When asking questions like this you should list product model numbers, not just ask "are these the same" without specifying clearly what "these" are.

However, for most appliances Hestan is a rip-off vendor: contracting for the manufacture of appliances by OEMs, slapping the Hestan badge on them, and dramatically jacking up the prices. Cooktops, refrigerators, dishwashers...it's all the same game. For example, SMEG makes Hestan dishwashers but Hestan charges $1000 more for them.

We can determine hood requirements, but whether a given hood can meet them in operation depends on the characteristics of the hood system and of the make-up air system. Without these two systems being defined together, adequacy is not determinable. Much more needs to be stated and planned before choosing a hood based on a possible package deal.

Searching and reading should be employed to become familiar with the issues. While the time commitment may be high, there is a wealth of information here on hood requirements and make-up air systems that should inform your planning.

Does anyone know who makes the Hestan refrigerators? From what I have seen (all metal + glass, infinitely adjustable shelf heights, etc) I can’t find another fridge with these specs that would be made by the “secret” manufacturer. Thanks!

IMO no home needs a 48" range not even done in restaurant kitchens unless you cook for 20 3 x a day look at a 36" Built in griddles are just a puzzle to me unless you cook on a griddle all the time get a $25 one that spans 2 burners and works just fine. IMO get appliances that can be serviced where you live . As for the hood that is decided by the range you buy how complicated the make up air install will be and I would rarely go anything but Vent-a-hood . Any good appliance store will give you a good deal without you needing to go all one maker since there is no maker that makes everything well.

@Danny Z: "Does anyone know who makes the Hestan refrigerators?"

The Hestan 36" refrigerators are re-badged Fulgor Milano refrigerators. The top-vent Fulgor Milano models are $10,400 and the Hestan ones are $12,370.

A few thoughts.

If you cook a lot then I'd go with a BS RNB over any other consumer range currently available. A better griddle would certainly be nice (and we use our griddle a lot for a lot of different things) but the burners on the RNB are worth a lot more. More: https://bamasotan.us/2020/12/the-kitchen/ (and also the griddle link within).

I would stay away from VAH or similar. They are quite loud and do not do a very good job of effluent removal. There are much better options including Accurex, Halton, Prestige, etc. More: https://bamasotan.us/range-exhaust-hood-faq/

@wdccruise yeah idk about that. Literally every mentioned feature of the Hestan fridge is missing in the fulgor. Fulgor also doesn’t make a 30” column fridge, who would be making that one then?

Danny Z, The Hestan refrigeration products are all made by an Italian company called Fhiaba. Consumer Reports last year raked them over the coals last year.

I was thinking for built-ins (actual cabinet depths with the special hinges and custom fronts) of going with Miele, Fisher Paykel (most affordable), Liebherr, or Thermador.

After much thought and research, I always come back to the very expensive tried and true... Sub-Zero. Not their newer more modern models but their classic versions.

https://www.subzero-wolf.com/sub-zero/full-size-refrigeration/builtin-refrigerators

They are the most serviceable and really stand by their products. Parts are always available and service is readily available. I had a glass front Traulsen in the past and it was a nightmare.

I also looked into the newly designed True Residential line and bounced back to the Sub-Zero.

OpaOne. Thank you. Yes, I agree. I'm about to press the order on a Blue Star 48" RNB with the 24" griddle as you have done. The burners are what have me hooked, that and that they are the easiest to repair and basically just like how my large outdoor kitchen grill/burners are set up. I once had a Garland with a salamander set up that was a similar type of burner as the BS, in a house in Connecticut, problem was that that had to have the kitchen built around it! LOL.

I haven't ordered yet as I've been waiting to see what all of the hype is about with their new and much delayed Dual-Fuel Range/Rangetop series is all about. Of course, that places BS with the dilemma of mixing electronics with old-fashioned high heat. Not a good mix and much the reason why Wolf succumbed to lowering their BTU output and sealed burners.

Take care everyone.

I'd reconsider using the Bluestar range and also use their hoods. Bluestar started in the restaurant equipment business so good ventilation is part of their brand. From what I can see, Hestan is overpriced for what you need, but if you're willing to pay more because you like the way it looks, that's up to you.

I have worked in rrstaurant kitchens for more than 50 yrs and no one had a BS range all had Garland and I have a 40 yr old Garland as one part of my outdoor kitchen a bit of cleaning and runs like a top . I use a griddle for every Sunday morning and still do not see the need for one to be built in.

@Danny Z: "Literally every mentioned feature of the Hestan fridge is missing in the fulgor."

I don't know what features you are talking about. You have to carefully examine the photos, descriptions, and manuals to determine what feature exist in each appliance.

"Fulgor also doesn’t make a 30” column fridge, who would be making that one then?"

Hestan doesn't want you to see the insides of its products so it provides few pictures but the Hestan KRCL30 ($10,140) appears to be very similar to the Bertazzoni REF30RCPIXL ($7900).

I think the trade-space should include a cooktop sans griddle having sufficient burners, and space on the side under a longish hood for an electric griddle -- assuming the griddle will be used for greasy cooking. It would cost a bit more for hood, blower, and MUA counterparts over the long hood needed for a 48-inch gas cooktop, but there would be more countertop space when the giddle wasn't in use and the gas cooktop complexity would be less. The space could also be used for Cooktek portable induction units if some extravagant party required a large number of cooking pots and pans to be in use and ventilation coverage was needed.

Look at Best by Broan hoods. We installed a chimney style over out 36" Wolf gas range 5+ years ago and it's great. Don't remember the CFU's off the top of my head, but we went with whatever CFU was greater than the output of all the burners.....you need something powerful over a big stove.