which pair a gas cooktop and an electric oven. Some pro-style ranges have surprisingly small ovens and lack a self-clean feature."
delray33483
5 years ago
what you are paying for is reliability and actual performance, mostly of the oven. Mid level is fine for most people

look at the Z line thread on this board for an eye opener of reliability and performance. Parts breaking right and left, oven is all over the place with evenness of heating.. You would think that an oven is an oven, but keeping the temp steady and distributed throughout the oven is not easy as you think

judging by posts, I would stay away from the Italian and Chinese mfgs. Most of the threads are middling/negative with an occasional "I got a good one !" thrown in

Make sure that there are actual techs in the area that work on whatever you buy as everything breaks
cheri127 thanked delray33483
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cheri127
Original Author
5 years ago
I live in th ePhilly metro area so servicing is not generally a problem. I'm not interested in inexpensive appliances from China but at the same time, the mid range products now have many of the features that made the high end stand out and command the high prices. According to this site, none of them seem very reliable...too many electronics IMO. Is there really a big difference, besides styling between a $5000 and a $12000 range these days?
delray33483
5 years ago
if you love to cook then buy the upscale one. Everybody loves the concept non- electronic units (let me buy something just like my Mom's !) but they really don't exist anymore. Every unit has multiple circuit boards for any number of reasons.

Is a BMW any better than a Toyota? Depends on how much you like to drive. I would stay with a traditional brand with a name you have heard of
cheri127 thanked delray33483
cheri127
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
A BMW is a fun machine to drive but I have a Toyota. LOL (Mainly because I don't like driving without a spare...I'm too old for that!). Good advice, though. My understanding is that Bluestar doesn't have the electronics but it's way too much heat for me and requires too much DIY maintenance, which I can't (or won't) do. I think I'll stick with the Wolf because I just love the simmer. Thanks!